Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Practice.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted profound shifts in the delivery of critical healthcare services. A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the impact of the pandemic on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) practice. The quantitative component involved a survey of CRNAs during the initial period of the pandemic to determine changes in practice and any relationship to removal of state and federal barriers. Approximately 16% of 2,202 responding CRNAs reported practice expansion beyond their normal responsibilities, primarily outside the operating room and involving tracheal intubation, ventilator management, arterial line placement, and central line placement. CRNAs were more likely to experience an expansion of practice in states affected by removal of regulatory barriers. However, respondents also reported missed opportunities to use the full expertise of CRNAs because of state and institutional restrictions. Findings from the qualitative component of this study are reported in a separate article.

From the Operating Room to the Front Lines: Shared Experiences of Nurse Anesthetists During the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in severe health, economic, social, political, and cultural consequences while thrusting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at the forefront of battling an often invisible enemy. A mixed-methods study was conducted to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CRNA practice. The purpose of the qualitative component of the study, a focused ethnography, was to use personal and group interviews to determine the shared experiences of CRNAs who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Six themes were identified: (1) CRNAs are part of the solution, (2) doing whatever it takes, (3) CRNAs are valued contributors, (4) removal of barriers promotes positive change, (5) trying times, and (6) expertise revealed. The quantitative component of the study will be discussed in a separate article.