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A Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Cognitive Impairment: Anesthetic Interventions
Other Titles
Postoperative Cognitive ImpairmentAbstract
Problem & Purpose: Postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction, collectively referred to as postoperative cognitive impairment (PCI), are two neurocognitive risks that accompany anesthesia. The incidence of developing PCI can be as high as 50% and is heightened after the age of 65. Currently, the anesthesia department at a mid-sized community hospital in Baltimore City does not have a structured process for the perioperative management of these patients. A Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) was written recommending a strategy to preoperatively assess and identify high-risk surgical patients, and includes evidence-based anesthetic interventions recommended for this population. The purpose of this scholarly project was to identify the anesthetic interventions included within this CPG: a guide which outlines the perioperative anesthetic management of patients >65 in order to decrease the incidence of PCI. Methods: CPG content was derived from a literature search identifying evidence published within the past 10 years and included five systematic reviews, two randomized control trials, and the current recommendations of the American Geriatrics Society and American College of Surgeons. The CPG was designed, analyzed by key stakeholders, and revised according to criteria found within the AGREE II tool. The CPG was presented to anesthesia staff and analyzed for applicability and acceptance using the Practitioner Feedback Questionnaire (PFQ). Results: AGREE II results by key stakeholders provided >88% positive feedback showing CPG quality in scope, content, and development. PFQ results demonstrated an overall average positive feedback and agreement of 70% (SD=19.1) among anesthesia providers (n=13). Feedback regarding the overall Quality of the CPG was both positive (88%) and neutral (12%). Applicability of Recommendations received the least encouraging feedback: 35% positive, 38% neutral, and 27% negative. Conclusion: Analysis demonstrates that the CPG’s content was regarded by anesthesia staff as high quality and that the majority of providers believe the CPG to be an improvement compared to what is currently practiced. While the majority of the polled anesthesia providers felt favorably towards the interventions, there remains reluctance towards its applicability into practice. Even so, 70% of anesthesia staff answered positively when asked if the CPG should become a guideline. Further staff education is recommended to enhance user buy-in.Keyword
postoperative cognitive impairmentAnesthesia, General--adverse effects
Perioperative Care
Postoperative Cognitive Complications--prevention & control
Practice Guideline