Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on certified registered nurse anesthetist practice

Vicki Callan, Ladan Eshkevari, Stephen Finder, Leslie Jeter, Stephanie May, Lori Schirle, Jill Stulce, Ruby L. Hoyem, Marjorie Everson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted profound shifts in the delivery of critical healthcare services. A mixed-methods study was conducted to explore the impact of the pandemic on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) practice. The quantitative component involved a survey of CRNAs during the initial period of the pandemic to determine changes in practice and any relationship to removal of state and federal barriers. Approximately 16% of 2,202 responding CRNAs reported practice expansion beyond their normal responsibilities, primarily outside the operating room and involving tracheal intubation, ventilator management, arterial line placement, and central line placement. CRNAs were more likely to experience an expansion of practice in states affected by removal of regulatory barriers. However, respondents also reported missed opportunities to use the full expertise of CRNAs because of state and institutional restrictions. Findings from the qualitative component of this study are reported in a separate article.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)334-340
Number of pages7
JournalAANA journal
Volume89
Issue number4
StatePublished - Aug 2021

Keywords

  • Anesthesiology
  • COVID-19
  • Nurse anesthetist
  • Pandemic
  • Scope of practice

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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