Files and links (1)
Open Access Open Access (License Unspecified)
Dissertation
Neuraxial ultrasound training for nurse anesthesia residents
Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.), Drexel University
18 Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011292
Abstract
Neuraxial ultrasound is an emerging technique that may improve the accuracy and safety of neuraxial anesthesia placement; however, many nurse anesthesia residents receive limited formal training in its use. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured educational intervention designed to improve knowledge, confidence, and skill in neuraxial ultrasound among nurse anesthesia residents. A pre- and post-intervention design was used with 16 second-year nurse anesthesia residents who participated in a workshop and completed both surveys. The intervention included a didactic session and hands-on training using ultrasound equipment and simulation models. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the data. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements in participants' ability to identify neuraxial landmarks using ultrasound, including midline identification (Z = 3.16, p = 0.002) and interspace identification (t(15) = -4.20, p < 0.001). There was also a significant increase in readiness to use ultrasound for neuraxial anesthesia (Z = 2.77, p = 0.006) and likelihood of applying learned skills in clinical practice (t(15) = -2.83, p = 0.013). Additionally, participants reported a significant decrease in anxiety related to performing neuraxial anesthesia (t(15) = 3.08, p = 0.008). Baseline findings indicated that participants missed the ideal neuraxial target by an average of 3.28 cm using palpation, nearly twice the typical L4-L5 interspace width of 1.85 cm. These findings suggest that structured neuraxial ultrasound education enhances clinical competence, confidence, and procedural accuracy. Future work should evaluate long-term skill retention and clinical outcome impact.
Metrics
6 File views/ downloads
24 Record Views
Details
- Title
- Neuraxial ultrasound training for nurse anesthesia residents
- Creators
- Rachel SalwenNathaniel Dahan
- Contributors
- Dawn M. Specht (DNP Chair) - Drexel University, Nurse Practitioner Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- iv, 74 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Nurse Anesthesia; Nursing (Graduate); College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022168355704721