Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #146

Submission information
Submission Number: 146
Submission ID: 8994
Submission UUID: 6bfeaad8-7284-4154-9824-4abd1d7ba748

Created: Tue, 01/13/2026 - 03:42 PM
Completed: Tue, 01/13/2026 - 04:22 PM
Changed: Tue, 01/13/2026 - 04:22 PM

Remote IP address: 2601:4c1:837f:e850:7161:8850:837c:362d
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Primary Student Contact First Name Elena
Primary Student Contact Last Name Smith
Pronouns
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email ec23f@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work Combined headshots.jpg
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
Bio of all individuals presenting this work Elena Smith is a Tallahassee, Florida native with clinical interests in pediatric anesthesia and regional anesthesia, and a strong passion for multimodal anesthesia. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano, tennis, and running with her dog.
Zachary Shiver is a Thomasville, Georgia native with clinical interests in obstetric anesthesia and regional anesthesia, and a strong passion for multimodal anesthesia. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
Poster Title Improving Provider Knowledge and Utilization of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as an Analgesic Adjunct to Spinal Anesthesia for Cesarean Sections
Abstract Cesarean delivery commonly relies on spinal anesthesia, which may provide incomplete visceral analgesia and often requires opioid adjuncts associated with adverse effects. Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is a promising non-opioid alternative. This quality improvement project evaluated whether targeted education and improved access increased CRNA knowledge, confidence, and utilization. Following the intervention, weekly use increased from 25% to 100%, provider knowledge improved, opioid requirements decreased, spinal block onset was faster and duration prolonged, maternal comfort improved, and side effects were minimal. These findings support intrathecal dexmedetomidine as a safe, effective opioid-sparing spinal adjuvant.
Keywords: dexmedetomidine, intrathecal, spinal, analgesia, adjunct, cesarean section
Research Mentor Name Dr. Jason Smith
Research Mentor's College (or High School) Florida State University Panama City
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject) Nurse Anesthesia Program
Research Mentor's Email jcsmith3@pc.fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s) Dr. Gerard Hogan
Co-presenter(s) Zachary Shiver
Keywords dexmedetomidine, intrathecal, analgesia, adjunct, cesarean section
Poster Session/Number
Work Complete
Presentation Modality Synchronous Online Presentation
Poster PDF
Poster Thumbnail Poster Thumbnail.jpg
I will be printing my poster No
Year 2026
Annual description 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=DAaINWBEgLreGh9ilGEOzzLR2PgotuUM2r_kJxg27uU