Research in Action

Abstract Submission

It’s Never Just a Block: An Analysis of Regional Anesthesia Closed Claims (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

Speaker(s)

• 

  Maria Hirsch, BSN MS DNAP CRNA

  Director Anesthesia Services
  Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA
  Roanoke, VA

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Foundation (AANAF) closed claim research team searched the most current database of closed claims that involved adverse outcomes when either a peripheral nerve block or a neuraxial block was a component of care in the claims. This presentation describes the thematic analysis of these claims, identifies the factors found to contribute to negative patient outcomes, and suggests techniques to reduce the likelihood of adverse events related to regional anesthesia techniques.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the factors that were associated with regional anesthesia related closed malpractice claims.
• Examine the role of AANA professional standards of practice in maintaining patient safety during anesthesia care.
• Describe recommendations for reducing regional anesthesia-related adverse events.