The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has launched a patient education resource called Anesthesia Answers, which it states was created by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and nurse anesthesiologists to “help patients and their families navigate one of healthcare's most misunderstood topics: anesthesia.”
Available at AnesthesiaAnswers.org, it addresses common queries from patients and their caregivers. “The website walks patients through what to expect before, during, and after surgery, childbirth, or a procedure and helps them feel more prepared for conversations about their care,” states AANA, which notes that the site’s content is “grounded in evidence-based standards and nationally recognized safety protocols that CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists bring to every procedure.”
AANA characterizes Anesthesia Answers as a “ready-to-share resource” that informs patients and caregivers, eases their fears, and empowers them to be “truly prepared, knowledgeable and active members of their own care team.” The website, states AANA, “provides direct, credible answers to common anesthesia questions without medical jargon.”
“Patients make better partners in their care when they have access to clear, trustworthy information ahead of the day of their surgery or procedure,” states Suzanne Wright, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, chair of AANA's Patient Safety Advisory Panel. “Anesthesia Answers was developed to present evidence-based anesthesia information in language that is understandable to the public, helping patients and families feel more informed before they meet their CRNA.”
