Development of an Ondansetron Educational Program to Improve Peri-Operative Nurse Knowledge and Enhance Patient Safety

Purpose: This pilot study was conducted to assess the educational needs of the peri-operative nurses regarding the extrapyramidal side effects of ondansetron by providing a comprehensive educational module corresponding to the drug's uses, dosing recommendations and side effects. Administration of ondansetron poses a threat to overall patient safety for those patients who exhibit extrapyramidal side effects post injection. Ondansetron is commonly used to prevent and treat PONV; however, not without significant side effects. The provider knowledge regarding untoward reactions appears to be lacking because many perioperative nurses are unaware of the side effects and mistakenly assume ondansetron is void of adverse reactions. Method : The principal investigator (PI) provided seven one hour educational modules via classroom to the peri-operative nurses, who then completed a pretest survey prior to the educational session followed by an immediate posttest to collect quantitative and qualitative data regarding current nursing knowledge regarding the administration of ondansetron, adverse reactions, and the impact of the educational module as measured in the difference of scores between the pre and posttests. Results: Educating the peri-operative nurse regarding the potential adverse reactions does not eliminate the risk of extrapyramidal symptom development in the post-operative period but potentially raises awareness and permits optional treatment regimens for treatment of PONV. Conclusion: The education module presented an excellent opportunity for the peri-operative nurse to increase basic knowledge regarding the management of PONV with ondansetron and develop the ability to apply evidence-based practice for the best safe patient outcomes.;Key words: ondansetron, patient safety, clinical education, staff education, knowledge deficit.