Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Routine preoperative electrocardiogram and chest x-ray prior to elective surgery in Alberta, Canada.
A study was undertaken to evaluate the utilization rates of routine preoperative electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest x-ray (CXR) by sex, age, and most frequent surgery type, and to estimate the total cost of these screening tests. ⋯ Routine preoperative testing rates and costs are relatively low in Alberta. It is possible that general evidence widely disseminated over the past number of years regarding unnecessary routines in preoperative testing has had an effect. Further interventions to reduce them would be of little value.
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The objective of this survey was to explore Canadian anesthesiology residents' educational experience with high-fidelity simulation and to improve understanding of the factors perceived to have either a positive or a negative effect on residents' learning. ⋯ Anesthesiology residents indicate that simulation-based education is an anxiety provoking experience, but value its role in promoting safe practice and enhancing one's ability to deal with emergency situations. Suggestions to improve simulation training include increasing residents' access, adopting a more student-centred approach to learning, and creating a safer learning environment.