Longitudinal Assessment to Evaluate Continued Certification and Lifelong Learning in Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review.

The balance of lifelong learning with assessment for continued certification is a challenge faced by healthcare professions. The value of single-point-in-time assessments has been questioned, and a shift to longitudinal assessments (LA) has been undertaken to assess lifelong learning over-time. This scoping review was conducted to inform healthcare certifying organizations who are considering LA as an assessment tool of competence and lifelong learning in healthcare professionals. A search of 6 databases and grey literature yielded 957 articles. After screening and removal of duplicates, 14 articles were included. Most articles were background studies informing the underpinnings of LA in the form of progress testing, pilot studies, and process of implementation. Progress testing is used in educational settings. Pilot studies reported satisfaction with LA's ease of use, online format, and provision of lifelong learning. Implementation processes reveal that key aspects of success include stakeholder participation, phased rollout, and a publicly available content outline. Initial outcomes data affirm that LA addresses knowledge gaps, and results in improved performance on maintenance of certification exams. Future research is needed to substantiate validity evidence of LA and its correlation with high-stakes exam performance when assessing lifelong learning and continued competence of healthcare professionals over time.

Opioid-Sparing Anesthesia: Gabapentin and Postoperative Pain.

PURPOSE: Nonopioid analgesics are commonly used to augment or replace opioids in the perioperative setting. Perianesthesia nurses must consider timing and appropriateness when administering these medications to patients in the preoperative area or the postanesthesia care unit, particularly when other medications with sedative effects are being given. Gabapentin, originally proposed as an anticonvulsant medication, promotes analgesia and reduces risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting. This review examines the effect of gabapentin on postoperative pain. DESIGN: A systematic review. METHODS: CINAHL, PubMed, and Cochrane Review databases were searched to find a total of 93 sources that examined gabapentin and postoperative pain. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, four randomized controlled trials (RCT) were reviewed. Postoperative pain within the 24 hours of surgery was measured as the primary outcome using the visual analog scale in all sources FINDINGS: Three of the four reviewed RCTs determined gabapentin was both statistically and clinically significant in reducing postoperative pain, and all four sources showed a reduction in opioid consumption during the immediate postoperative period, which promoted patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Further study of gabapentin and postoperative pain is needed employing rigorous and robust methodology and diversity of the sample selections.

A randomized controlled trial of sleep study surveillance with targeted autoregulated positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The impact therapy for obstructive sleep apnea has on these pregnancy outcomes remains under investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the effects of targeted autoregulated positive airway pressure in women at risk of obstructive sleep apnea on adverse pregnancy outcomes, cost, and natural history of obstructive sleep apnea. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea were randomized to either a sleep study screening group receiving autoregulated positive airway therapy or a group not screened for obstructive sleep apnea receiving standard obstetrical care (control). Women in the sleep study-screened group received a sleep study at 2 periods during pregnancy, early (6-16 weeks of gestation) and late (27-33 weeks of gestation), with initiation of autoregulated positive airway therapy if their Apnea Hypopnea Index indicated ≥5 events per hour. Women of both groups had a sleep study 3 months after delivery. The primary outcome was effect on adverse pregnancy outcomes, a composite of hypertension, preterm birth, low birthweight, stillbirth, and diabetes mellitus. The secondary outcomes included obstructive sleep apnea severity and hospital costs. RESULTS: Among 193 women randomized (100 in the sleep study-screened group and 93 in the control group; 6 lost to follow-up), there was no significant difference in composite adverse pregnancy outcomes (46.4% screened vs 43.3% control; P=.77), hypertension (23.7% screened vs 32.0% control; P=.25), preterm birth (13.4% screened vs 10.0% control; P=.5), low birthweight (5.2% screened vs 6.7% control; P=.76), stillbirth (1% screened vs 0% control; P=1), gestational diabetes (19.6% screened vs 13.3% control; P=.33), or mean cost ($12,185 screened vs $12,607 control). The Apnea Hypopnea Index increased throughout pregnancy, peaking at 3 months after delivery (P<.001). There were 24 subjects (25.8%) who had a new diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, with 6 in whom autoregulated positive airway was prescribed. The autoregulated positive airway compliance rates were poor with usage rates ranging from 2% (1 of 64 days) to 43% (6 of 14 days). CONCLUSION: Targeted autoregulated positive airway therapy for obstructive sleep apnea did not decrease composite adverse pregnancy outcomes or hospital costs in the sleep study-screened high-risk pregnancy group compared with the group that received no obstructive sleep apnea screening. However, a small sample size, low autoregulated positive airway prescription rates, and poor compliance resulted in difficulty in drawing a definitive conclusion. The prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea worsened throughout pregnancy, with the highest rates detected in the postpartum period. Large, multicenter clinical trials that are adequately powered are needed.

