Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #146

Primary Student Contact First Name: Elena
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Smith
Pronouns: {Empty}
Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: ec23f@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8994/Combined%20headshots.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: {Empty}
Work: Complete
Presentation Modality: Synchronous Online Presentation
Poster PDF: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8994/Intrathecal%20Dexmedetomidine%20for%20Cesarean%20Sections%20FSU%20Research%20Poster_ElenaSmithZachShiver.pdf
Poster Thumbnail: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/8994/Poster%20Thumbnail.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
{Empty}