Poster Presentation
Thursday, 20 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, 20 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Implementation of a Cardiac Risk Reduction Protocol for General Surgery Patients Using Peri-Operative Beta Blockers
Janet Gilmore, MSN, RN, Perioperative Services, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA and Sharon Young, BSN, MBA, Performance Improvement/Decision Support, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| Learning Objective #1: design and implement an evidence based nursing protocol for the reduction of morbidity and mortality of high risk perioperative patients. |
| Learning Objective #2: identify perioperative patients at risk for cardiac insult or death |
Current studies suggest the use of peri-operative beta blockers can significantly reduce the incidence of cardiac complications in patients. We designed a peri-operative beta blocker protocol to assist clinicians in identifying patients who may benefit from beta blocker therapy. This protocol follows evidence-based medicine and was developed in collaboration with General Surgery, Cardiology, Anesthesia, Nursing and Pharmacy Departments. Patients with presumed coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease or significant risks factors, who undergo major non-cardiac, non-vascular surgery, should receive peri-operative beta blockers to maintain a heart rate between 60-80 beats per minute, preferably closer to 60. The primary goal is to improve patient outcomes by reducing the incidence of cardiac complications following major non-cardiac, non-vascular surgery. Patients meeting criteria as screened by nursing and anesthesia are placed on the protocol. Ideally, patients are identified during the pre-admission process and the primary care provider is contacted to start the beta blockers. Patients presenting the same day of surgery are screened; those meeting the criteria are started on the protocol at the time of admission. Analysis includes comparing heart rates before, during and after surgery; as well as, review for adverse events occurring intra operatively and within 30 days post operatively.
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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)