Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Problem/Project Report
Degree Type
DNP
College
School of Nursing
Department
Anesthesiology
Committee Chair
Susan McKenrick
Committee Member
Ann Bryson
Committee Member
Elaine Cappadona
Committee Member
Aaron Ostrowski
Abstract
Problem: Excessive noise during the critical phase of anesthesia induction in operating rooms (OR) can significantly impact anesthesia providers' ability to focus, potentially compromising patient safety and quality of care.
Objectives: This project aimed to reduce anesthesia providers' perception of distraction caused by noise during induction by implementing educational interventions and visual cues. The objectives included educating anesthesia and surgical staff on the impact of noise, introducing visual reminders to minimize distractions, and evaluating the effectiveness of these strategies through survey data collection.
Methods: A quality improvement initiative was conducted in the OR department of a nearby hospital. Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) nurses, and surgical technicians were provided with an educational session, followed by the implementation of laminated signage indicating "induction in progress" in each OR. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) survey was used to assess anesthesia providers' perceived workload before and after the interventions. Data were collected over an eight-week period.
Results: Eighteen responses were recorded, with nine (n=9) collected during the pre-intervention phase and nine (n=9) during the post-intervention phase. Analysis of the pre- and post-intervention survey responses revealed significant improvements in the perceived mental, physical, and temporal demands of anesthesia induction. Frustration (p=0.001) and effort (p=0.003) levels also decreased significantly. The overall workload decreased significantly from 11.8 to 6.1 (p = 0.00000008), indicating a meaningful reduction in perceived noise-related distractions.
Conclusion: The project successfully reduced anesthesia providers' perceived distraction due to noise during anesthesia induction, enhancing their focus and reducing stress. These findings suggest that noise reduction strategies, such as education and visual reminders, can improve anesthesia practice and patient safety. Future studies should focus on increasing participation and exploring additional ways to maintain a quiet OR environment. This project contributes to the nurse anesthesia profession by emphasizing the importance of improving the work environment for anesthesia providers and enhancing patient care.
Recommended Citation
Kameni, Ghislaine Fasseu, "Keep It Quiet: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Noise in the Operating Room during Anesthesia Induction" (2025). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12953.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12953