The Impact of Interactive Modules on Opioid Consumption and Pain Management
Recipient: Brendan Patterson, MD; The University of Iowa
Grant Period: 2/1/2026-1/30/2027
Amount: $92,500
Summary: Despite reported high death rates involving prescription opioids, these medications continue to be routinely prescribed following orthopedic procedures. In shoulder surgery, overprescription has led to excess unused medication and low disposal rates. This project aims to (1) decrease the standard opioid prescription and develop and implement peri-operative educational and postoperative interactive modules promoting non-opioid pain management for shoulder arthroplasty patients, and (2) assess the usability and acceptability of these interventions through a feasibility study. Modules will be delivered via automated text messaging tailored to age and reported pain levels. Findings will guide the creation of a practical and scalable multimodal pain management tool. This study addresses a major public health concern and fills a gap in orthopedic care.
* In partnership with the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation
Intramuscular Pressure and Nociplastic Pain in Fibromyalgia
Recipient: Brian Jacobs, MSN, BSN; The University of Iowa
Grant Period: 1/20/2026 – 6/30/2027
Amount: $60,041
Summary: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic nociplastic pain disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and dysfunctional pain processing. Emerging evidence suggests that a peripheral mechanism, resting intramuscular pressure (IMP), may also play a role. This project uses a cross-sectional, case-control design to investigate IMP and local tissue perfusion pressure in women with FM compared to healthy controls and examine the relationship of these metrics with clinical symptoms. The central hypothesis is that FM is associated with a systemic elevation in resting intramuscular pressure, leading to reduced muscle perfusion and contributing to widespread pain and symptom severity. IMP will be measured at rest at the upper trapezius and tibialis anterior in FM participants and sex-, age-, and BMI-matched healthy controls. Whether muscle tissue perfusion pressure is reduced in FM due to elevated MP will be calculated. Correlations between muscle pressure metrics and symptoms such as pain sensitivity, symptom severity, and other patient-reported outcomes will be calculated, identifying which pressure metric and muscle site is the most sensitive indicator of overall FM severity. This study is the first to assess IMP as a potential objective biomarker across multiple muscle sites in FM and to link these physiological measures to patients’ symptom severity. By elucidating a novel peripheral contributor to nociplastic pain, the project can inform new diagnostic approaches and muscle-targeted interventions for FM.
Hemodynamic Mechanisms of Prone Versus Supine CPR: A Cadaver-Based Pilot Study
Recipient: Zachary Smith, DNP, CRNA; East Carolina University
Grant Period: 2/17/2026-6/30/2027
Amount: $26,007
Summary: Each minute without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during a cardiac arrest reduces survival by 7-10%. Repositioning surgical or intensive care unit patients who have a cardiac arrest in the prone position to a supine position often causes delays of five minutes or more, during which no compressions are delivered and survival chances decrease. Although prone CPR is feasible and potentially lifesaving, it is not fully integrated into resuscitation science or routine practice due to a lack of rigorous evaluation of its physiological effects. This cadaver-based, crossover design pilot study will analyze the physiologic mechanisms underlying prone versus supine CPR. Using fresh, unembalmed cadavers instrumented with invasive pressure monitoring, the study will compare intra-abdominal, intrathoracic, and arterial pressures generated during mechanical compressions in both positions. Results from this project will provide the first physiological evidence to evaluate the mechanistic basis for the hemodynamic superiority of prone CPR. If prone CPR is shown to be equivalent or superior, it could lead to changes in perioperative and critical care protocols, reduce delays to first compression, and improve survival from cardiac arrest. For CRNAs, who lead intraoperative resuscitation efforts, this crucial research is directly applicable to clinical practice and advances the profession’s role in shaping evidence-based resuscitation science.
