Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized comparison between records made with an anesthesia information management system and by hand, and evaluation of the Hawthorne effect.
Anesthesia information management system (AIMS) technology is designed to facilitate high-quality anesthetic recordkeeping. We examined the hypothesis that no difference exists between AIMS and handwritten anesthetic records in regard to the completeness of important information contained as text data. We also investigated the effect of observational research on the completeness of anesthesiologists' recordkeeping. ⋯ The AIMS records were more complete than the handwritten records for 32 predefined items. The potential of observational research to influence professional behaviour in an anesthetic context was confirmed. This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry No 12608000068369.
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Previous studies discussing the risk of medical misconduct amongst anesthesiologists differ in their conclusions. In Canada, there is a paucity of data regarding demographic information, disciplinary findings, and penalties received by anesthesiologists. The aim of this study was to identify potential characteristics for discipline within the specialty of anesthesiology by ascertaining disciplinary findings and types of penalties received by anesthesiologists and comparing these with cases of disciplinary action against other Canadian physicians. ⋯ Anesthesiologists in Canada have been subject to low rates of disciplinary action. Specifically, there have been low rates of sexual misconduct and unprofessional behaviour. Interventions to reduce disciplinary findings in anesthesiology could be directed toward bolstering education relating to standard of care issues, prescribing practices, and fraudulent behaviour.
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Few interventions have been proven to improve outcomes in neurocritical care patients. It is unknown whether outcomes in Canada have changed over time. We performed a cohort study in Southern Alberta to determine whether survival and discharge disposition have improved. ⋯ Mortality and discharge disposition of neurocritical care patients in Southern Alberta have improved over time. Practice modifications in the region were associated with positive outcome trends. Longer ICU length of stay may imply that intensivists are increasingly delaying decisions about withdrawing life-sustaining interventions.