Background: Noise distraction in the operating room significantly impacts communication among healthcare providers, particularly during anesthetic induction. Studies demonstrate that noise distraction contributes to increased medical errors, impaired concentration, and adverse patient outcomes. Despite the well-documented risks, noise distractions remain prevalent in operating room settings.
Purpose/Specific Aims: This quality improvement project aimed to evaluate the effects of noise distraction on Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) during anesthetic induction. Specifically, this project sought to compare SRNA performance in noise distraction versus noise distraction-free simulated anesthetic induction, assess changes in knowledge and confidence levels post-intervention, and promote a culture of distraction-free anesthetic induction.
Methods: This project included 18 Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists from the Rhode Island College St. Joseph Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program. Participants completed anesthetic induction in both noise distraction and noise distraction-free situations within a simulated operating room environment. Performance was assessed using an anesthetic induction checklist, and pre-/post-intervention surveys which measured self-perceived confidence and awareness of noise distraction.
Results: Noise distraction negatively affected anesthetic induction performance. Second-year SRNAs exhibited a 7.7-point decline in skill execution, while third-year SRNAs showed a 4.4-point decrease. Time-to-completion results varied by experience level. Post-intervention surveys indicated improved awareness and confidence in managing distractions.
Conclusion: A structured simulation-based intervention enhanced SRNA awareness and confidence in distraction management. Findings highlight the necessity of institutional policies promoting noise distraction-free anesthetic induction to improve patient safety. Future research should explore the implementation of such policies in live operating room settings.
