Implementation Science: Incorporating Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening and Capnography Into Everyday Practice

PurposeThis article describes the implementation and maintenance of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening and capnography monitoring.DesignA quality improvement project.MethodsA multidisciplinary team provided staff education to three perianesthesia care units. Using the STOP-Bang screening tool, five or more positive responses indicated high risk for OSA. A postanesthesia care unit audit tool tracked STOP-Bang scores, capnography use, hypoventilation events, nursing interventions, and respiratory complications.FindingsAmong 314 patients with OSA, 36% were identified as high risk. Nurses used capnography on 76% of OSA patients and were able to readily identify hypoventilation and intervene. Respiratory complications occurred in 10.8% (n = 34) requiring a higher level of care. Postimplementation, all six postanesthesia care units employ this best practice.ConclusionsPerianesthesia nurses found OSA screening and capnography easy to incorporate into nursing practice. This process can reduce respiratory complications in the surgical patient with OSA. An Evidence-Based Practice Fellowship Program facilitated this practice change.     

Fast-Tracking Patients in an Academic Hospital to Increase Efficiency and Decrease Discharge Delays: A Process Improvement Plan

PurposeThe purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if implementing a Phase II postanesthesia care unit (PACU II) to fast-track patients following surgery in an academic hospital would decrease OR hold times and increase patient flow efficiency.DesignAn observational pre-post design was used to compare PACU bypass rates and recovery times for ambulatory surgery (AS) patients before and after implementation of a patient fast-tracking program.MethodsA PACU II was instituted and a fast-tracking program using the White Fast-Track Scoring tool was adopted. Nursing staff as well as anesthesia providers were educated to assess patients using the tool as well as the appropriate patient population to be transferred to the new PACU II.FindingsFollowing implementation of the new unit and the fast-tracking program, a PACU bypass rate of 30% was achieved and there was a significant decrease in PACU length of stay for AS patients.ConclusionsThe results suggest that fast-tracking is a suitable intervention to decrease inefficiencies in an academic setting despite higher acuity patient populations.     

Quality Improvement Initiative to Improve Postoperative Pain with a Clinical Pathway and Nursing Education Program

Background and AimsWe created a multicomponent intervention to improve pain management in the immediate postoperative period with the goal of improving the quality of patient recovery.DesignA multicomponent intervention to improve pain management in the immediate postoperative period with the goal of improving the quality of patient recovery.SettingsPain management education of postanesthesia recovery room nurses through a practical intervention has the potential to improve patient pain experience, especially in those with a history of opioid tolerance.Participants/SubjectsPostanesthesia recovery nurses/postanesthesia patients.MethodsThe intervention included two components: a clinical pain pathway on multimodal analgesia for both opioid-naïve and opioid-tolerant patients undergoing surgery and an educational program on pain management for frontline clinical nurses in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). We measured the intervention's impact on time to pain relief, PACU length of stay, and patient satisfaction with pain management, as measured by self-report.ResultsPatient PACU surveys indicated a decrease in the percent of patients with opioid tolerance who required more than 60 minutes to achieve adequate pain relief (from 32.7% preintervention to 21.3% postintervention). Additionally, after the intervention, the average time from a patient's PACU arrival to his or her discharge criteria being met decreased by 53 minutes and PACU stay prolongation as a result of uncontrolled pain for opioid-tolerant patients decreased from 45.2% to 25.7%. The sample size was underpowered to perform statistical analysis of this improvement.ConclusionsAfter the combined intervention of a clinical pain pathway and interactive teaching workshop, we noted shortened PACU length of stay, reduced time to reach pain control, and improved overall patient satisfaction. Although we could not determine statistical significance, our findings suggest improved management of acute postoperative pain, especially for patients who are opioid tolerant. Because of the paucity of data, we were not able to conduct the analysis needed to evaluate quality improvement projects, as per SQUIRE 2.0. could be adopted by any institution.     

