Perceptions of CRNAs: current and future roles--Part II

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Anesthesiology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a vital role in anesthesia care.
• Understanding the perceptions of CRNAs and anesthesiologists regarding their roles is crucial for healthcare collaboration.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the extent of agreement or disagreement between these two professions on CRNA roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify current and future perceived roles for CRNAs using the Delphi methodology.
• To analyze the level of agreement or disagreement between anesthesiologists and CRNAs on these identified roles.

Main Methods:

• A Delphi methodology was employed to develop a survey instrument.
• The survey included two instruments: 'Current Roles for CRNAs' (26 items) and 'Future Role Perceptions for CRNAs' (28 items).
• Randomly selected CRNAs (n=369) and anesthesiologists (n=354) participated in the study.

Main Results:

• Significant differences were found between CRNAs and anesthesiologists on all identified roles.
• Extreme polarity in perceptions was observed regarding expanded practice, independent practice, team roles, and nontraditional settings.
• Anesthesiologists' perceptions were influenced by their working relationship with CRNAs, except for independent and expanded practice roles.

Conclusions:

• CRNAs and anesthesiologists exhibit differing support for expanded and independent practice roles, both currently and in the future.
• The working relationship between anesthesiologists and CRNAs influences anesthesiologists' perceptions of CRNA roles within the anesthesia care team.
• Discrepancies in role perceptions highlight areas for potential conflict and collaboration within anesthesia practice.