Dissertation
Evaluating and improving provider competency in point-of-care gastric ultrasound
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
Feb 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4296
Abstract
Aspiration during elective general procedures occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 cases and is associated with a 20% in-hospital mortality rate. Point-of-care (POC) gastric ultrasonography has shown potential in identifying patients with high gastric content volumes; however, a knowledge gap persists among anesthesia providers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of gastric ultrasonography training on anesthesia providers' self-reported utilization, knowledge, interest, and confidence in this skill. This quality improvement project utilized a pre-post intervention design. Anesthesia providers (n = 8) at a participating clinical facility completed a pre-test assessing their baseline knowledge, confidence, and interest in gastric POC ultrasound. An educational intervention, consisting of a lecture and hands-on demonstration, was implemented. A post-test evaluated changes in self-reported utilization, confidence, interest, and knowledge regarding gastric POC ultrasound indications and techniques. Data analysis included Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality, mean difference calculations, and two-tailed t-tests to assess effect size and statistical significance. The intervention significantly improved providers' self-reported knowledge (p = .03) and confidence (p = .01) in performing gastric ultrasound. However, no statistically significant changes were observed in provider interest or utilization following the intervention. A combined approach of didactic education and hands-on training effectively enhanced anesthesia providers' self-reported confidence and knowledge in gastric ultrasonography. This intervention has the potential to improve perioperative patient care by increasing providers' ability to identify patients at risk for aspiration. Keywords: gastric ultrasound, point-of-care ultrasound, anesthesia providers, aspiration risk, perioperative care, ultrasound education, provider competency, quality improvement
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Details
- Title
- Evaluating and improving provider competency in point-of-care gastric ultrasound
- Creators
- Christopher A. BerkvamMariel Kasschau
- Contributors
- Jessica Ann Hessel (DNP Chair) - Drexel University, Nurse Anesthesia
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- 55 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nurse Anesthesia; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014632269304721