Enhancing Anesthesia Provider Knowledge of the Novel Pharmacologic Agent: Remimazolam

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this project is to enhance anesthesia provider knowledge of the novel pharmacologic agent, remimazolam, using an evidence-based educational intervention. Background. Remimazolam is a medication which, despite having unique pharmacologic properties that make it ideal for use in anesthetic practice, exists outside the purview of many anesthesia professionals. The results of high-quality, peer-reviewed research suggest that remimazolam is safe, efficacious, and in many instances superior to traditional anesthetic agents, yet lacking familiarity on the part of anesthesia providers remains a barrier to its widespread use. Methods. Project evidence was synthesized using Graham’s Knowledge to Action theoretical framework, and Thomas and Kern’s Model of Curriculum Development guided the creation of a remimazolam-focused educational intervention which was deployed at an Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AZANA) conference during the fall of 2023. Upon completion of the educational intervention, presentation attendees were invited to take part in this project by responding to questions in an anonymous electronic survey. Results. Of the 23 respondents surveyed, 100% experienced statistically meaningful improvements in the variables of self-reported remimazolam-related knowledge (p-value <0.00001) and receptivity to clinical practice adoption (p-value < 0.0008). Mean scores for remimazolam-related knowledge improved from 1.7 to 3.7 on a five-point Likert scale, and those for receptivity to clinical practice adoption improved from 2.74 to 3.83. Conclusions. The problem of remimazolam underutilization is at least in part related to lacking familiarity on the part of anesthesia professionals, which may be effectively mitigated using evidence-based educational interventions.