A national survey of certified registered nurse anesthetists' knowledge, beliefs, and assessment of herbal supplements in the anesthesia setting.
This study explored Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' (CRNAs') knowledge about 8 common herbal supplements that potentially cause perioperative complications, beliefs regarding herbal supplement-anesthesia interactions, and preoperative assessment practices. A multiple-choice descriptive survey was mailed to a random sample of CRNAs from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Although response was low (19%, N = 191), respondent demographics corresponded to AANA 2002 CRNA membership. The mean knowledge score of adverse interactions was 21%; 17% of CRNAs indicated confidence in their familiarity with herbal supplement-anesthesia interactions. Of the participants, 23% correctly identified the ASA recommendation to discontinue herbal supplements 2 weeks before surgery. CRNAs agreed that herbal supplement use should be assessed preoperatively (92%), they are medically active (88%), and they can have an impact on surgical outcomes (87%). Nearly 4 in 10 respondents used herbal supplements themselves, but only 5% recommend supplement use to patients. Most CRNAs (93%) wanted more educational opportunities on anesthesia and herbal supplements. The low knowledge scores and lack of confidence in familiarity with herbal supplement-anesthesia interactions highlight the need for further CRNA education. Nurse anesthesia educational curricula and continuing education programs should be reviewed and updated to ensure adequate instruction on herbal supplements.
Temple
Michael Davis
MD
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, USA.
Fagerlund
Kathleen
K
Saewyc
Elizabeth
E
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D014481:United States
D000777:Anesthetics; D028321:Plant Preparations