Clinical audit on the practice of documentation at preanesthetic evaluation in a specialized university hospital

Capturing Original Preanesthetic Comprehensive History and Physical Assessments with the use of Video Telehealth: A Quality Improvement Project for Student Nurse Anesthetists

PURPOSE

Beginning January 1, 2022, the Council on Accreditation is requiring student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) matriculating into nurse anesthesia programs to track preanesthetic comprehensive history and physical (H&P) assessment completion numbers. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to create a new clinical rotation for SRNAs to practice their preanesthetic H&P assessment skills through video telehealth.

DESIGN

A quality improvement project.

METHODS

Likert-style and free-text surveys were administered to both the SRNA students and the expert provider to assess for improvements, viability, and effectiveness of the clinical rotation. SRNAs used a curated library of evidence-based resources and instructions for conducting their assessments. Expert guidance was provided through a single experienced provider.

FINDINGS

Eight SRNAs performed one preanesthetic telehealth H&P assessment and four of the eight performed a second assessment. Pre-QI surveys indicated 75% were not comfortable with their ability in performing a competent assessment. Initial post-QI surveys indicated 88% were more comfortable with their abilities and 100% of those who completed a second-time post-QI survey 100% were more comfortable. Provider feedback indicated full-day clinical rotations were feasible and important.

CONCLUSIONS

Results revealed SRNAs desire and need for more preanesthetic comprehensive H&P appointments. Expansion into full-scale, full-day, and in-person assessments was also indicated. QI projects at other clinical sites can determine if similar rotations can also create similar clinical rotations.

Bones, groans and sending patients home: Perioperative opioid-related harm reduction strategy utilisation in a regional New South Wales (NSW) hospital

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative initiation of opioids continues to be a major contributor to chronic use, misuse and diversion in regional areas. There is considerable effort to mitigate harm through avoiding excessive prescribing and reducing the risk of persistent postoperative opioid use. Improving perioperative documentation practices has been reported to ensure appropriate opioid initiation and de-escalation. It has not been established whether these strategies are utilised in regional hospitals.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study of perioperative opioid prescribing and documentation practices in Goulburn Base Hospital, a regional centre in the Southern New South Wales (NSW) Local Health District. Data were collected from 110 records and validated for adult patients undergoing elective total knee replacement (TKR) or total hip replacement (THR) from 12 January 2020 to 13 January 2021.

OUTCOME MEASURES

To observe perioperative opioid prescribing and utilisation of harm reduction strategies in a regional hospital.

RESULTS

65% of patients were opioid naïve (ON). Preoperative pain assessments and patient education were completed in 23% and 15% of records, respectively. Postoperative opioids were prescribed for 99% of patients, with 74% prescribed a slow-release (SR) formulation. 50% of patients were discharged with an SR prescription. Inadequate postoperative pain control was reported in 21% of patients. Of the 103 patients prescribed opioids on discharge, only 20% included a de-escalation plan and only 35% of discharge summaries included dose and quantity of opioids supplies.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has identified underutilisation of perioperative harm reduction strategies despite the potential to improve appropriate initiation and de-escalation of opioids. These findings highlight opportunities for improvement in regional hospitals.

Assessment of perioperative anesthesia record sheet completeness: A multi-center observational study

Background

Anesthesia record is an essential part of perioperative patient management and, it is one of the global patient safety challenges. The aim of this study is to assess the completeness of perioperative anesthesia record sheets in Amhara regional state hospitals of Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective review of anesthetic records was employed for patients who underwent surgery in Amhara Regional State Hospitals of Ethiopia from December 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020. All the intraoperative, preoperative, and postoperative data completeness of anesthesia record sheets was assessed using a structured checklist.

Results

A total of 420 perioperative anesthetic records were included in this study. The basic preoperative history was documented in less than 80% of anesthesia record sheets. A physical examination was done and the results of the basic investigations were recorded in less than 75% of anesthesia record sheets. The name and dose of anesthetic medications were documented in 91% of the anesthesia records sheets. The completeness of parameters related to postoperative plans and orders was less than 70%.

Conclusion

The completeness of perioperative anesthesia record was poor in Amhara regional state hospitals of Ethiopia. Anesthesia professionals should document all the necessary perioperative parameters in the anesthesia record sheet.

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Anesthesia record is global patient safety challenge.

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Anesthesia record was poor in Amhara regional state.

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Anesthesia professionals should be alarmed on anesthesia record.