Development of the University Postoperative Obstructive Sleep Apnea Protocol (UPOP)

PurposeThe purpose of this project was to retrospectively analyze medical records to determine the relationship between surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk factors and the occurrence of a critical respiratory event (CRE) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and to subsequently develop a protocol for postoperative care. Although OSA is prevalent among the surgical population, research has primarily focused on preoperative identification and tailored perioperative care with limited application of standardized postoperative OSA management.DesignSurgical charts were retrospectively reviewed between April 1, 2019 and June 31, 2019. Medical records were reviewed to identify surgical patients who had a diagnosis of OSA or two or more OSA risk factors. For patients who met initial inclusion, PACU charts were reviewed for the occurrence of a CRE while in PACU. Data analysis involved use of both Microsoft Excel 2011 and IBM SPSS Statistics Base, version 26.MethodsMedical records were reviewed to identify patients in PACU who had two or more documented OSA risk factors (body mass index >35, snoring, alcohol use, diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], or male) or a diagnosis of OSA (n = 1,361). This sample was further refined to determine the patients who had a CRE (oxygen saturation less than 92%; respiratory rate less than 10, Modified Aldrete Respiratory Score of 1 and/or lesser) while in the PACU (n = 200).FindingsThere was a statistically significant relationship between one CRE in the PACU and a pre-existing diagnosis of HTN, DM, snoring, alcohol use, and male gender (P < .001 for each variable). There was a statistically significant difference in body mass index between patients who experienced a CRE and those who did not (P = .004). HTN and DM (n = 16) were associated with the highest occurrence of a CRE.ConclusionsThe University Postoperative Obstructive Sleep Apnea Protocol was designed based on results and current evidence-based practice. Development of a postoperative OSA protocol will positively impact patient outcomes and may reduce health care expenditures. Next steps include protocol implementation and analysis.     

Improving Obstuctive Sleep Apnea Care in the Postanesthesia Care Unit

PurposeThe purpose of this quality improvement project was to improve care of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients through increased staff recognition of OSA in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).DesignRetrospective chart review with implementation of best practice guideline form to front of patient's chart.MethodsBaseline data were collected during June 2020. Staff education was provided on current hospital policy of OSA patients. Implementation of a care guideline sheet was added to the front of patient charts for patients meeting inclusion criteria; it consisted of continuous pulse oximetry, 30-degree head of bed elevation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, 1 hour minimum postoperative observation, nonopioid analgesics, and referral to polysomnography. A retrospective chart review was performed following the OSA guideline intervention.FindingsBoth pre- (N = 413) and postintervention (N = 420) groups had statistically similar demographics. CPAP use increased from 16 to 22 (t = 0.890; P = .336). The number of patients experiencing dyspnea decreased from 10 to 8 (t = 0.263; P = .608). The number of patients experiencing acute respiratory events (AREs) decreased from 24 to 18 (t = 1.012; P = .314).ConclusionThere were no significant statistical findings. However, increased recognition of OSA patients by PACU staff can lead to improved care alterations.     

The Impact of Preoperative Patient Anxiety on Postoperative Anxiety and Quality of Recovery After Orthopaedic Surgery

PurposeTo study how preoperative anxiety affects postoperative recovery in orthopaedic surgery based on two specific issues: does preoperative anxiety affect postoperative anxiety, pain, and nausea in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and does preoperative anxiety affect the quality of recovery.DesignThis was a nonexperimental quantitative observational study.MethodsPatients (N = 37) were included through consecutive selection. Anxiety, pain, and nausea were measured preoperatively, 30 minutes after arrival at PACU and before discharge from PACU. Three days after discharge, participants completed the Quality of Recovery Questionnaire by telephone.FindingsThere was a significant correlation between preoperative anxiety and anxiety in PACU as well as anxiety, sadness, and depression 3 days after discharge from PACU.ConclusionsPatients who experience preoperative anxiety also experience anxiety in PACU. The quality of recovery 3 days after surgery is also affected by preoperative anxiety. Patients experience continued anxiety as well as sadness and depression.     