Longitudinal assessment: A strategy to improve continuing professional certification.

Healthcare certification organizations carefully balance a commitment to bring value to their membership through programs that support lifelong learning and professional growth, while protecting the public by ensuring competent certified practitioners. These certifying bodies are challenged with remaining current with their maintenance of certification programs while keeping pace with the growing breadth of knowledge, industry standards and guidelines, innovative advances, and rapid technological gains in testing and assessment. Within the context of process innovation, the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) evaluated the current landscape of Longitudinal Assessment (LA) as a potential strategy for the assessment of core knowledge as part of their Continued Professional Certification Program for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. This manuscript details the evaluation of LA using a Logic Model as the tool to scaffold inquiry, a review of LA literature, an environmental scan of current LA programs with identification of LA program elements available, and the results of a LA feasibility study. The findings substantiate that continued professional certification which incorporates a LA strategy can augment lifelong learning, but is not an assessment strategy that can be implemented without thoughtful planning, customization and continuous maintenance.

Perioperative Gabapentin Improves Patient-Centered Outcomes After Inguinal Hernia Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Over 5,300 inguinal hernia repairs (IHR) were performed in the Military Health System in 2015. Chronic pain can be a debilitating complication, occurring in up to 34% of patients after IHR and impacts mission readiness. Gabapentin has been shown to be effective for postoperative analgesia in a variety of operations. We evaluated the effect of a short course of perioperative gabapentin on chronic pain after IHR. METHODS: This was a double-blinded, randomized study involving male patients ≥18 years old with an initial inguinal hernia and no history of chronic pain or psychiatric disorder. Patients chose laparoscopic or open surgery and were then randomized to receive gabapentin 300 mg before surgery, then three times daily for 6 doses or placebo. There were 50 patients randomized to both the gabapentin and placebo groups for a total of 100 patients. Main outcomes were pain and health status, assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Short Form-12v2 (SF-12v2). Assessments were performed preoperatively and 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. Analysis of variance was used to compare groups. RESULTS: From the initial 100 patients, 19 withdrew or were excluded. Thus, 81 patients remained, 40 receiving gabapentin and 41 placebo. Throughout the 24-month follow-up, there was no difference in VAS pain scores between the gabapentin and placebo groups (p = 0.867). Beyond 1 month of follow-up, SF-12v2 physical component score (PCS) scores were improved in the gabapentin group (p = 0.039). When comparing open to laparoscopic groups, SF-12v2 PCS scores were improved in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.046) and SF-12v2 mental component summary scores were improved in the open group (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative gabapentin was not effective in decreasing chronic pain after IHR; however, patient perception of physical health, as measured by SF-12v2, did improve.

