Date of Award
Fall 2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
College
College of Science and Health
First Advisor
Kelly Lannert
Second Advisor
Jeffrey Matson
Abstract
Background: Effective postoperative pain control after cesarean delivery relies on opioid-sparing strategies to minimize adverse effects and reduce the risk of opioid dependence. Regional techniques, such as ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (USG-TAP) blocks, are one option for managing postoperative pain following cesarean delivery. Although CRNAs are qualified to perform USG-TAP blocks, administrative and workflow constraints may limit their exposure to these procedures, particularly within specialized patient populations such as obstetrics. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CRNA’s perceived confidence in performing USG-TAP blocks for post-cesarean delivery patients and their satisfaction with an educational cognitive aid. Method: A cross-sectional, pre-post survey design was used. Licensed CRNAs who were members of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists completed a pre-intervention survey assessing perceived confidence, reviewed an evidence-based educational cognitive aid, and then completed a post-intervention survey. Results: A total of 25 participants were included in this study. Following exposure to the cognitive aid, 76% of participants reported statistically significant improvement in perceived confidence in safely and effectively performing USG-TAP blocks, despite limited prior experience in this population (p < 0.05). Additionally, 76% also indicated they were likely to recommend this cognitive aid to colleagues. Conclusion: These findings support the use of educational cognitive aids to enhance CRNA confidence and promote broader adoption of regional, opioid-sparing analgesic techniques after cesarean delivery.
Copyright
Copyright © 2026 Lauren Lorenz
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Lorenz, Lauren, "Enhanced CRNA Self-Reported Confidence After Use of a Cognitive Aid for Ultrasound-Guided TAP Blocks in Cesarean Delivery" (2026). Theses and Dissertations from DePaul University. 140.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/theses-dissertations/140