Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

DNP

College

School of Nursing

Department

Anesthesiology

Committee Member

Melanie Whelan

Committee Member

Katherine Atassi

Committee Member

Mike Frame

Committee Member

Lindsey Meyers-Enger

Abstract

Introduction/Background: MH is a low frequency, but high risk potentially fatal genetic mutation if left untreated. A rural Pennsylvania Hospital was found to have an incidence rate of 12/4,033 MH related occurrences within the last 6 months. Delayed treatment of MH can result in increased mortality rates and poor patient outcomes.

Purpose: Given the rarity and high mortality rate without prompt treatment, implementation of a standardized cognitive aid to be kept on the Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) cart, coupled with operating room staff education on early recognition and treatment of malignant hyperthermia can assist in proper perioperative MH management steps for staff at the rural Pennsylvania hospital.

Intervention: Provide educational training in conjunction with implementation of an MH cognitive aid to increase staff knowledge and cognitive aid utilization in management of MH. Gathered provider baseline knowledge via a pre-educational survey, follow up survey with formulated educational PowerPoint and MH cognitive aid presentation/introduction, and distribute a post knowledge/cognitive aid utilization survey.

Methods: Lewin’s Theory of Change guided implementation.

Results: Analysis of pre and post survey results were compared respectively using a dependent t test to gauge impact of the intervention on increased knowledge/ cognitive aid utilization.

Conclusions: The project highlighted the effectiveness of targeted training and cognitive aids in improving provider knowledge, confidence, and preparedness for managing malignant hyperthermia crises, ultimately enhancing patient safety.

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