Multidisciplinary In Situ Simulation-Based Training as a Postpartum Hemorrhage Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum hemorrhage is a common obstetric emergency affecting 3 to 5% of deliveries, with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Effective management of postpartum hemorrhage requires strong teamwork and collaboration. We completed a multidisciplinary in situ postpartum hemorrhage simulation training exercise with structured team debriefing to evaluate hospital protocols, team performance, operational readiness, and real-time identification of system improvements. Our objective was to assess participant comfort with managing obstetric hemorrhage following our multidisciplinary in situ simulation training exercise. METHODS: This was a quality improvement project that utilized a comprehensive multidisciplinary in situ postpartum hemorrhage simulation exercise. Participants from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesia, Nursing, Pediatrics, and Transfusion Services completed the training exercise in 16 scenarios run over 2 days. The intervention was a high fidelity, multidisciplinary in situ simulation training to evaluate hospital protocols, team performance, operational readiness, and system improvements. Structured debriefing was conducted with the participants to discuss communication and team functioning. Our main outcome measure was participant self-reported comfort levels for managing postpartum hemorrhage before and after simulation training. A 5-point Likert scale (1 being very uncomfortable and 5 being very comfortable) was used to measure participant comfort. A paired t test was used to assess differences in participant responses before and after the simulation exercise. We also measured the time to prepare simulated blood products and followed the number of postpartum hemorrhage cases before and after the simulation exercise. RESULTS: We trained 113 health care professionals including obstetricians, midwives, residents, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, nurses, and medical assistants. Participants reported a higher comfort level in managing obstetric emergencies and postpartum hemorrhage after simulation training compared to before training. For managing hypertensive emergencies, the post-training mean score was 4.14 compared to a pretraining mean score of 3.88 (p = 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06-0.47). For shoulder dystocia, the post-training mean score was 4.29 compared to a pretraining mean score of 3.66 (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.41-0.88). For postpartum hemorrhage, the post-training mean score was 4.35 compared to pretraining mean score of 3.86 (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.36-0.63). We also observed a decrease in the time to prepare simulated blood products over the course of the simulation, and a decreasing trend of postpartum hemorrhage cases, which continued after initiating the postpartum hemorrhage simulation exercise. DISCUSSION: Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Comprehensive hemorrhage protocols have been shown to improve outcomes related to postpartum hemorrhage, and a critical component in these processes include communication, teamwork, and team-based practice/simulation. As medicine becomes increasingly complex, the ability to practice in a safe setting is ever more critical, especially for low-volume, high-stakes events such as postpartum hemorrhage. These events require well-functioning teams and systems coupled with rapid assessment and appropriate clinical action to ensure best patient outcomes. We have shown that a multidisciplinary in situ simulation exercise improves self-reported comfort with managing obstetric emergencies, and is a safe and effective way to practice skills and improve systems processes in the health care setting.

Association of obstructive sleep apnea with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes in military hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in non-obstetrical and obstetrical patients. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of OSA and its relationship with pregnancy-related complications in a general obstetric population of Department of Defense beneficiaries receiving direct-care at military treatment facilities. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of all women (N=305,001) who gave birth at a military treatment facility from 2008 to 2014. OSA cases were randomly selected and matched on age (3:1 ratio) to non OSA cases. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes (cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, postoperative wound complications, hospital stay greater than five days, acute renal failure, pulmonary edema, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, and stillbirth) between pregnant women with and without a diagnosis of OSA. Cases were identified using ICD-9 codes, while controlling for demographics, obesity, and medical comorbidities associated with OSA and the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: We identified 266 cases of OSA (OSA rate=8.7 per 10,000; increased from 6.4 to 9.9 per 10,000 from 2009 to 2013). OSA was associated with a higher odds of cesarean delivery (AOR,1.60; 95% CI, 1.06-2.40), gestational hypertension, (AOR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.30-4.68), preeclampsia (AOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.43-4.09), and preterm delivery (AOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.09-3.30). CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Implementation of an Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Program at an Overseas Military Hospital.

Anesthesia providers and surgeons do poorly at consistently identifying patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without use of screening tools. Aims of this evidence-based-practice project were to determine whether educating nurses about OSA and incorporating the STOP-BANG Questionnaire into preoperative forms was associated with an increased identification of patients with suspected OSA and an increased frequency of nurse-generated anesthesia consultation for OSA. A retrospective chart review of 100 consecutive records over a 1-month period using the STOP-BANG Questionnaire criteria was completed before and after implementation of the education and screening program at US Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. A STOP-BANG Questionnaire score of 3 or higher indicated high risk of OSA. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze results. Two hundred charts were reviewed. The prevalence of a STOP-BANG score of 3 or more increased from 5% to 21% after program implementation (P = .001). The frequency of anesthesia consultation for known or suspected OSA by our nursing staff increased from 5% to 26% after implementation (P = .0001). After this educational intervention with preoperative nurses and redesign of preoperative forms to incorporate the STOP-BANG Questionnaire, an increased proportion of patients at high risk of OSA were identified.

Effects of a 30-mL Epidural Normal Saline Bolus on Time to Full Motor Recovery in Parturients Who Received Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia With 0.125% Bupivacaine With 2 µg/mL of Fentanyl.

