Efficiency-driven Anesthesia Modeling (EDAM)

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently developed Efficiency-driven Anesthesia Modeling, a new way of approaching anesthesia staffing that:

• Organizes variables unique to a healthcare facility or system while assessing requirements for best practices
• Limits duplication of services, improves effectiveness, increases access and reduces costs
• Reevaluates current anesthesia models to improve safe practice, cost effectiveness and accessibility

Addressing key concerns:

EFFECTIVENESS  

Studies show that increasing CRNA involvement and reducing restrictions on CRNA-provided services results in care as safe and equitable to that delivered by physician anesthesiologists or in more restrictive models.

EFFICIENCY  

Because Efficiency-driven Anesthesia Modeling uses CRNA providers, it may reduce (or even eliminate) the financial burden placed on facilities, help reduce unnecessary healthcare spending and reflect appropriate anesthesia staffing to meet a facility’s patient and surgical needs.

EQUITY  

CRNAs provide most anesthesia services in rural America and often work in areas with vulnerable populations. CRNA care may result in cost savings and reallocation of budget dollars to additional coverage for anesthesia services and/or other crucial healthcare areas.