Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #154

Abstract Dexmedetomidine is an α₂-adrenergic agonist used widely in anesthesia for its analgesic,
sympatholytic, and recovery-enhancing properties. Despite its benefits, considerable variation
exists in provider dosing practices, limiting consistency in patient outcomes. Current evidence
suggests that ideal body weight (IBW)–based bolus dosing provides a more standardized and
clinically effective approach, improving postoperative pain control, decreasing postoperative
nausea and vomiting (PONV), and reducing delirium in laparoscopic surgical populations.
This project was guided by the PICO question: Do patients undergoing elective
laparoscopic procedures who receive IBW-based bolus doses of dexmedetomidine, compared
with prior non-standardized dosing practices, have better recovery experiences?
Using a pre–post survey design, this practice improvement project evaluated anesthesia
providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and dosing methods before and after viewing an educational
flyer on IBW-based dexmedetomidine dosing. Anesthesia providers at four hospitals were invited
to participate voluntarily. Survey responses demonstrated an increased likelihood of using IBW-
based dosing, greater recognition of key benefits, and a reduction in perceived barriers to
dexmedetomidine use.