Symptoms,Surgical Events,and Length of Stay of Surgical Oncology Outpatients

PurposeThis study examined the incidence of postanesthesia symptoms, postoperative events, and length of stay (LOS) for surgical oncology outpatients in Phase II recovery during three time periods: before, one-month post, and one-year after the implementation of revised PACU I to PACU II transfer procedures and discharge criteria.DesignData for this retrospective analysis was obtained from the organizations’ electronic medical records during the timeframe April 3, 2017 through August 5, 2018 after enhanced PACU I to PACU II transfer procedures were implemented on June 5, 2017. Records of surgical outpatients transferred from PACU I to PACU II who received regional pain control or preoperative anti–emetics were excluded from the analysis.MethodsStudy approval was obtained through the Institutional Review Board [#19-308]. The records [n = 1091] were sorted and analyzed according to symptoms, events, and length of recovery. Incidence of symptoms, use of IV fluids, and medications administered in PACU II was tabulated for each time-period. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to detect differences in length of stay variables across the three time periods.FindingsA significant decrease in PACU II LOS was observed following the implementation of revised PACU I to PACU II transfer criteria (P< .001). Although blood pressure changes decreased between each time period: 1.4% (T-1), 0.3% (T-2), and 0.2% (T-3), postanesthesia symptoms [dizziness, pain, and nausea] decreased from T-1 to T-2, with a small increase in T-3. The use of fentanyl and continuous IV fluids decreased between all time periods.ConclusionsMonitoring key variables related to patient outcomes involving LOS and symptom management ensures sustained practice changes, improves care, and optimizes surgical outpatient experience.     

Selection of Screening Tool for Sleep-Disordered Breathing or Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pediatric Patients in the Perianesthesia Setting

PurposeThis study was undertaken to select an appropriate tool to predict risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among pediatric patients in the preoperative setting.Design/MethodsA retrospective chart review and a survey of nursing staff to compare two tools that were determined to be valid in assessing risk of OSA and postanesthesia complications in pediatric patients aged 6 months to 18 years was conducted. About 300 pediatric patients presenting for elective surgery were screened for OSA using STBUR (Snoring, Trouble Breathing during sleep, struggling to Breathe during Sleep, and waking UnRefreshed) and ST(1)OP-BANG (Snoring, Tonsillar hypertrophy, sleep Obstruction, BMI, Age, Neuromuscular disorders, and Genetic/congenital deformities) concurrently. Six preoperative nurses were then surveyed to compare ease of use and time to complete the screening tools.FindingsThe STBUR tool was found to predict complications in 37.5% patients versus 22.7% patients with the pediatric ST(1)OP-BANG. Nursing staff found that although both tools were quick and easy to use, the STBUR tool was easier for parents to answer.ConclusionsUse of a screening tool to help predict risk of OSA and postanesthetic complications also helps to dictate anesthesia technique, nursing staffing requirements, and plans of care for postoperative management of pediatric patients.     

Nurses' Perceptions of Patient Participation in the Postanesthesia Care Unit—A Qualitative Focus Group Study

PurposeTo explore postanesthesia care unit (PACU) nurses' experiences and perception of patient participation during PACU care.DesignQualitative focus group study based on a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.MethodsWe conducted three focus group interviews with 18 nurses from three different PACUs. Themes were created based on interpretive theory inspired by Ricoeur.FindingsFour themes and 11 subthemes were found. Patients’ clinical condition and situation, time management, ethical aspects, and the patient-nurse relationship all had a high impact on postanesthesia nursing practice and conditions for involving patients.ConclusionsPACU nurses want patients to participate in their own treatment and care in the PACU; however, nurses perceive patient participation differently. Nurses experience challenges including patients’ impaired autonomy, absence of a holistic approach, and lack of time and resources. Nurses highlight that these barriers should not become an excuse for noninvolvement.     

