The Effect of Evidence-Based Education on Anesthesia Professionals’ Beliefs Regarding Preoperative Anxiolysis and Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders in Geriatric Patients

About this event

Candidate Name: Bradley Allen, Michael Castoro, & Macy Cooper Program: DNP-Nurse Anesthesia Committee Chair: Cory Sheeler Committee Members: Lorraine Schoen, Jenny Baek

Abstract:

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) are a major perioperative issue amongst geriatric surgical patients. Anesthesia providers' preoperative anxiolytic management strategies can influence cognitive outcomes, with potential for long term complications. There is wide variability amongst anesthesia providers’ practices and techniques which presents an opportunity to shine light upon the need for evidence-based education. The scope of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project evaluated the impact of an educational intervention presented to anesthesia professionals and the impact on their knowledge and beliefs regarding preoperative anxiolysis and perioperative NCDs in patients aged 65 years and old. A pre- and post-intervention design in the form of an electronic survey was implemented at multiple major medical centers, including a level 1 trauma center. Voluntary participants were asked to complete a 10-item knowledge assessment and six-point Likert-scale survey before and immediately following a virtual educational presentation. Additionally, a one-month follow-up to assess knowledge retention was distributed. As an overview, there were 13 matched participant pairs analyzed. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from 6.69 (SD = 1.44) to 8.00 (SD = 1.29), with a mean improvement of 1.31 points (95% CI [0.64, 1.98], p = .01) and a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.18). Belief scores also improved significantly, though the instituted survey tool and limited quantity of returned data posed limitations on interpretation results. The insufficient follow-up data also prevented thorough evaluation of sustained knowledge retention. Even with posed limitations, the findings suggest that targeted education improves short-term provider knowledge regarding preoperative anxiolysis and perioperative NCDs potentially improving provider practice, thus optimizing perioperative anxiolysis decisions. Ongoing education and accessible clinical resources may also support a more individualized, evidence-based, approach to perioperative care for older adults.