Problem: Studies and anecdotal reports support the use of percutaneous stimulation to facilitate the administration of peripheral nerve blocks as well as an effective training adjunct. A gap between the evidence and actual implementation exists, both in clinical practice and education. It appears the majority of nurse anesthetists are not aware of the benefits associated with this technique or how to successfully implement it into their practice. Purpose and Scope: The purpose was to explore the exposure, basic knowledge competency attainment, and opinions of nurse anesthetists at different stages in their careers regarding the use of percutaneous stimulation for prelocation of target nerves to enhance education, training, and performance of PNB administration before and after viewing a web-based educational video. Their new found knowledge will serve as a basis to add percutaneous stimulation to their armamentarium of skills. Goal: A primary project goal was to increase nurse anesthetist’ awareness and understanding of percutaneous stimulation as a technique to simplify peripheral nerve block administration to and as a beneficial adjunct for training. Objectives: The first objective was to obtain demographic characteristics of the participant sample to assess for generalizability. The pre-intervention questionnaire was to explore baseline knowledge and opinions regarding the use of percutaneous stimulation. The objective of the interventional video was to teach nurse anesthetists how to implementn percutaneous stimulation, understand the benefits, and motivate them to add it as a technique to their practice. The objective of the post-intervention questionnaire was to assess the change in providers’ knowledge competency and opinions regarding the use of percutaneous stimulation. Plan: Phase One: Conduct a needs assessment analysis through an evidence based literature review and consultation with specialty experts. Phase Two: Develop a demographic, pre-intervention questionnaire, interventional education video, post-intervention questionnaire to fufill the purpose, scope, and goals of the project and submit for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. Phase Three: Conduct face validation of project instruments, make appropriate methodological changes and submit changes for IRB approval. Phase Four: Implementation of the Internet based project and data collection. Phase Five: Data analysis and outcomes results to include demographics and pre-intervention to post-intervention questionnaire response comparison. Outcomes and Results: Demographics aligned with Benner’s Stages of Skill Acquisition Theory as participants represented various stages of development both as anesthesia providers and more specifically in the administration of peripheral nerve blocks. Demographics mirrored a sample population reflecting experience categories of the overall nurse anesthesia population. The changes in pre to post-intervention questionnaire responses validate the educational video as an influencial training tool and support the use of percutaneous stimulation technology.
