Supporting CRNA Clinical Practice: A Review of New and Updated Professional Practice Documents

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Nursing Practice
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Practice Committee is responsible for maintaining clinical standards.
• Clinical resource documents are essential for guiding Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in practice.
• Regular review and updates ensure that clinical guidelines reflect current evidence and best practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform CRNAs about recent revisions and new clinical resource documents.
• To highlight key areas of updated guidance, including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• To emphasize advancements in anesthesia and analgesia for obstetric patients and safe injection practices.

Main Methods:

• An annual, standardized evidence-based process is employed for document review and revision.
• Collaboration involves AANA Professional Practice staff, advisory panels, and subject matter experts.
• Documents are revised and developed for the Professional Practice Manual for the CRNA and the AANA website.

Main Results:

• Several clinical resource documents have been revised.
• New documents have been developed on critical topics.
• Updated content includes DEI, obstetric anesthesia/analgesia, and safe injection guidelines.

Conclusions:

• The AANA is committed to providing up-to-date, evidence-based clinical guidance.
• These revisions support CRNAs in delivering safe, equitable, and high-quality patient care.
• The updated documents address contemporary issues in anesthesia practice.