Second Victim Phenomenon Revisited: A National Study of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthesia Residents Using the Revised Second Victim Experience and Support Tool
Recipient: Maria van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CPPS, FAAN, FAANA, Northeastern University
Grant Period: 3/25/2026-12/27/2027
Amount: $20,201
Summary: The Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) describes the physical, emotional, or psychological distress that healthcare professionals may experience after involvement in unexpected clinical events, such as medical errors or other adverse outcomes. National surveys indicate that up to 80% of anesthesia professionals have experienced significant distress following such events. The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool – Revised (SVEST-R), a validated tool, has focused primarily on mixed perioperative or multidisciplinary populations, with few studies focused specifically on CRNAs or RRNAs. This national cross-sectional study will be the first large-scale use of the SVEST-R focused on CRNAs and RRNAs across various settings. Aims include calculating the severity and prevalence of Second Victim experiences among CRNAs and RRNAs; examining the associations among provider role, years of experience, practice setting, and second victim outcomes; and identifying the clinical event types associated with second victim experiences and determining the SVEST-R subscale score differences by event type. Data will be collected via an online survey platform. Analyses will include descriptive statistics, prevalence estimates, bivariate and regression analyses, and chi-square tests. Findings will guide evidence-based interventions to improve provider well-being, resilience, and workplace retention, directly supporting workforce stability and patient safety.
Revolutionizing and Transforming Difficult Airway Management Modalities through Sustainable, Cost-Effective and Reusable 3D-Printed Video Laryngoscope Blades and Stylets
Recipient: Marc Petrykowski, BSN, RN, Webster University
Grant Period: 2026
Amount: $5,000
Summary: Video laryngoscopy improves first-pass success rates and airway visualization, yet high costs limit availability in many settings. Lack of access to advanced airway tools can negatively impact patient safety and training for anesthesia providers. This study developed and evaluated a low-cost, three-dimensional (3D) printed video laryngoscope, called Global Blade 3D, to address this gap. Using a simulation-based design, the device will be compared to two commercially available video laryngoscopes in terms of first-pass success, time to intubation, and perceived ease of use. Chi-square and Friedman Repeated-Measures Tests will be utilized to evaluate Ergonomics/Handling, View/Visibility, and overall performance. Bonferroni Post-hoc Pairwise Comparisons will be used to further evaluate the ergonomics of the three devices. This research informs the degree to which the 3D-printed device performs comparably to commercial devices, potentially providing an affordable option to improve training and airway management globally.
*Supported by the Dean Hayden fund
Toward Equitable Birthing Experience: Exploring Provider Communication and Trust Among Laboring Black Women
Recipient: Hideyo Tsumura, PhD, CRNA, DNP, RN; Duke University
Grant Period: 2/20/2026-2/28/2028
Amount: $232,723
Summary: Maternal mortality for non-Hispanic Black (Black) women is three times higher than among non-Hispanic White (White) women. Poor communication and negative patient-clinician interactions can hinder Black women’s informed decision-making and can adversely affect their health outcomes. This project will describe Black laboring women’s decision-making processes, experiences with pain management, and interactions with health care providers during childbirth. It is hypothesized that higher patient–provider communication quality is associated with greater trust and satisfaction, independent of perceived discrimination. Associations will be examined between communication quality, perceived discrimination, care satisfaction, and Black women’s trust in health care and providers during labor pain management decision-making. Health care providers’ perceptions of communication and shared decision-making with Black laboring women before and during childbirth will be described, comparing these perspectives with women’s reported experiences. This study will generate new knowledge on communication and trust between Black women and anesthesia providers during childbirth. Findings will inform the design of an intervention to transform patient–provider communication in obstetric anesthesia, empower Black women to make informed decisions about labor pain management, strengthen trust, and improve satisfaction.
Recipient: Sheena Warner, MS, CRNA, APN; Emory University
Grant Period: 8/11/25 – 12/30/26
Amount: $93,484
Summary: Despite its critical role in maternal safety, obstetric anesthesia lacks a standardized risk stratification framework, limiting providers’ ability to assess and mitigate maternal morbidity and mortality risks. This study aims to develop and validate a machine learning model to identify maternal and anesthesia-specific risk factors for maternal morbidity and mortality events; compare anesthesia providers’ independent risk assessments with ML-derived predictions to evaluate alignment, discrepancies, and decision-making strategies; and design a modular, adaptable wireframe prototype of an obstetric anesthesia risk assessment and stratification tool to establish the foundational infrastructure for future clinical implementation. If successful, this project could help ensure CRNA-led, data-driven maternal safety improvements.
