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P A I N
C O N T R O L
GETTING STARTED
5 Keys to Regional Anesthesia Success
ON TARGET Ultrasound guidance is the gold standard of block placement.
When launching a regional
anesthesia program,
focus on these essential elements.
• 24/7 patient support. Demand dedication to the program from a small group of specially trained physicians and staff members who will provide around-the-clock support to block patients. The block team, which should include surgeons, anesthesiologists, specially trained CRNAs, pharmacists, members of the nursing staff and trained educators, must be willing to address any problems that arise or answer any questions patients and their family members have. The educators can answer basic questions from patients or family members about, for example, how regional anesthesia works, how blocks feel as they begin to wear off and potential complications to be aware of while recuperating at home. Patients must also be able to reach by phone members of your clinical team at any time if serious complications arise after discharge.
• Research. Observe well-run programs in your area. If they're successful, they've
faced and conquered start-up pitfalls and paved the way for you.
• Clear organizational framework. Get buy-in from your facility's administration or physician-owners for the manpower and capital requirements related to adequate floor space, equipment, ancillary support and clinical resources.
• Block nurse. This staffer is an invaluable asset, especially for providing an extra pair of hands in a smaller facility. Our block nurse preps patients, ensures equipment and drugs are readily available, and assists providers and monitors patients while blocks are being placed.
