Epidural Anesthesia

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (58 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

9

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

2 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Epidural anesthesia is a method of neuraxial pain control in which anesthetic medications are injected into the epidural space to block sensory and motor spinal nerve roots in the thoracic, abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity areas. This epidural technique can be used for anesthesia during procedures, chronic pain, or muscle spasticity as a primary anesthetic or pain management adjuvant. A primary advantage epidural anesthesia offers is the ability for clinicians to tailor the medication used and the type of administration (ie, intermittent or continuous infusion) to meet the clinical need. Additionally, this technique can reduce the opioid requirement during and after a procedure, lowering the incidence of associated side effects. This is particularly relevant in pediatric anesthesia, where the potential negative impact of certain anesthetic drugs on neurodevelopment is debated. The epidural technique is also valuable for postoperative pain management as part of a multimodal approach. A recent benefit of epidural anesthesia is the provision of an alternative to aerosol-generating general anesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, several complications and risks are also associated with the epidural technique. Therefore, this activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s competence in recognizing the indications and contraindications for epidural anesthesia as well as the risks, benefits, and complications involved. Additionally, clinicians will have knowledge of the current techniques recommended for performing epidural anesthesia and the role of the interprofessional team in caring for patients who undergo the procedure to optimize outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Apply and assess the relevance and benefits of using epidural anesthesia for postoperative pain management.

  • Delineate the indications, contraindications, anatomy, and techniques for providing epidural anesthesia or analgesia.

  • Identify the most common adverse effects associated with the use of epidural anesthesia or analgesia.

  • Identify the importance of collaboration and communication amongst the healthcare team in caring for patients who receive epidural anesthesia or analgesia to improve outcomes.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

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