Top anesthesia challenges, the field’s future & how CRNAs will shape it — 5 Qs with AANA president, on beckersasc.com
Certified registered nurse anesthetists will play a crucial role in tackling the biggest issues facing anesthesia in 2019, according to American Association of Nurse Anesthetists President Garry Brydges, DNP, CRNA.
Dr. Brydges told Becker’s ASC Review about the trends, obstacles and opportunities on the horizon, how AANA is planning to confront them and the strategies it has already set in motion.
Question: What are the biggest challenges in anesthesiology right now? What are the biggest concerns for CRNAs?
Garry Brydges: There are several critical challenges confronting anesthesia professionals today. The complexity of comorbidities, such as delirium, nausea and vomiting, in an aging population challenges CRNAs to use opioid-sparing techniques, regional anesthesia and other innovative methods to deliver patient care as safely as possible without lasting effects.
Pharmaceutical costs [are] a large issue with many factors. First, the cost of new emerging agents, such as intravenous acetaminophen or Sugammadex, are removed from hospital formularies because administrators often fixate on direct costs of drugs. But the focus should be on variable costs that impact patient outcomes and satisfaction, including length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission rates, postoperative nausea and vomiting, postoperative ileus, respiratory compromise and pain management. We need to focus our attention on increasing the quality of healthcare which, ultimately, translates to reduced variable costs.
Q: What major healthcare trends do you predict for 2019, and how is AANA preparing to address them?
GB: A major healthcare trend for 2019 will focus on reimbursement through MACRA. Most healthcare providers do not realize the impact MACRA will have on the fiscal stability of facilities, providers and local communities. To prepare CRNAs for the future, AANA is educating its members to address MACRA through the application of clinical practice techniques that translate into increased quality of care and patient satisfaction.
In 2019, AANA hopes to create a clear understanding of the value and quality CRNAs bring to patient care before, during and after surgery, which translates into superior patient outcomes.
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Top anesthesia challenges, the field’s future & how CRNAs will shape it — 5 Qs with AANA president, on beckersasc.com
Becker’s Hospital Review was the original producer/publisher of the content