Degree Name

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Program

Nursing

Date of Award

8-2022

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Lisa Haddad

Committee Members

Sharon Bigger, Teresa Carnevale, Linda Hill, Vallire Hooper

Abstract

Decision-making in healthcare is a complex and, at times, uncertain process. In the United States Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) administer the majority of anesthesia. Nurse Anesthetists must draw on their educational background, clinical experience, and cognitive processes to make sound clinical judgments. To avoid errors understanding the relationship between cognitive preference and skill acquisition is critical. This study was designed to describe the cognitive preferences of Student Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) and CRNAs in the United States. The 2 cognitive preferences explored are rational (analytical) and experiential (intuitive) decision-making.

The researcher used a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design. The researcher administered the Rational Experiential Inventory (REI-40) via electronic survey to enrolled SRNAs and practicing CRNAs. The REI-40 is a validated psychometric tool involving 40 questions. Twenty questions evaluate each decision-making style. Ten questions assess engagement (e.g., enjoyment and reliance), and 10 questions assess the ability (e.g., capability and use) of each style. The demographics (e.g., age, gender, clinical experience, setting, and education) were collected and compared with the cognitive preference.

This study revealed that SRNAs’ and CRNAs’ dominant cognitive preference was rational thinking and experiential thinking was greater than mid-scale. There was no statistical difference in how SRNAs and CRNAs scored on the REI-40 Inventory. Furthermore, there were no strong correlations between years of experience and cognitive preferences. However, there was a statistically significant difference in experiential cognitive ability and engagement when compared by gender identity.

Ideally how one feels, and thinks should be aligned when making clinical decisions. This is the art and science of the profession. Research has revealed that human factors such as cognitive biases, heuristics, personal experience, and emotions play a role in decision-making. The development and integration of experiential decision-making is essential to aligning clinical judgment and safe patient care. This study describes SRNAs’ and CRNAs’ cognitive preferences and the relationship to the level of skill acquisition. This knowledge contributes to the understanding of CRNAs’ decision-making processes. Furthermore, there are ramifications for developing continuing education and clinical support tools for the profession.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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