AANA journal
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The "handoff" phase of patient care is frequently associated with the genesis of adverse events. Patient handoffs in anesthesia care remain poorly studied. By reviewing archived video of anesthesia handoffs taking place in a simulated environment, we aimed to identify latent conditions and their impact on the quality and nature of handoffs occurring during surgical anesthesia care. ⋯ Handoffs were often good or excellent with 0, 1, or 2 latent conditions present, but with 3 or more latent conditions, the quality invariably degraded. When handoff scores were high, the handoffs were always interactive. This is the first study to relate specific latent conditions to handoff quality, providing a foundation for future research, as well as for the education and training of anesthesia providers.
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This guest editorial reviews the facts surrounding the current opioid overdose crisis in the United States, including the history of opioid use and abuse leading up to the current crisis, and the impact of the crisis on the healthcare system. The editorial concludes with concrete recommendations and actions that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) can take to combat this deadly and tragic epidemic. As leaders in the healthcare system and experts in opioid use and pain management, CRNAs have a moral and professional obligation to help patients and families affected by opioid misuse in any way possible.