Anaesthesia and intensive care
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyFibreoptic intubation skills among anaesthetists in New Zealand.
The aim of this study was to investigate methods of practice, assess skill level, and evaluate attitudes towards fibreoptic intubation in the anaesthetic community of New Zealand. A postal survey questionnaire was sent to all vocationally registered anaesthetists in New Zealand and to all New Zealand anaesthetic trainees registered with the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. There were 611 survey questionnaires posted and 386 (63%) respondents. ⋯ Only 18% of trainees had a formal airway management program available to them at their place of work. There appears to be a need to increase available opportunities to perform fibreoptic intubation to enable maintenance and improvement of fibreoptic skills in our community. A formalized program of teaching fibreoptic intubation may offer greater opportunity for learning and skill development.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Dec 2005
Comparative StudyThe influence of the current medicolegal climate on New South Wales anaesthetic practice.
A survey was posted to all New South Wales and Provisional Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists to assess the influence of the current medicolegal climate on their anaesthetic practice. Information collected included demographics, opinions regarding the current medico-legal climate, medical defence organizations, and the implications for anaesthetic practice. The response rate was 78% (640/820). ⋯ Changes to the conduct of the preoperative consultation were common. Other changes to practice included more thorough documentation of complications (50.8%) and a strong reluctance to perform neuraxial blocks (54%). This survey suggests that anaesthetists are concerned about the current medicolegal climate and as a result, some are retiring earlier and giving up high-risk areas of practice.
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Dec 2005
Editorial Comment Comparative StudyUltrasound in regional anaesthesia--removing the blindfold?
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Anaesth Intensive Care · Dec 2005
Comment Letter Comparative StudyA novel method to facilitate nasogastric tube placement.