Candidate Name: Tess O. Ward
Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia Across the Lifespan
Committee Chairs: Meredith Troutman-Jordan

Committee Members: Danielle Brown, Abbey Fenwick, Tiffany Jackson, Paula Gomez Ospina
Abstract:​​​​​​​
Throughout the perioperative period, multiple handoffs occur between anesthetic providers and care team members. Although data reflects that standardized communication tools can effectively reduce errors, increase provider satisfaction and improve outcomes, many providers forgo implementing a standardized handoff. This QI survey assessed CRNA attitudes, behaviors, and standardized handoff tool usage at an urban, Level I trauma academic medical center. The PICOT question asked: For CRNAs working at an urban Level I Trauma  hospital (P), how do perceptions, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (I) about the usefulness and effectiveness of standardized handoff reports (C) influence their likelihood of using the handoff tool (O) during the perioperative period (T)? This project is one out of three conducted at distinct facilities located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The sample and inclusion criteria consisted solely of CRNA’s working at this medical center. This QI project identified perioperative handoff tool usage, essential handoff components, and implementation barriers.