Previous research suggests that an epidural bolus of 30 mL of normal saline after vaginal delivery may decrease the time for recovery from motor block. A double-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted in 46 parturients to determine if a 30-mL normal saline bolus or sham administered via epidural approach after delivery reduces the time to full motor recovery and the time to 2-dermatome regression. No significant difference was found in time to full motor recovery (saline group 83.18 ± 54 minutes vs control group 100.23 ± 48 minutes, P = .27) or time to 2-dermatome sensory regression (saline group 29.32 ± 16.35 minutes vs control group 36.14 ± 14.39 minutes, P = .15). Results suggest no advantage to the administration of a saline bolus after delivery to hasten the motor recovery in parturients. A post hoc power analysis suggested a sample size of 204 subjects would have been needed to show a difference for this dilute local anesthetic regimen. There were no complications to the technique, which suggests that it is safe to perform, but the difference in recovery (approximately 17 minutes) from a dilute local anesthetic dose may not be clinically significant.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Adult Perioperative Patient.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a chronic condition of upper airway obstruction during sleep. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality and increases the perioperative risks of surgical patients. Thus, it is essential that perianesthesia nurses understand how to identify and manage patients with known or suspected OSA. This continuing education article will review the pathophysiology of OSA, discuss the effects of anesthesia and opioids on the sleep architecture of the OSA patients, describe the effects of OSA on postoperative complications, review the latest evidence on screening for undiagnosed OSA in the adult surgical patient, and review the perioperative management principles for patients with OSA.

Auricular acupuncture for sleep disturbance in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an auricular acupuncture (AA) insomnia regimen among Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and sleep disturbance. Secondarily, this study examined the effect of an AA insomnia regimen on objective sleep times by wrist actigraphy, subjective sleep times by sleep diary, and sleep quality ratings utilizing the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index. Veterans (n = 30) were randomized to receive a 3-week AA insomnia regimen. Veterans receiving the AA insomnia regimen reported it as a more acceptable treatment for sleep disturbance than subjects in the control group (AA group median = 5 vs. control group median = 3, p = 0.004). Significant differences between groups were found on the sleep quality and daytime dysfunction components of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (p = 0.003, p = 0.004). No other significant differences between groups were found for objective and subjective sleep measures. These results suggest that an AA insomnia regimen may improve sleep quality and daytime dysfunction among veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. Future, large-scale, prospective clinical trials are needed to examine AA effects on sleep.

Call-shift fatigue and use of countermeasures and avoidance strategies by certified registered nurse anesthetists: a national survey.

This study surveyed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) on their frequency of call-shift fatigue, fatigue symptoms, medical errors associated with fatigue, and use of fatigue countermeasures and avoidance strategies. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of call-shift fatigue. An invitation to complete an anonymous electronic survey was sent to 2,500 randomly selected AANA members. Data were collected on CRNAs' fatigue experience, call-shift length and frequency, errors in patient care, and use of fatigue countermeasures and avoidance strategies. Analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of call-shift fatigue. Of 325 CRNAs who provided data, 82% reported experiencing call-shift fatigue, 87% used fatigue countermeasures, 77% used fatigue-avoidance strategies, and 28% reported committing a medical error because of fatigue. Predictors included hours to recovery from a call shift (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.12), working 5 to 6 calls per month (OR = 3.78, CI = 1.17-12.23), working 7 or more calls per month (OR = 4.87, CI = 1.93-12.33), use of fatigue countermeasures (OR = 5.44, CI = 2.15-13.77), and fatigue symptoms (OR = 2.19, CI = 1.03-4.67). Call-shift fatigue is a common problem among CRNAs and is associated with medical errors and negative health consequences.

A preoperative stress inquiry and a vulnerable US military population.

The preoperative setting is fraught with many stressors, often increasing in magnitude as patients progress through the perioperative environment. Individuals exposed to traumatic or threatening environments, such as US military personnel involved in combat operations, may be at increased risk of developing altered mental and physical health conditions. Collectively, this may result in a hyperarousal state significantly amplifying psychological symptoms and magnifying physiological alterations. The purposes of this article are to (1) describe stress-related concepts and preoperative stress, (2) discuss potential risk factors for preoperative stress in the adult surgical population, (3) present various psychological and physiological measures of preoperative stress, (4) explore preoperative stress interventions, and (5) discuss potential implications for future preoperative stress research in high-stressed populations.

Delayed onset of suspected malignant hyperthermia during sevoflurane anesthesia in an Afghan trauma patient: a case report.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare pathologic hypermetabolic pharmacogenetic disorder of skeletal muscle calcium regulation following exposure to depolarizing muscle relaxants and/or volatile anesthetics. Although its pathogenesis is relatively well understood, there is wide variability in both the time of onset and the presentation of clinical signs and symptoms. In some circumstances the delayed onset of the hypermetabolic state may hinder timely recognition and treatment. Differential diagnosis of an MH crisis can be particularly challenging in a trauma patient, especially in an austere environment. This case report describes the presentation and management of a suspected case of MH in an Afghan national who underwent surgery following lower extremity trauma resulting from an improvised explosive device.

