Perceptions of CRNAs: current and future roles--Part II.

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, to identify current roles and future role perceptions for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) using the delphi methodology. Second, to analyze the level of agreement or disagreement of anesthesiologists and CRNAs with the identified roles. A survey instrument was developed using the delphi methodology which involved five CRNAs and five anesthesiologists. The instruments with a dimensional rating scale were labeled "Current Roles for CRNAs" and "Future Role Perceptions for CRNAs." The former instrument contained 26 items and the latter contained 28 items. Participants in this study were randomly selected from the active memberships of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Usable responses were obtained from 369 of the 684 CRNAs and 354 of the 1,400 anesthesiologists. Analysis of the data revealed there were significant differences between the two professions on all roles. There was evidence of extreme polarity on roles relating to expanded practice, independent practice, the role of CRNAs on the anesthesia care team, and nontraditional practice settings. CRNAs differed from anesthesiologists in their role as nurse anesthesia educators. Anesthesiologists who worked with CRNAs were influenced in their support of CRNA roles, except for roles in independent and expanded practice, and responded differently from anesthesiologists who did not work with CRNAs. The conclusions were as follows: 1. CRNAs and anesthesiologists differ in support for expanded practice in both current and future perceptions. 2. CRNAs and anesthesiologists differ on the issue of independent practice. 3. The perception of anesthesiologists relative to the anesthesia care team appeared to be influenced by a working relationship with CRNAs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)