Perioperative Care Practices and Outcomes of patients taking Long-Acting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists at an Ambulatory Surgical Center

Perioperative care practices for the management of patients taking long-acting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is a relatively new anesthetic concern due to rapidly increased use of these medications. Potential adverse consequences for surgical patients taking GLP-1 RAs include pulmonary aspiration, longer hospital stay, gastrointestinal side effects, and mortality. By examining clinical practices and patient outcomes at a one-day/ambulatory surgical center, the goal was to provide recommendations for perioperative care practices of adult patients taking long-acting GLP-1 RAs. The guiding clinical question was: Among adult patients at an ambulatory surgical center taking long-acting GLP-1 RAs, what are the perioperative care practices being implemented, and how do these affect patient outcomes while receiving anesthesia during surgery? Data were collected via a retrospective chart review of 50 charts and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. In addition, an anonymous survey of anesthesia providers at this clinical site was administered to garner further input on perioperative care practices and outcomes, and findings were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Both the chart reviews and the provider survey revealed various clinical practices and inconsistent following of current guidelines. No patients experienced perioperative vomiting or aspiration, and six patients reported postoperative nausea. There was an overarching agreement among survey respondents regarding an increase in concern for patient safety for patients who take GLP-1 RAs, in addition to a reported need for education regarding the anesthetic management of these patients. Recommendations include POCUS education and training for all anesthesia providers, guidelines to promote consistent clinical practices, and increasing awareness of safe perioperative care practices for patients taking GLP-1 RA medications.