CRNA-conducted research: is it being done?

An emphasis on research was established with the 1998 Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) requirement that all nurse anesthetists graduate with a master's level of education. Nursing research is essential to expand the profession's knowledge base and to establish a foundation for evidence-based practice. However, to date there are no existing data indicating whether practicing CRNAs are conducting research or to what extent.