Dissertation
Evaluating Sugammadex Usage in the Operating Room
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Medication waste in the operating room (OR) poses significant financial and environmental challenges for healthcare systems. Sugammadex, a costly reversal agent for neuromuscular blockade, is frequently wasted due to inefficient dosing practices and lack of adherence to evidence-based guidelines.Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to reduce sugammadex waste and associated costs by educating anesthesia providers and implementing evidence-based strategies for medication administration in a large academic medical center.Methods: A multi-modal educational intervention was delivered to anesthesia providers, including a PowerPoint presentation, recorded lecture, and in-person session. Implementation strategies included optimizing rocuronium dosing, emphasizing twitch monitoring, reinforcing reversal guidelines, and promoting appropriate sugammadex vial selection. Pre- and post-intervention data were collected to evaluate changes in usage and cost.Findings: Prior to the intervention, 30% of sugammadex administration was categorized as waste, equating to approximately $856,099 in lost revenue. Following the intervention, waste was reduced to 14.21%, reflecting a projected savings of over $450,000 annually while maintaining patient safety and effective reversal practices.Discussion: Educational outreach and strategic implementation of evidence-based practices significantly decreased sugammadex waste in the OR. These findings highlight the importance of targeted provider education and systems-level changes to improve medication utilization and reduce unnecessary healthcare expenditures.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Evaluating Sugammadex Usage in the Operating Room
- Creators
- Blake Altenhofen - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Cormac O'Sullivan (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Nurse Anesthesia
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Blake Altenhofen
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841036802771
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