Effects of Transport on Oral Temperature of Postsurgical Patients Transported from PACU to Nursing Units

PurposeTo determine the impact of transport from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) to inpatient nursing units on postsurgical patient temperature.DesignExploratory correlational study.MethodsPACU discharge oral temperatures of postsurgical adult patients were compared with oral temperature at unit transfer.FindingsTemperatures on PACU discharge ranged from 97.3°F to 100.0°F (mean [M], 98.1 [0.5]), whereas those on unit arrival ranged from 97.3°F to 99.8°F (M, 98.0 [0.5]). Temperature differences between arrival and discharge ranged from −1.5°F to 0.9°F (M, −0.05 [0.34]); most showed decreases (n = 49; 52.7%). Correlations between temperature change and other variables (transport time, age, and gender) were less than 0.10 and nonsignificant.ConclusionsTransfers from the PACU to other hospital units may not clinically impact oral temperatures in postsurgical patients. However, post-transfer temperature should be monitored to assure that hypothermia does not occur.     

Postdischarge Nausea and Vomiting Risk Assessment in Breast and Gynecologic Surgical Patients

PurposePostdischarge nausea, vomiting, and retching often occur after the time of discharge from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in patients who have undergone outpatient surgeries. At a large mid-Atlantic Academic Hospital, 40% of gynecologic outpatient surgical patients had postdischarge nausea and vomiting (PDNV). The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of and staff compliance with the Apfel Postdischarge Nausea and Vomiting Risk Assessment tool to improve PDNV risk screening in the PACU.DesignThis quality improvement project was part of an evidence-based practice project.MethodsAfter identification and recruitment of key stakeholders and unit champions, a force-field analysis, as part of Lewin's change theory, was completed to identify the driving and restraining forces. All PACU registered nurses received education on the risk assessment protocol using the Apfel risk assessment tool. The Apfel risk assessment tool has been validated to identify five independent risk factors for PDNV in outpatient ambulatory surgical populations. Implementation of the tool with data collection occurred for 8 weeks on all scheduled outpatient breast and gynecologic surgical patients. Staff compliance was measured throughout implementation.FindingsIn patients with at least three risk factors present, the Apfel tool correctly identified the risk for PDNV in 68% of patients. In patients with four and five risk factors present, the tool correctly identified the risk for PDNV in 88% and 100% of patients, respectively. Compliance with the tool was high with an average compliance rate of 92% for the 8-week data collection period.ConclusionsData analysis demonstrated that the Apfel risk assessment tool adequately predicted the risk for PDNV in outpatient surgical breast and gynecologic patients. Use of Lewin's change theory was successful in maintaining a high compliance rate throughout implementation. In addition, this quality improvement project resulted in increased compliance of the standing follow-up phone call policy. Efforts toward sustainment include expansion to all outpatient surgical populations and implementation of a PDNV prevention and management guideline.     

Missed Nursing Care in the Postanesthesia Care Unit: A Cross-Sectional Study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence, activities, and reasons for missed nursing care in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and the effect of intensive care unit (ICU) overflow patients.DesignThis is a single-center, cross-sectional survey.MethodsNineteen PACU-registered nurses of a tertiary care hospital participated. Over a 7-month period, participants were asked to complete a validated questionnaire, which included 19 items related to missed nursing care activities and 10 items related to reasons for missed nursing care. χ² test and 1-way analysis of variance were used for data analysis.FindingsQuestionnaires (N = 397) were completed. Prevalence of missed nursing care activities was 78.1% and was significantly higher in cases of ICU overflow patients (P < .001). The three most reported missed nursing care activities were “drug preparation, administration, and assessment of effectiveness," “patient surveillance and assessment," and “care associated with pain”; prevalence was significantly higher in cases of ICU overflow patients (P = .036, P = .003, and P = .004, respectively). The three most reported reasons for missed nursing care were “inadequate number of nursing personnel," “unexpected rise in patient volume or acuity," and “heavy admission or discharge activity".ConclusionsThe findings indicated missed nursing care was common in the PACU and increased in case of ICU overflow patients. Therefore, missed nursing care needs to be identified and minimized, while the number and length of stay of critically ill patients admitted to the PACU should be limited.     

