Creating a Cognitive Aid for Use During Intraoperative Power Failures

An intraoperative power failure (IOPF) is a complete or partial absence of the electrical power supply with or without the availability of a backup generator system during an operative or other invasive procedure. An IOPF can be stressful for the OR team and puts surgical patients at risk for adverse outcomes. To prepare providers for an IOPF, a CRNA piloted a project to create an evidence-based, facility-specific cognitive aid (CA) to guide decision making and enhance patient management and outcomes during an IOPF. The project team tested the battery-power capabilities of essential anesthesia equipment, including anesthesia gas machines, IV pumps, and vital sign monitors, and included the results in the CA. A needs assessment survey was sent to the anesthesia professionals at the facility to promote clinician buy-in and solicit feedback for creating the CA.