Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity: Ensuring Sustained Nursing Knowledge in a High-Volume Outpatient Surgery Center

Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a low-frequency, high-risk event that can occur within minutes of a patient receiving a local anesthetic. The goals of this project were to standardize LAST care management across an academic medical center and sustain an improvement in nurses’ knowledge of how to recognize signs and symptoms of LAST and how to competently manage a LAST scenario. We used a quantitative design to accomplish the goals of the project. Our interdisciplinary team developed a clinical practice guideline based on the LAST Checklist published by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, and used a simulation scaffolded by multimodal education and system changes to ensure sustained knowledge. We measured improvement using a graded knowledge assessment as well as qualitative feedback. Scores on the assessment increased from 4.76 to 6.34 (out of seven points) following the intervention and remained significantly higher than the baseline 9 months after the educational intervention (9-month score = 6.19, t = 2.99, P = .004). Nurses reported feeling more confident and knowledgeable following the intervention and requested to have regular sessions of the simulation. To sustain improvements, we developed a computer-based learning module. The module and simulation were integrated into nursing orientation and an annual competency. While standardizing LAST care in accordance with evidence-based guidance is critical to patient safety due to its infrequent occurrence, nurses should consider implementing simulation supplemented with multimodal education and system changes to ensure sustained knowledge.