Development and Evaluation of a Malignant Hyperthermia Computer Based Learning Project

Author

Andrew Miller, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-2019

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Rebecca Collier

Project Team Faculty Member

Ann Popkess

Keywords

dantrolene, continuing education, perioperative nursing, anesthetics/adverse effects, muscle rigidity, computer-based learning

Abstract

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a potentially fatal, inherited disorder of muscle hypermetabolism that occurs after a person is exposed to commonly used volatile anesthetic agents (sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane) and/or the depolarizing muscle relaxant, succinylcholine (Diu & Mancuso, 2012). The MH mortality rate has decreased from 80% in the 1960s to less than 5% in 2006 due to increased clinical awareness of manifestations, pathophysiology, and improvement in perioperative monitoring (Rosenberg, Pollock, Schiemann, Bulger, & Stowell, 2015). Therefore,continuing education of perioperative staff is an integral part of proper MH preparedness. Computer-based learning (CBL) modules have been shown to be efficient, inexpensive forms of education which can lead to greater knowledge retention than instructor-led courses (Harrington & Walker, 2004). A discordance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) interpretive guidelines, 482.25(b)(8) in reference to drug interactions and treatment therapy provided the motivation for this project.A CBL module on MH was developed for a tertiary care center in central Illinois, and the effectiveness of the CBL on perioperative staff knowledge was evaluated. The CBL provided online education and training on the prevention, preparation, diagnosis, and treatment of MH. After one month, the CBL was taken by 124 participants with an average pretest score of 70% and an average post-test score of 93%. The results of this project suggested the CBL was effective in increasing perioperative staff knowledge on MH, which may help decrease morbidity and mortality should an MH reaction occur.

Recommended Citation

Miller, Andrew, "Development and Evaluation of a Malignant Hyperthermia Computer Based Learning Project" (2019). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 48.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/48

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