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Untoward pathophysiological events: simulation as an experiential learning option to prepare anesthesia providers
1Department of Nurse Anesthesia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.
CRNA : the Clinical Forum for Nurse Anesthetists
|February 28, 2002
Summary
Nurse anesthetists need hands-on training for critical events. Experiential learning, particularly using simulators for rare but serious conditions like hypertension, is crucial for preparing future anesthetists.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Anesthesia delivery can involve critical incidents requiring skilled anesthetist response.
- Practicing nurse anesthetists experience various untoward pathophysiological events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify anesthetist learning needs from a practitioner's viewpoint.
- To guide anesthesia programs in adapting curricula for better student preparedness.
Main Methods:
- A survey of nurse anesthetists assessed the frequency of 24 critical events in the last 60 days.
- Respondents ranked the importance of graduate students experiencing similar events.
- Participants rated proposed curricular changes for addressing learning needs.
Main Results:
- Hypertension, hypotension, bradycardia, acute hemorrhage, hypothermia, coronary constriction, and oliguria occurred frequently.
- Experiencing untoward events during training was rated highly important (mean score 4.11).
- Simulator experience for critical events received the highest score (4.58) among curricular changes.
Conclusions:
- Practitioner experience highlights the need for experiential learning in anesthesia training.
- Simulator technology is recommended as the preferred method for teaching management of rare critical events.
- Curricula should incorporate practical, hands-on training to prepare anesthetists for acute situations.