Aromatherapy Blend for Postoperative Nausea in Ambulatory Surgery Patients

PurposePostoperative nausea (PON) is one of the most common undesirable outcomes after surgery and increases patient dissatisfaction, hospital costs, and risk for postoperative complications. This quality-improvement project implemented and evaluated the effect of aromatherapy on nausea in adult postoperative patients.DesignQuality improvement project evaluating the inhalation of a blend of essential oils through an individual stick via an aroma stick.MethodsThis quality-improvement project was implemented in a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) in the Northeastern United States that averages 300 adult patients per month. Over the course of 12 weeks in the Fall of 2019, the project sample included all PACU registered nurses and patients with PON without allergies to inhalation agents or nasal surgery.FindingsOne hundred percent of PACU registered nurses (n = 20) were educated and demonstrated competence in the aromatherapy intervention; 70.6% (n = 36) of patients with PON used an aroma stick for PON treatment. Of the patients receiving the aroma stick for PON, 94.4% (n = 34) had improved PON scores.ConclusionsAromatherapy is an effective nonpharmacological treatment in reducing PON score for patients recovering from surgery. These results offer support for nursing practice to use aromatherapy as an additional method to enhance patient experience, improve outcomes, and reduce cost in recovery rooms.     

Handover Patterns in the PACU: A Review of the Literature

PurposeCurrently, there is no standardized handover pattern for patients undergoing general anesthesia when being transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).DesignA review of the literature.MethodsIn this study, a review of the literature was conducted to analyze the PACU handover status, factors for poor handover, and commonly used handover patterns.FindingsImportant handover information was often omitted during the handover of PACU patients, and there were many factors influencing postoperative patient handover quality. This study analyzed and compared several commonly used handover patterns for patients. Among these, the Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation tool is relatively mature. However, there is currently no unified standardized patient handover pattern, and the validity and applicability of tools still need to be verified.ConclusionsPACU is an important place for the recovery of surgical patients. Anesthesia providers need to provide PACU nurses with complete and comprehensive postoperative handover information. A standardized handover model for clinical nurses is needed to improve patient safety management and work efficiency.     

Analysis of the Risk Factors for the Onset of Postoperative Hypothermia in the Postanesthesia Care Unit

PurposeRecent studies on hypothermia typically focused on a single anesthesia method or a particular surgical procedure. Although there are multiple risk factors leading to hypothermia, such as the use of cold solutions or nonhumidified and nonheated anesthetic gases, few studies have reported the incidence of postoperative hypothermia among patients in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).DesignThis is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery and were admitted to the PACU immediately after surgery at the Fourth Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, from September 2018 to March 2019.MethodsPatient data were collected and analyzed in two groups to understand the factors affecting the occurrence of hypothermia. Hypothermia was defined as a core temperature of less than 36°C. On the basis of body temperature, patients in the PACU were divided into hypothermic and nonhypothermic groups. Factors influencing hypothermia were studied by the univariate method, followed by logistic regression analysis to identify the risk factors for hypothermia onset.FindingsOf a total of 1,788 patients were enrolled in the study, 113 (6.32%) exhibited hypothermia (<36°C) in the PACU. The hypothermic and nonhypothermic groups displayed significant differences (P < .05) in the anesthesia method used as well as the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical classification status. The body temperature at the time the patients were admitted to the operating room influenced the occurrence of postoperative hypothermia (P < .01). These parameters were recognized as independent risk factors for postoperative hypothermia in the PACU.ConclusionsSignificant risk factors for the onset of hypothermia were general anesthesia and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. However, epidural anesthesia was found to have a protective effect.     

