Establishing Expert Consensus on Competencies for Safe Ward-Based Postoperative Epidural Analgesia Management:...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical Education
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Postoperative epidural analgesia (EA) is crucial for managing surgical pain.
• Current clinical practice and training for ward-based EA management lack standardization.
• A consensus-based framework for EA competencies is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish expert consensus on the essential competencies for safe ward-based postoperative epidural analgesia management.
• To define the required competence levels for these essential EA management skills.

Main Methods:

• A modified Delphi study involving expert consensus-building across three rounds.
• Experts rated item relevance using a seven-point Likert scale with feedback.
• Miller's pyramid was used in the final round to assess competence levels.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on essential competencies for ward-based postoperative EA management.
• Defined competence levels for each identified essential skill.
• Identified key areas for training and practice standardization.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a foundation for a competency-based training framework for postoperative EA.
• Findings aim to enhance consistency in clinical practice and improve patient safety.
• Expert consensus highlights critical skills for effective ward-based epidural analgesia management.