Creation of an Educational Pamphlet for Patients Receiving Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Author

Elizabeth HamlinFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-3-2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Whitney Heischmidt

Keywords

Peripheral nerve block, interscalene nerve block, axillary nerve block, registered nurse education, patient education, peripheral nerve block education

Abstract

Upper extremity peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) are utilized in anesthesia as a sole anesthetic or in combination with another technique for pain management. Perioperative registered nurses (RN) are directly involved in PNB procedures, patient care, and patient education. Patients typically do not have access to anesthesia personnel to address questions and education preoperatively, leading to increased importance of patient education and educational resources concerning anesthesia. After a literature review, a PowerPoint presentation and patient education pamphlet were implemented at a surgery center in Edwardsville, Illinois. The PowerPoint presentation was created for RN education, and the pamphlet was utilized as a patient education resource. A pre-implementation and post-implementation survey assessed an improvement in RN knowledge and buy-in and effectiveness of the patient education pamphlet. The post-implementation survey showed improved RN understanding of PNBs, patient care, and patient education. The majority of RNs who participated in the post-implementation survey agreed that the patient education pamphlet was an effective patient resource and that the providers were willing to use the pamphlet to improve patient education. The overall acceptance of this project promotes best practice in perioperative care for patients receiving PNBs.

Recommended Citation

Hamlin, Elizabeth, "Creation of an Educational Pamphlet for Patients Receiving Upper Extremity Peripheral Nerve Blocks" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 312.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/312

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