Nurse Anesthesia Diversion Prevention: A Knowledge and Needs Gap Analysis

Joshua Ades, DNP, CRNA1 , Christopher Sims, DNP, CRNA1 , Shea Polancich, PhD, RN1 , and Stephanie Hammond, DNP, CRNP, ANP-BC, COHN-S1

Course Description:

There is a gap in OHN knowledge about drug diversion or misuse risks and the interventions a facility program may implement to address issues. Using a CRNS quality improvement project that evaluated the use of a knowledge and needs assessment to inform the development of a successful drug diversion prevention program for certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists provides education to OHNs with prescription drug use.

Anesthesia providers have varying beliefs regarding drug misuse and diversion risks and perceptions of their ability to be successful with preventive strategies. Failure to address nurse anesthesia needs-based diversion prevention may result in missed opportunities to educate this group.

Implementation of RPA-tailored interventions by health care organizations may produce effective, long-term outcomes for drug diversion within the profession.

Learner Outcomes:

Upon completion of this journal CNE module, the learner will be able to:

1. Understand the definition of diversion and why diversion may be an occupational hazard for certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) 2. Explain the reasons why diversion may adversely affect everyone involved 3. List evidence-based strategies for prevention of substance abuse and drug diversion among certified nurse anesthetists and CRNA students

Contact Hours and Cost

1.0 Contact Hours

Members: $30
Non-members: $35

Requirements:

• Requirements for successful completion: read the February 2023 journal article, pass the examination, and complete the online evaluation
• Contact hours for this journal CNE module will expire in February 2025.

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN) is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. is additionally approved as a CNE provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing (#CEP9283).

None of the planners or authors for this article have relevant financial relationships to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.