Dissertation
Impact of a cognitive aid for the AOK protocol on anesthesia provider confidence in simulated obstetric emergency
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
01 Feb 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011286
Abstract
Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE), or anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, is a rare obstetric emergency associated with high maternal mortality. Prompt use of the AOK protocol, which includes administration of atropine, ondansetron, and ketorolac, has been proposed to improve outcomes. However, stress-induced cognitive overload may impair anesthesia providers' ability to recall and implement protocols during critical events. Of the randomized trials and systematic reviews evaluated in this project, cognitive aids reduced missed clinical steps by up to 75% and improved situational awareness. This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the impact of an AOK protocol cognitive aid on anesthesia provider confidence during obstetric emergencies. Findings contribute to the growing literature supporting cognitive aids into anesthesia education, simulation training, and clinical practice to promote maternal safety and provider readiness. Clinical relevance and implementation barriers are also addressed to further guide practice integration.
Metrics
11 File views/ downloads
4 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Impact of a cognitive aid for the AOK protocol on anesthesia provider confidence in simulated obstetric emergency
- Creators
- Caroline KeeganMorgan Lustig
- 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
- Number of pages
- 49 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nurse Anesthesia; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022168356304721