College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Summer 8-20-2023

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Guidelines for the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) were created by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) half a century ago but PPE compliance remains low. To effectively protect healthcare workers from becoming infected and spreading infectious agents, PPE compliance must be improved. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of an educational tool and simulation on improving NAT (nurse anesthesia trainee) knowledge of PPE protocols as well as perceived comfort performing airway management procedures while wearing PPE. This study used a pre- and post- survey design to assess both knowledge of proper operating room (OR) PPE protocols and NAT comfort wearing PPE during airway management scenarios. 26 NAT’s from NorthShore University School of Nurse Anesthesia participated and data was analyzed using SPSS software. The Chi-Square, McNamar, and Sign Test were used. The results showed that 92% (n=24) of participants felt more comfortable both donning and doffing PPE after the simulation experience. Additionally, 96% (n=25) of participants reported feeling more comfortable intubating while wearing PPE after the simulation. The use of an educational tool increased participants' knowledge of proper PPE donning procedures by 27% (p=0.03271). The findings of this study add to previous evidence that the addition of PPE simulations for anesthesia trainees is essential to improving provider comfort while performing procedures in PPE.

SLP Collection

yes

Included in

Nursing Commons

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