Instituting an Educational Module to Improve Knowledge of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity Among Anesthesia Providers

Local anesthetic use in the perioperative period is increasing in the United States as healthcare providers seek alternatives to opioid-based pain management. While increased use of local anesthetics has many benefits, their use also increases the risk of Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST), which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication. A search of the literature indicates there is a considerable gap in knowledge of LAST among healthcare providers, including Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesia residents. This knowledge gap is combined with a lack of standardized approaches to identifying and treating this complication. Identifying and treating LAST is also complicated by the varying presentations of LAST, including presenting as a stroke mimic. To mitigate this knowledge deficit, we identified a surgical center that has recently increased its use of local anesthetics without increasing education on LAST recognition and management. We developed an online module to educate CRNAs and anesthesia residents about LAST and evaluated changes in their knowledge of LAST with a pre- and post-survey. Statistical analysis of pre- and post-surveys indicated a significant increase in knowledge of LAST.