Effect of Patient State Index Monitoring on the Recovery Characteristics in Morbidly Obese Patients: Comparison of Inhalation Anesthesia and Total Intravenous Anesthesia

PurposeObese patients have a significantly higher risk of adverse effects associated with general anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Patient State Index (PSI) monitoring on recovery from anesthesia and the incidence of any postoperative complications among patients undergoing bariatric surgery with total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and inhalational anesthesia.DesignThis prospective, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial was conducted between February 2017 and August 2017 and included 120 morbidly obese patients (body mass index >40 kg/m²).MethodsPatients were randomly divided into four groups; group P-PSI (n = 30): TIVA with PSI monitoring; group P (n = 30): TIVA without PSI monitoring; group D-PSI (n = 30): desflurane with PSI monitoring; and group D (n = 30): desflurane without PSI monitoring. The discharge time from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative complications, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded and evaluated.FindingsNo significant differences were found in demographic data, duration of anesthesia, admittance to PACU, discharge from PACU, modified Aldrete scores, and perioperative mean blood pressure and heart rate. Nausea and vomiting scores were significantly lower in group P-PSI, group P, and group D-PSI compared with group D.ConclusionsAlthough TIVA and inhalational anesthesia can be safely used for obese patients, intraoperative PSI monitoring may decrease the discharge time from PACU and reduces incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting caused by inhalation anesthetics.     

The Effect of Preoperative Oral Carbohydrate on the Incidence of Complications in PACU After General Anesthesia: A Prospective Cohort Study

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative oral carbohydrate (POC) loading on the occurrence of complications in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after general anesthesia.DesignProspective observational cohort studyMethodsPatients who were scheduled for abdominal surgery under general anesthesia at our institution were divided into the POC group and control group based on whether they drank carbohydrate solution 2 hours before surgery. POC loading of the patients was decided by the responsible surgeon. In PACU, the occurrence of postoperative complications including delayed emergence, emergence agitation, hypoxemia, hypertension, hypotension, moderate to severe postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, hypothermia, shivering, and time to awakening, time to extubation, length of PACU stay were recorded.FindingsData from 307 patients (n = 154 in POC group and n = 153 in control group) were included in the final analysis. Compared to the control group, POC led to a near-significant reduction in the overall incidence of complications in PACU after surgery (37.0% vs 47.7%, P = .058). The POC group had a lower incidence of hypothermia and shorter mean time to awakening when compared to control group (6.5% vs 16.3%, P = .007 and 19 min vs 21 min, P = .007, respectively). No statistical differences were detected in other outcome measurements between the POC group and the control group.ConclusionsPOC is associated with a trend to decrease the overall incidence of complications during recovery period after general anesthesia in patients who underwent abdominal surgery. Moreover, POC could reduce the risk of hypothermia in PACU and shorten the time to awakening.     

An Educational Intervention to Improve Comfort with Applying and Interpreting Transcutaneous CO2 and End-tidal CO2 Monitoring in the PACU

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational program about measuring ventilation using devices that assess carbon dioxide levels in patients recovering from a surgical procedure.DesignA pre-post survey of knowledge attainment from an educational intervention about measuring ventilation using end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) and transcutaneous carbon dioxide (tcPCO₂) devices in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was distributed to current members of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses.MethodsParticipants received a 12-question pre-intervention (five were related to demographics) and a five-question post-intervention survey. Non-demographic survey questions used a one to five Likert scale to assess comfortability or confidence. The intervention created was a voice-over presentation designed to improve PACU RN's comfort and confidence with using and interpreting tcPCO₂ or EtCO₂ in the PACU.FindingsPACU RNs (N = 108) reported they ‘never’ or ‘rarely’ used EtCO₂ (n = 57, 52.7%) monitoring or tcPCO₂ (n = 93, 86.1%) monitoring in the PACU. A paired t test revealed statistically significant differences in the PACU RN's pre-survey and posttest comfortability of applying and interpreting EtCO₂ or tcPCO₂ monitors (P < .05).ConclusionsCapnography monitoring should be considered a standard of care for PACU patients. Education of registered nurses working in the PACU is critical before implementing EtCO₂ or tcPCO₂ monitoring.