Recipient: Morgan Morrow, DNAP; Midwestern University
Grant Period: 11/14/24 – 12/30/25
Amount: $6,389.92
Summary: Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a skill that CRNAs should possess; however, an optimal educational environment or competency standardization has yet to be established to ensure clinicians are using this assessment properly in practice. This pilot project aims to evaluate if an educational offering increases point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use by Arizona Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) and measure attitudes regarding the hybrid educational format. CRNAs in the experimental group will receive hybrid education training including online videos, didactic lectures, and hands-on training. Pre and 6-month post-test surveys will be used, comparing CRNAs that did and did not receive the hybrid educational intervention, to assess impact on POCUS frequency of use in clinical practice and attitudes toward hybrid education. This project has the potential to identify optimal educational strategies for enhancing POCUS skills in CRNAs.
Recipient: Denise Stuit, DNP, CRNA; University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC)- University Health Truman Medical Centers School of Nurse Anesthesia
Grant Period: 3/24/25 – 6/30/26
Amount: $4,640.00
Summary: There are no clear recommendations for training CRNAs who desire to transition from clinical practice into academia. This qualitative study will collect data from focus groups composed of a diverse national sample of CRNA faculty with representation from 141 CRNA programs across the US, guided by concepts in Schlossberg’s Transition Theory. Discussions will focus on reasons for entering and staying in academia, job responsibilities and compensation, and educator experiences, including barriers and facilitators to the transition. Coding with NVivo software will be conducted, extracting concepts and quotes, supporting thematic analysis. The project will elicit perspectives on experience in recruitment and retention of CRNA faculty and create and disseminate a set of best practice guidelines to help facilitate future CRNAs’ transition from clinician to academician.
Recipient: Mary Golinski, PhD, CRNA, FAANA; Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Grant Period: 5/7/25 – 12/30/26
Amount: $73,021.55
Summary: Orthopedic fractures can result in chronic pain; using opioids as the sole method to control acute and chronic pain results in unsatisfactory analgesia and is fraught with adverse events. This project aims to determine the effectiveness of a lidocaine infusion initiated during the perioperative period in decreasing opioid requirements in patients who had surgical repair of lower extremity fractures and to establish if there is a relationship between decreased opioid requirements and the anti-inflammatory properties of lidocaine. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will examine the difference in opioid consumption between a lidocaine infusion group and control group, 48 hours and 30 days post-operatively, as well as differences in self-report pain levels, objective pain scores, and adverse effects. The relationship between perioperative lidocaine infusion on inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, and complement C3a) will be assessed. If the hypotheses are supported, lidocaine could become a viable adjuvant for minimizing opioid consumption and the occurrence of adverse effects, while satisfactorily managing pain.
Recipient: Charles Griffis, PhD, CRNA, FAANA; University of California, Los Angeles
Grant Period: 6/1/25 – 12/30/26
Amount: $109,710
Summary: Residents in nurse anesthesiology training encounter multiple sources of stress. Registered Resident Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs) report suicidal ideation. Harmful behaviors are common and suicides happen. This project aims to create an online video educational presentation focused on suicide prevention for RRNAs. The educational content will be evaluated and further improved based on pilot assessments. A cross-sectional study with a post-test evaluation will be employed. The educational content will be made available free of cost to all nurse anesthesia educational programs as a component of mandated wellness training. This product will address the lack of suicide prevention training in 50% of existing educational programs of nurse anesthesiology and increase preparedness to intervene with suicide prevention strategies.
Recipient: Deniz Dishman, PhD, DNAP, CRNA; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Research, Institute for Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Cizik School of Nursing
Grant Period: 2/5/24 – 6/30/26
Amount: $62,667
Summary: A significant percentage of stroke survivors are reported to suffer from post-stroke pain; however, post-stroke pain is often underdiagnosed, inappropriately treated, or untreated altogether due to variability in assessment and reporting methodologies. This study aims to evaluate the usability of multi-parameter technology (NOL index) for pain assessment in awake stroke survivors during non-nociceptive and nociceptive procedures within acute hospitalization and determine the feasibility and acceptability of NOL for pain assessment to support further large-scale studies. This pilot study will use a prospective, observational, cohort design with repeated measures. A first-of-its-kind NOL index device will be trialed in awake stroke survivors during acute hospitalization. Data will be collected from patients admitted to acute stroke care units with assessments completed during a non-nociceptive event and a nociceptive event to provide comparison to baseline. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses will be employed to assess the correlation between the NOL Index and the visual pain rating scale and critical care pain observation tool. Patients will report their experience with procedures using a numeric rating scale for pain and an open-ended question. Qualitative content analysis will code responses and organize responses into themes. This research has the potential to improve care for a population whose pain has been greatly overlooked and improve function, rehabilitation, and quality of life.
