Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2022

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Department/Program

Nursing

Program

Family Nurse Practitioner

First Advisor

Dr. Alexa Curtis

Second Advisor

Dr. Melissa Schorn

Third Advisor

Dr. Trinette Radasa

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Millions of nurse practitioners (NP), physician assistants (PA), and registered nurses (RN) are optimistic that their current employers will help them reach their full potential. One area that can add value to the hospital and empower employees to work to the full scope of their practice, and utilize the skillsets like that of an NP, is to train these providers to support medical device equipment in the operating room instead of relying on medical device representatives (MDRs) of medical device companies.

METHODS: Training NPs, PAs, or RNs how to support neurological medical device equipment will better utilize the skillset of these providers, ensure patient safety, and allow operating rooms to reduce spending and function autonomously. Literature review for evidence was performed focusing on the impact MDRs have on the operating room and implications for patient care and hospital efficiency. A pilot neurological medical device support training program for NPs, PAs and RNs was developed and evaluated.

INTERVENTION: Medical device training was developed utilizing literature on best practices. Offsite medical device training commenced at corporate headquarters followed by onsite training in the operating room at Swedish Cherry Hill in Seattle, WA. At two intervals, post-offsite and post-onsite training, a 5-point Likert survey was e-mailed to the trained staff at SCH evaluating the effectiveness of the training and each trainees confidence level to support the neurological medical device equipment.

RESULTS: Three SCH employees were trained to support neurological navigation medical devices (2 PAs, 1 RN). All trainees reported positive Likert responses, > 4 (agree), regarding their confidence and independence level supporting the neurological medical device technology for spine surgery following offsite training.

CONCLUSION: This project provides a successful example for future trainings of a hospital and medical device company aligned to support the training of healthcare professionals. Additionally, it informs hospital administrators of a new avenue to save money while simultaneously developing and empowering their employees.

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