Update for nurse anesthetists evidence-based anesthesia: The use of preprocedural ultrasonography during labor to facilitate placement of an epidural catheter.

Placement of an epidural catheter in parturients can be challenging because the anatomic changes of pregnancy may make it difficult to palpate an ideal insertion point or detect loss of resistance. Preprocedural ultrasonography (U/S-P) is reported to facilitate placement of epidural catheters in parturients. U/S-P provides information on the ideal insertion point, angle of needle insertion, and estimated depth to the epidural space. The purposes of this course are to describe the technique, systematically review the literature, and discuss techniques for integrating U/S-P into practice. It provides evidence demonstrating that U/S-P is a useful adjunct for placement of epidural catheters in obstetrical patients, especially patients with presumed "difficult backs" or obesity.

Severe preeclampsia, pulmonary edema, and peripartum cardiomyopathy in a primigravida patient.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare form of heart failure of unknown etiology that is associated with late pregnancy and the early postpartum period. Although the complete pathogenesis of PPCM is not completely understood, the signs and symptoms are identical to those of left ventricular heart failure. The diagnosis of PPCM is made in a parturient only after other causes of heart failure are ruled out. Management of PPCM is similar to that of congestive heart failure with a few exceptions, such as avoiding the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors during pregnancy. This report describes the presentation and anesthetic management of a parturient who was admitted with a diagnosis of severe preeclampsia in whom pulmonary edema and heart failure developed, necessitating emergency cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. The patient was subsequently given a diagnosis of PPCM.

Perioperative administration of gabapentin for shoulder arthroscopy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Recent studies suggest gabapentin has opioid-sparing effects and may reduce acute postoperative pain. However, there is limited research on the efficacy of gabapentin when combined in a multimodal approach after shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia with an interscalene block. We conducted prospective, double-blind study of 70 patients who were randomized to receive either 300 mg of gabapentin or placebo 1 hour before surgery, then twice a day for 2 days. The primary outcome was average pain scores. Secondary outcomes included differences in morphine equivalents, adverse effects, and sleep patterns. No significant differences in pain scores were found on day 1 (gabapentin mean [SD], 4.23 [2.61], vs placebo, 4.61 [2.57]; P = .58) or day 2 (gabapentin, 4.26 [2.39], vs placebo, 4.03 [2.34]; P = .71). Total morphine equivalents on day 1 (gabapentin, 9.75 mg [6.58 mg], vs placebo, 9.52 mg [4.75 mg]; P = .88) and day 2 (gabapentin, 9.21 mg [6.66 mg], vs placebo, 6.93 mg [5.44 mg]; P = .17) were similar. Adverse effects and sleep patterns were similar (P > .05). These results suggest this dosing regimen of gabapentin is not efficacious in improving outcomes in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy under general anesthesia with an interscalene block.

Case report: anesthetic management of acute fatty liver of pregnancy in the postpartum period.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder that manifests during the third trimester. Early diagnosis, termination of pregnancy, and treatment of complications associated with AFLP significantly reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. While most cases of AFLP occur before delivery, some may occur after vaginal delivery. Anesthesia providers should have a high level of suspicion for AFLP in a patient with altered mental status and elevated liver function test results in the postpartum period. Anesthetic implications include early recognition of liver dysfunction and aggressive resuscitation and treatment of hypoglycemia, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and other associated complications and reduction or avoidance of medications with substantial hepatic metabolism. This is a case report describing the management of a woman with AFLP in whom acute liver failure rapidly developed after a vaginal delivery with epidural analgesia at a small overseas hospital.

Ensuring respect for persons when recruiting junior enlisted personnel for research.

Junior enlisted personnel in the Navy at training commands or recruit depots who are recruited for research can be considered a "captive audience" and therefore require special precautions to ensure that the ethical principle of respect for persons is maintained. Unfortunately, this can be difficult because of the hierarchical structure of the military and closed communities of junior enlisted personnel at training commands and recruit depots. This article provides a theoretical discussion of the ethical issue of autonomy and the essential elements of informed consent that Navy researchers need to address when recruiting subjects from this population. Two relevant policy statements to Navy researchers, Department of Defense Directive 3216.2 and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Instruction 3900.6B, which provide guidance for protection of human subjects, are reviewed and critiqued, and a suggested plan to ensure the ethical principle of respect for persons is presented.