Perioperative Care Practices and Outcomes of Patients Taking Long-Acting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists in a Community Hospital Setting

Perioperative care of patients taking long-acting Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) is a relatively new anesthetic concern because of the increasing popularity of these medications for promoting weight loss and improving blood glucose. The potential adverse consequences for surgical patients taking GLP-1 RAs include pulmonary aspiration, longer hospital stay, and mortality. Through examining clinical practices and patient outcomes at a community hospital, this quality improvement project’s goal was to be able to provide recommendations for perioperative care practices for adult patients taking long-acting GLP-1 RAs. The clinical question of interest asked: Among adult patients taking long-acting GLP-1 RAs at a community hospital, what are the perioperative care practices being implemented and how do these affect patient outcomes while receiving anesthesia during surgery? A retrospective chart review of 50 charts was conducted and analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistics. Additionally, to further understand perioperative care practices and outcomes, an anonymous survey was distributed to anesthesia providers. This specific set of data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings showed inconsistent clinical practices, with limited use of steps to promote patient safety such as preoperative ultrasound (POCUS) and rapid sequence intubation (RSI). Based on this project’s findings, further research is warranted, especially in regard to community hospitals, to be able to create clear clinical guidelines for anesthesia providers. In addition, education is imperative among anesthesia professionals, particularly on conducting POCUS. Establishing and frequently updating a site policy on the care of patients taking GLP-1 RAs is necessary to establish uniformity of care practices among anesthesia professionals.