Date of Award
12-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Committee Chair
Dr. Douglas Lovern
Committee Chair School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Committee Member 2
Dr. Jessica Miley
Committee Member 2 School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Abstract
Ultrasound-guided arterial line placement has been shown to improve success rates and decrease complications. Nevertheless, despite the benefits of ultrasound-guided arterial line placement, most Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) continue using conventional methods, mainly because they lack adequate knowledge of ultrasound (US). This Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) doctoral project was developed to address these knowledge gaps through a focused educational intervention to improve clinical practice.
The purpose of this doctoral project was to evaluate whether an educational seminar on ultrasound-guided arterial line placement would improve CRNA knowledge and self-perceived confidence. A pre-post intervention design grounded on the principles of Cognitive Learning Theory (CLT) was used for this doctoral project. The intervention was implemented in a university simulation lab and used a sample of nine practicing CRNAs who volunteered for this research. The educational intervention consisted of a didactic review of current best practices, followed by a hands-on simulation experience with ultrasound (US) machines and arterial line task trainers. Knowledge assessments and confidence surveys were administered before and after the intervention.
Results demonstrated significant improvements in both knowledge and confidence. The mean knowledge score improved from 66.7% on the pretest to 87.6% on the posttest. The participants also showed improvement in their confidence levels in the following areas: vascular anatomy identification, ultrasound-guided arterial line placement, complication management, and preference for ultrasound guidance over palpation. Qualitative feedback identified the importance of simulation-based learning and the difficulties with access to US equipment. The findings from this research confirm that education and simulation are effective tools for improving CRNA competence and encouraging safe use of arterial access.
Copyright
Daniel Chambers and Allen Lampton, 2026
Recommended Citation
Lampton, Allen L. and Chambers, Daniel J., "Bridging the Evidence to Practice Gap in Arterial Line Placement: An Educational Intervention for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists" (2026). Doctoral Projects. 294.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dnp_capstone/294
Included in
Critical Care Nursing Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing Commons