Anesthesia and analgesia
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2024
Pro-Con Debate: Anesthesiologists Should Be Responsible for Treating Preoperative Anemia.
In this Pro-Con commentary article, we discuss whether anesthesiologists should be responsible for treating preoperative anemia. This debate was proposed based on the article published in this issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia by Warner et al, which is an advisory on managing preoperative anemia endorsed by both the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the Society for Advancement of Patient Blood Management. ⋯ Even if we agree that preoperative anemia is worth treating before surgery, the question remains who should be responsible for doing so, and therein lies the reason for this Pro-Con debate. Should it be the responsibility of the anesthesiologist, or not? Let the readers decide.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2024
The Case for the Role of Primary Care in Patient Blood Management.
Patient blood management (PBM) is a patient-centered evidence-based strategy designed to preserve a patient's own blood and improve health outcomes. The effectiveness of PBM programs is now well-established globally within tertiary and secondary sectors, with demonstrable outcome benefits and cost savings. However, the role of primary care and the general practitioner in PBM is poorly understood. ⋯ The skill set of general practitioners in integrating and continuing care through the transition period after hospitalization is especially important. General practitioners are well-suited to the roles of health promotion and prevention, and have the potential to deliver substantial population health benefits. Given the public health imperative of this condition, it is vital that policy-makers appropriately support the role of general practitioners with financing, education, and resources for PBM in primary care.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2024
Quality Improvement in the Digital Age: The Promise of Using Informatics to Improve Obstetric Anesthesia Care.
Informatics describes the study and use of processes for obtaining and utilizing data. In the clinical context, these data are then used to inform and educate providers to improve patient care. ⋯ There are countless examples of how these tools can be adapted for use in obstetric anesthesia, with evidence to support their implementation. This article thus aimed to summarize the many ways in which informatics can help clinicians to harness the power of data to improve quality and safety in obstetric anesthesia.
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Anesthesia and analgesia · Sep 2024
Anesthesiologists' Role in Recognition, Prevention, and Treatment of Childbirth-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) is increasingly common and consequential for pregnant patients. Throughout the labor experience and beyond, anesthesiologists are central to creating a psychological safe space for patients and play an essential role in preventing, recognizing, and treating CB-PTSD. This narrative review summarizes the current literature surrounding risk factors for CB-PTSD that are relevant to anesthesiologists; patients' symptoms or signs anesthesiologists should look out for; and ways anesthesiologists may be involved in preventing and treating this condition.