Perceived Knowledge and Attitudes of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists on Fire Risk Assessment During Time-out in the Operating Room

Abstract

Fire risk assessment remains separate from the universal protocol for surgical time-outs. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to examine the perceived knowledge and attitudes of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) on fire risk assessment during surgical time-outs. Modified knowledge and attitudes questionnaires were sent to approximately 1,600 active members of the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists through an online survey. Data were analyzed using descriptive, t-test, analysis of variance, and point biserial correlation statistics. Most of the 140 study participants overwhelmingly reported positive attitudes toward fire risk assessment, but they had self-reported information needs in 11 areas of the operating room fire risk assessment questionnaire. Age, gender, years in practice, and highest education had no statistically significant correlation with knowledge and attitudes regarding fire risk assessment. The perceived knowledge deficits on fire risk assessment may hinder the CRNAs and SRNAs from adopting a tool such as a fire risk assessment checklist that is ready for implementation at their current place of employment. Additional studies are needed to identify the factors that facilitate integration of fire risk assessment using a checklist during surgical time-outs.