Nurse Anesthetist Practice Over 40 Years: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study in Norway

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Anesthesiology
• Healthcare Policy

Background:

• Limited research exists on the evolving scope of practice for nurse anesthetists (NAs).
• Understanding these changes is crucial for professional development and patient care standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the scope of practice for NAs in Norway.
• To determine if and how this scope has changed between 1979 and 2018.

Main Methods:

• Repeated cross-sectional design utilizing questionnaire surveys.
• Inclusion criteria: education and work as an NA, currently practicing in Norway.
• Data analyzed using SPSS from participants at four time-points (1979, 1989, 1999, 2018).

Main Results:

• A significant restriction in the overall scope of practice for NAs was observed from 1979 to 2018 (P < .001).
• The presence of an anesthesiologist during anesthesia procedures increased from 39% to 90% over the study period.
• NAs showed increased independent practice in managing acute situations, such as laryngospasm/bronchospasm.

Conclusions:

• The findings indicate a concerning trend of restricted practice for NAs in Norway.
• International and national standards emphasize the independent role of NAs.
• Addressing these developments is vital to prevent further limitations on NA scope of practice.