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Abstract
Background and Aims In 2021 we developed the Regional Anaesthetic Alert Bracelet Project (RA-AB)(1) in response to joint recommendations from OAA/AoA(2).The RA-AB helps to monitor recovery of motor function after neuraxial block and prompts timely escalation of care, if recovery of straight leg raise is delayed beyond four hours.This safety initiative has been successfully adopted in over fifty Trusts in UK but predominantly in the obstetric population.Our aim was to introduce the RA-AB in non-obstetric patients receiving regional blocks in our Trust.Additionally,to assess the impact on nursing staff knowledge and to update the Toolkit(3) with useful resources to assist other Trusts in their implementation of the project.
Methods Pre-implementation questionnaire to nursing staff (theatre,recovery, post-operative ward).Nursing education provided via a PowerPoint presentation and posters. Trial of RA-AB for 2 months which included inclusion of bracelet placement at WHO checkout with a verbal hand over of time to straight leg raise between nursing teams. Post-implementation questionnaire.
Results We demonstrated a 3-fold improvement in recovery staff knowledge regarding the serious complications following a central neuroaxial block along with qualitative feedback that RA-UK increased patient safety and improved communication.
RA-AB post op information poster for staff
How to set up the RA-AB project in your department
Results infographic pre and post RA-AB implementation
Conclusions We have demonstrated that the RA-AB increases staff knowledge of serious neurological complications after neuraxial block in the non-obstetric population. This population is more heterogeneous and challenging than the obstetric population. Empowering nursing staff through education is of the utmost importance to the success of this project. The updated toolkit provides similar branding and infographics to hopefully allow the RA-AB to become synonymous with best practice in regional anaesthesia.