Arizona High School Outreach Program
Recipient: Morgan Morrow, DNAP, CRNA, Midwestern University
Grant Period: 3/25/2026-9/30/2027
Amount: $7,250
Summary: The Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists’ Diversity Equity and Inclusion (AZANA DEI) Committee is dedicated to advancing representation, equity, and awareness within the nurse anesthesia profession. Its mission is to promote visibility and inclusiveness among CRNAs and SRNAs, ensuring that the profession reflects the diverse populations it serves in Arizona and beyond. The primary goal of this educational initiative is to introduce high school students to the field of nurse anesthesia and inspire them to consider careers as CRNAs through early, meaningful exposure. During AZANA DEI-sponsored High School Days, students will participate in interactive presentations and discussions with practicing CRNAs and SRNAs. The program will expose students from Title I schools and underrepresented backgrounds to the field of nurse anesthesia, fostering awareness of healthcare careers while emphasizing diversity, representation, and community connection. The experiences will help students connect theoretical knowledge to real-world applications and develop an appreciation for the technical and scientific aspects of anesthesia practice. To assess program impact, participants will complete an anonymous brief pre- and post-event survey that tracks changes in awareness, interest, and perceptions of the nurse anesthesia profession. These data will help the committee evaluate program effectiveness and guide future outreach strategies.
Recipient: Michael Agbor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists
Grant period: 3/24/2025 – 6/30/2026
Amount: $26,000
Summary: This DEI Initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists in America (ACNAA), aims to train diverse CRNAs, especially those of Cameroonian origin, in regional anesthesia to promote a sense of professional identity and increase diversity among CRNAs performing regional techniques. The ACNAA will host a regional workshop at a conference with online didactic modules and hands-on practice with cadavers. Training will be combined with mentorship and skill development with hands-on simulation training, resume support, and ongoing mentorship after the workshop to guide future residents through their application process and journey to nurse anesthesia school. Conference participants will showcase research and clinical projects in DNP presentations, and panel discussions will promote knowledge exchange and professional networking. Training and mentoring a diverse group of CRNAs in regional anesthesia has the potential to advance equity in anesthesia outcomes. Cameroonian nurse anesthetists often serve diverse populations, many of whom face healthcare disparities due to cultural, linguistic, or economic barriers. By equipping these practitioners with advanced skills, the initiative will enhance their ability to deliver high-quality care and position them as leaders in a field that will benefit from broader representation.
Recipient: Rhea Temmermand, MSN, CRNA; Drexel University
Grant period: 5/20/25 – 6/30/26
Amount: $11,350
Summary: This DEI initiative, hosted by the Filipino American Nurse Anesthesiology Society (FANAS) and the Philippine Nurses Association Nashville Chapter (PNA-Nashville), aimed to enhance awareness of Asian American nurses’ contributions within the nurse anesthesia community through a documentary screening of “Nurse Unseen” and a Q&A session followed by a networking event with cultural foods and traditional dances. The event provided a platform for networking among diverse nurses, fostering a safe space for learning about the CRNA profession and encouraging membership in FANAS and the AANA. With promotion of diversity and inclusion, attendees were educated about the CRNA profession and opportunities were created for underrepresented groups to engage with the nurse anesthesia community. The success of this initiative was measured by participant feedback, membership in FANAS and the AANA, and diversity awareness within the nurse anesthesia community.
