Abstract

Implementing Positive Language in Anesthesia: Utilizing the Comfort Scale

Tricia Oakes & Elisabeth Prehm

Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Schwartz DNP, CRNA

Background

Verbal numeric pain scales (ranking pain on a scale from zero to ten) are widely utilized and taught in medicine. Evidence-based research has shown that verbal numeric comfort scales are associated with a decrease in opioid administration, improved pain perceptions, and overall better patient satisfaction .7

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a video-based educational tool demonstrating the use of a comfort scale in the perioperative setting among Nurse Anesthesia Trainees (NATs), and to examine sociodemographic factors and knowledge score for any significant association with the NATs’ willingness to incorporate the VNRS comfort scale into practice.

Methods

A pre-test, post-test study design was used for the conduct of the study. Fifty-six NATs from NorthShore University HealthSystem School of Nurse Anesthesia completed the pre- and post-test surveys that examined the effects of the video on the participants’ knowledge regarding the use of the VNRS comfort scale.

Results

The paired t test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the means score between the pre- and post-test surveys (p< 0.01, t= -10.44; df= 55). Additionally, on the post-test, 100% of NATs (n=56) responded that yes, they would incorporate the comfort scale into their practice.

Conclusion

This could have significant impacts on future interactions with patients, as providers may be more inclined to use the comfort scale in their practice.

Keywords:

  1. Comfort Scale

  2. Positive Language

  3. Anesthesia

  4. Multimedia Learning Tool

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Implementing Positive Language in Anesthesia: Utilizing the Comfort Scale

Implementing Positive Language in Anesthesia: Utilizing the Comfort Scale

Tricia Oakes & Elisabeth Prehm

Faculty Sponsor: Pamela Schwartz DNP, CRNA

Background

Verbal numeric pain scales (ranking pain on a scale from zero to ten) are widely utilized and taught in medicine. Evidence-based research has shown that verbal numeric comfort scales are associated with a decrease in opioid administration, improved pain perceptions, and overall better patient satisfaction .7

Objective

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a video-based educational tool demonstrating the use of a comfort scale in the perioperative setting among Nurse Anesthesia Trainees (NATs), and to examine sociodemographic factors and knowledge score for any significant association with the NATs’ willingness to incorporate the VNRS comfort scale into practice.

Methods

A pre-test, post-test study design was used for the conduct of the study. Fifty-six NATs from NorthShore University HealthSystem School of Nurse Anesthesia completed the pre- and post-test surveys that examined the effects of the video on the participants’ knowledge regarding the use of the VNRS comfort scale.

Results

The paired t test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the means score between the pre- and post-test surveys (p< 0.01, t= -10.44; df= 55). Additionally, on the post-test, 100% of NATs (n=56) responded that yes, they would incorporate the comfort scale into their practice.

Conclusion

This could have significant impacts on future interactions with patients, as providers may be more inclined to use the comfort scale in their practice.

Keywords:

  1. Comfort Scale

  2. Positive Language

  3. Anesthesia

  4. Multimedia Learning Tool

 

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