Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

DNP

College

School of Nursing

Department

Anesthesiology

Committee Chair

Aaron Ostrowski

Committee Co-Chair

Theresa Cowan

Committee Member

Shellie Popeck

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Implementation of the Academic Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE)-based Guidelines to Improve Perioperative Care of Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kayleigh Brink

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is becoming more prevalent with an increasing need to identify and eliminate barriers to care. Healthcare Providers (HCP) have shown limited knowledge and confidence when managing patients with ASD. The inability to provide specialized care and recognize symptoms of pain or discomfort could result in behavioral difficulties.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve confidence among HCPs to identify ASD characteristics and to improve the use of practice guidelines to manage complex behaviors.

Population: The healthcare staff in perioperative services at Washington Hospital in Washington, Pennsylvania did not have education in place related to ASD, making it a feasible location to implement an education toolkit.

Intervention: Education and practice guidelines based on The Academic-Autistic Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) toolkit were implemented in perioperative services at a community hospital.

Methods: The education and practice guidelines were evaluated with a pre- and post-education survey. The Autism Knowledge Survey (AKS) would reflect an improvement in ASD knowledge and self-confidence when caring for these patients.

Results: The results reflected variable knowledge and perceptions about ASD.

Conclusion: Education and practice guidelines based on the AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit can be used to increase knowledge on certain topics from the AKS and improve overall confidence in working with patients with ASD.

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