Local Anesthetic Systemic Toxicity (LAST): Increasing Awareness Through Education.

PURPOSE

Local anesthetics are used for procedures in various settings. Although complications related to local anesthetic use is rare, adverse events do occur. A significant knowledge deficit was identified regarding local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) signs, symptoms, and treatment.

DESIGN

A learning needs assessment was performed at a local hospital to determine the nurses' baseline knowledge of LAST signs, symptoms, and treatment.

METHODS

A self-paced web-based learning module was developed and completed by clinical nurses with an immediate post survey and 6-month follow-up survey.

FINDINGS

The repeat learning needs assessment immediately after education resulted in more than 50% improvement in nurses' knowledge of LAST. A 6-month follow-up survey indicated that the gain in knowledge, signs, symptoms, and treatment of LAST was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

An educational gap was identified regarding clinical nurses' knowledge of LAST. An educational program was designed to improve baseline knowledge. The program goal was successfully met with more than half of nurses being able to identify signs, symptoms, and treatment of LAST.