Maryna Gaston, RN, DNP, CRNA

DNP Nurse Anesthesia

Education Module and Cognitive Aid for Amniotic Fluid Embolism Management at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital: An Evidence-Based Project

Project Category: Evidence Implementation  

Project Team: Maryna Gaston, DNP, CRNA, Madison Stout, DNP, CRNA, Peter Kallio, DNP, CRNA, APNP (Advisor)

Abstract

Background: Amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) is a rare and life-threatening obstetric emergency that requires prompt recognition and aggressive management. The lack of exposure to such a rare condition can create significant knowledge gaps among providers and consequently put parturients’ lives at risk.

Methods: In an effort to fill knowledge gaps for obstetric providers, an evidence-based electronic education module coupled with a physical cognitive aid (CA) regarding the recognition and management of AFE was developed and disseminated to clinical staff between 4/29/24 and 7/1/24. A comparative single group pre/posttest study design was used to assess the primary outcomes of provider knowledge and self-efficacy levels before and after completing the module. The pre/post scores and data regarding participant roles were analyzed and compared. 

Results: Twenty providers enrolled in the education module, but only five completed the module in its entirety. The pre/post scores from the knowledge assessments and self-efficacy surveys of these five individuals were included in the final data analysis. Knowledge assessment scores increased amongst all provider subgroups, and self-efficacy scores increased in all but one provider subgroup.

Conclusion: Increased knowledge and self-efficacy scores indicate a clinically significant impact from this pilot study; however, statistical significance could not be determined due to the small sample size. Future efforts might include implementing this project at a larger academic institution while offering a greater incentive for participation.