Recipient: Maria Van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, FAANA; Northeastern University
Grant period: 6/19-24 – 6/22-25
Amount: $4,945
Summary: Anesthesiology professionals typically begin misusing drugs during anesthesia residency programs with peak incidence for CRNAs occurring one decade post-certification. Heightened awareness, prompt identification, and evidence-based interventions are crucial for provider and patient safety. This national descriptive comparative study employed pre-post survey methodology. Participants were recruited from accredited programs and exposed to an educational intervention via virtual platform. Pre-post surveys collected data on demographics, perception, knowledge, experience, and reporting likelihood. Participants from 32 randomly selected nurse anesthesia programs were matched for analysis. Results showed significant change in perception of substance misuse as a disease after intervention. Knowledge of safety steps for impaired professionals increased, understanding of high substance misuse risk improved, confidence in identifying symptoms increased, and likelihood of reporting suspected use increased significantly. The results strongly support that this educational intervention improved knowledge, perception, and reporting likelihood regarding substance misuse among anesthesiology professionals. This national study provides a model for anesthesia programs nationwide. Including both RRNAs and their support systems creates a prevention network that improves early identification and intervention, potentially saving lives through increased awareness and willingness to report.
* Supported by the Art Zwerling fund
Recipient: Julia Hedge, BSN, RN; The University of South Florida
Grant period: 2025
Amount: $1,703.45
Summary: Imposter syndrome (IS) is a prevalent issue among Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs), characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of inadequacy despite clear success. These feelings contribute to heightened anxiety, burnout, and impaired academic and clinical performance. Resilience, the capacity to adapt to stress, is critical for overcoming these challenges. Evidence suggests mindfulness interventions enhance resilience and reduce IS, promoting mental well-being. This quality improvement (QI) project leverages the Headspace™ app to implement and evaluate a mindfulness-based program to reduce IS, foster resilience, and mitigate burnout among RRNAs at the University of South Florida (USF) College of Nursing. Baseline levels of imposter phenomenon (IP), resilience, burnout, stress, and anxiety will be assessed. Surveys will be administered before and after a 30-day mindfulness intervention delivered through the Headspace™ app to RRNAs. This quantitative design aims to assess the impact of mindfulness on IS, resilience, and mental well-being, using validated tools for robust pre- and post-intervention analysis.
* Supported by the Dean Hayden fund
Recipient: Daniel Jaworowski, BSN, RN; Albany Medical College Center for Nurse Anesthesia
Grant period: 2024
Amount: $3,205 Summary: The use of illicit substances is increasing in prevalence among anesthesia providers. High levels of work-related stress and access to addictive substances predispose addiction as a growing threat to these health practitioners. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of substance use disorder among RRNAs and CRNAs and explore the association between stress levels and substance abuse in a cross-sectional, observational study. A survey will be conducted of RRNAs and CRNAs including assessment with the PSS-10 and DAST-10. Multiple regression analysis will assess how factors such as age, gender, and years of experience practicing anesthesia may affect stress and substance use. Employing a comprehensive analysis with validated measurement tools will provide valuable insight into stress and substance use in this population, providing a foundation for future research and addressing a major occupational hazard to nurse anesthesia providers.
Recipient: Christina Congdon, MS, MPhil, CRNA; The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
Grant period: 6/19-24 – 12/30/25
Amount: $6,495
Summary: Rates of burnout among CRNAs are alarmingly high, leading to adverse outcomes such as decreased job satisfaction and increased intention to leave a position. Rural hospitals face significant hardships; use of care models that promote utilization of the CRNA workforce for provision of anesthesia services is vital to reducing health disparities. There is a gap in knowledge regarding the factors of the organizational climate in rural settings that contribute to CRNA burnout, job dissatisfaction, and intention to leave. This mixed-methods study will determine, from the perspective of CRNAs, the impact of organizational climate on burnout, job satisfaction, and intention to leave among CRNAs in rural settings. CRNAs in rural settings will be surveyed across California, New York, and Texas and multivariate models will examine whether organizational climate is predictive of burnout, job satisfaction, and intention to leave. Phenomenological methods will be employed to interview CRNAs in rural settings experiencing low and high burnout to better understand associations. Content analysis will identify meaning. Evidence generated from this project will inform workforce policy and identify targeted organizational interventions to be tested in subsequent studies aimed at reducing CRNA burnout and turnover. Optimized organizational climate and workforce policy may ensure the ample CRNA supply needed to meet the demand for high-quality anesthesia care for rural populations.