Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are at the forefront of patient care, supporting safe, effective, and increasingly accessible anesthesia administration. As healthcare technology continues to evolve, CRNAs have the unique opportunity to lead the adoption of new tools and techniques — innovations that enhance patient outcomes while improving clinical workflows. We’re watching and listening, taking every opportunity to support this important work. With that, we’ve collected some steps CRNAs can take to stay informed about new technologies, communicate the value of those technologies to hospital administrators, and collaborate with medical technology developers to address clinical needs.
The current state of anesthesiology
CRNAs are responsible for delivering anesthesia care in a wide range of settings, from bustling urban hospitals to rural outpatient clinics. Their key responsibilities are robust: administering anesthesia, monitoring patient responses, ensuring safety throughout surgical procedures — the list goes on. Collaboration with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals is central to their roles as they work to maintain the highest standards of care quality and patient safety.
CRNAs must be versatile, often working independently in rural areas or as part of larger teams in urban centers. Their roles are especially indispensable in settings with fewer resources, where they often take on expanded responsibilities. This ability to adapt to different environments makes CRNAs influential drivers for both patient outcomes and innovation across the broader healthcare system.
But the field of anesthesiology faces significant financial pressures. The high operational costs of anesthesiology practices — covering salaries, malpractice insurance, and administrative expenses — create challenges for practices seeking to maintain profitability while delivering high-quality care. As roles for CRNAs continue to expand, finding ways to demonstrate the value of new technology that can offset these pressures creates value for everyone.
The future of anesthesiology
The future of anesthesiology lies in the integration of advanced technologies — such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) — that support clinical decision-making and patient monitoring. These technologies provide CRNAs with the tools to personalize anesthesia care more effectively and prevent complications that arise with human error. AI-powered ultrasound guidance is a perfect example, improving the precision and safety of procedures for acute pain management like regional anesthesia and neuraxial blocks.
Ultrasound guidance has shown promise in central venous access and peripheral nerve blocks, offering anesthesiologists and CRNAs a way to visualize anatomy and reduce risks. However, traditional ultrasound equipment can be cumbersome, difficult to use, and limited in its effectiveness for neuraxial procedures. This is where tools like Accuro Neuraxial Guidance stand apart. Designed specifically for neuraxial anesthesia, Accuro combines AI-powered imaging with a handheld, user-friendly interface, offering anesthesia providers real-time guidance that streamlines complex procedures and improves first-attempt success rates with minimal device training required.
CRNAs are well-positioned to lead the charge in advocating for these technologies. Their firsthand experience with the limitations of traditional methods makes them ideal champions for adopting new solutions that enhance patient care. By staying informed and actively participating in the evolution of anesthesiology, CRNAs can help shape the future of their field and ensure innovations are implemented most effectively in clinical practice.
Strategies for CRNAs leading progress
Here’s how CRNAs can access the advantages of new technology and lead progress on the front lines:
Stay ready for change.
Staying ready for change means being proactive rather than reactive. Continuously updating your knowledge and skills empowers you to anticipate and confront change head-on. This readiness to pivot and grow positions you as a valuable resource and leader within your organization.
Be the early adopter!
Early adoption isn’t about being the first to try new things; it’s about setting new standards. Proactivity can make the difference between maintaining the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in anesthesiology.
Foster buy-in.
As a CRNA, fostering buy-in means building a shared vision with your colleagues and hospital administrators. Reference your organization’s mission statement and values to help decision-makers understand the “why” behind a change. Having the right people onboard ensures technology isn’t just implemented for success today — it’s also embraced for growth tomorrow.
Keep at it.
Obstacles only deepen your resilience. Be relentless! Don’t let a “no” discourage you. Keep refining your proposals, gathering new data, and sharing current case studies to clarify how new technology aligns with organizational priorities. Stay connected, adaptable, and committed; your persistence could lead to transformative change in patient care.
Collaborate with innovators.
CRNAs have a unique perspective on the practical challenges and needs in clinical practice. Share it! By collaborating with medical technology developers and innovators, you can help shape the tools and solutions that will define the future of anesthesiology.
Become an influencer.
Remember that you play a direct role in shaping the future of patient care. You can use your influence purposefully outside your immediate workplace to drive meaningful change. Contribute to panels, participate in workshops, start conversations on social media — raise your voice across channels to inspire others and enrich the healthcare community.
RIVANNA: Your partners in patient advocacy
To all the CRNAs out there looking for progress avenues within the healthcare system, your dedication to continuous learning and improvement speaks volumes about your commitment to excellence, not just for individual patients but for the healthcare sector as a whole.
Looking ahead, every challenge you tackle and every solution you discover contributes to a larger mission: delivering the best care possible. As new technology is brought to market, we urge you to stay connected with your peers and the wider medical community. By sharing your experiences and insights, you can foster a culture of collaboration and innovation that benefits everyone. Let’s champion patient-centric technology that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. And let’s do it together.