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

• Published in: Journal of perianesthesia nursing Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 187 - 194
• Main Authors: Anderson, Vivian M., Tracy, Mary F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-04-2024
• Subjects: assessments; history and physical; preanesthetic; preoperative; SRNA; video telehealth; preoperative; preanesthetic; assessments; SRNA; history and physical; video telehealth
• ISSN: 1089-9472; 1532-8473
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2023.07.021

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.
A quality improvement project.
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.
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.
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.