AANA Journal course: new technologies in anesthesia: update for nurse anesthetists--a look to the future--transdermal and transmucosal administration of anesthetic drugs.

Recent developments in both applied dermal physiology and in pharmaceutical technology are paving the way toward the introduction of novel routes of drug administration into anesthetic practice. Among these approaches, transdermal and transmucosal applications have shown particular promise in clinical trials all over the world. The emergence of new drug administration techniques that help to improve drug compliance, enhance safety and diminish both physical and psychological trauma will prove to be desirable additions to the anesthetist's armamentarium. This installment of the AANA Journal course will explore the latest developments in these areas destined to have a significant impact on the nurse anesthetist's clinical practice.