A pilot study evaluating the perceptions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists toward human patient simulation.

An evaluation was conducted of perceptions of practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) toward use of simulation for initial certification, continuing education, and recertification. The hypothesis was that a 1-day simulation experience would improve their perceptions toward simulation use. The first phase developed content-valid questions to examine CRNAs' perceptions toward simulation. The second phase used these questions to survey practicing CRNAs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. During the third phase, 9 CRNAs were selected to complete a 1-day simulation experience and complete the perception questionnaire before and after the experience. Through content validity index calculations, 25 of 27 questions were retained for use in this study. A total of 378 CRNAs responded to the questionnaire. There was consensus that human patient simulation (HPS) is an important part of anesthesia provider training, and 85.7% strongly agreed, agreed, or somewhat agreed that HPS should be a required component for initial certification. Additionally, 52.9% of respondents agreed (somewhat agreed or strongly agreed) that continuing education units from HPS should be required for recertification. After the simulation, a significant (P < .05) positive change in level of agreement was noted for 13 of 25 questions, including questions related to initial training and recertification.