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Perioperative Advanced Directives, Derek Washer

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Technology and surgical techniques continue to improve, resulting in more clients with advanced directives presenting to the operative suite for surgery or procedures requiring anesthesia. Anesthesia providers are in a critical position to discuss with the surgical patient or surrogate any alteration or reconsideration to their advanced directive. Unfortunately, patients and anesthesia provider discussions at a North Texas hospital were limited due to a knowledge deficit, an outdated hospital policy rescinding all directives perioperatively, and an inadequate consenting mechanism. The perioperative advanced directives project involved updating the hospital policy to current national guidelines and developing a “DNR Under Anesthesia” consenting …