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.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/21234
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABOS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABOS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: All Practice Areas (e.g. ethics), Ambulatory/Outpatient, General Operative Anesthesia, General Surgery, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Obstetric Anesthesia, Pain Medicine, Regional Anesthesia/Acute Pain, Surgery of the Spine