Nurse anesthesia education requires precision, hands-on practice, and the ability to navigate complex anatomical structures. Beth Clayton — seasoned Professor and Program Director at the University of Cincinnati — emphasizes the critical role of effective teaching tools in this field. Each instructor’s ability to teach these skills with accuracy directly impacts the competency of students and the safety of their future patients. Accuro Neuraxial Guidance provides an innovative and efficient solution to the traditional challenges faced in clinical demonstrations and workshops.
Traditional challenges in nurse anesthesia education
Traditional ultrasound images can be challenging for new learners to decipher, requiring a significant investment of time and practice to develop proficiency in image interpretation. Effectively using a traditional ultrasound probe requires mastering a multistep process that includes proper positioning, angulation, and hand-eye coordination. For students new to the technology, this can be intimidating.
Beth Clayton explains, “Ultrasound is a crucial skill for nurse anesthetists, but traditional methods can be intimidating for new learners due to the complexity of image interpretation and probe manipulation techniques.”
Traditional ultrasound imaging can also be impacted by a patient’s body habitus, leading students to struggle with obtaining clear images on patients of different sizes and body shapes. The complexity of traditional ultrasound can lead to early frustration for students who don’t experience immediate success, hindering their motivation and confidence in the learning process.
Clayton emphasizes, “The complexity of traditional ultrasound can be a barrier to student success, impacting their confidence in the clinical setting if they haven’t had sufficient opportunity to develop proficiency during their education.”
Enriching CRNA education with Accuro Neuraxial Guidance
Accuro is a handheld ultrasound device, specifically engineered for neuraxial anesthesia procedures. It’s highly intuitive and portable, utilizing AI-powered image overlays to simplify spinal navigation. Its design is particularly beneficial in education, reducing complexities and the need for extensive image interpretation.
Accuro also allows students to see nuances in procedures for diverse patient models, including those with higher BMI, offering a shorter learning curve and increased accuracy in identifying the epidural space and midline. These advantages result in enhanced student confidence — and success rates.
Clayton highlights, “Accuro’s AI capabilities make it an invaluable teaching tool. The portability of Accuro allows for more dynamic learning experiences within the classroom and simulation labs. We can tailor the learning environment to meet the specific needs of our students.”
Faster feedback today — safer procedures tomorrow
The user-friendly design and immediate positive reinforcement offered by Accuro lead to increased enthusiasm and engagement among students, as well as a stronger understanding of sonoanatomy. This empowers them to test and refine techniques for accurately identifying anatomical landmarks — techniques that will become critical for safe and effective regional anesthesia procedures in the field.
“Students are no longer intimidated by ultrasound,” Clayton notes. “They’re eager to learn and excited about their progress with the immediate feedback and guidance provided by Accuro.”
By building confidence and competence in a simulated environment using Accuro, students are better prepared to apply their ultrasound skills effectively in the clinical setting. Clayton adds, “Accuro has transformed our workshops, making them more efficient and effective. It’s not just a teaching tool; it’s a confidence builder for our future nurse anesthetists.”
Let’s foster the next generation of CRNAs
Accuro is enhancing nurse anesthesia education by providing a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solution for teaching complex procedures. Beth Clayton’s experience at the University of Cincinnati is a testament to the transformative power of this technology. It’s solving unmet clinical and educational needs and fostering the next generation of CRNAs.