Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewDifficult airway management and training: simulation, communication, and feedback.
Successful and sustainable training and learning of the management of difficult and normal airway is essential for all clinically active anesthesiologists. We emphasize the importance of a continuously updated learning and training environment based on actual knowledge, best available equipment, standardized procedures, and educational theory. ⋯ We present the details of the Zurich Airway Training and Simulation program, which has been constantly updated to the actual state of knowledge and available equipment.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewThe future of nonoperating room anesthesia in the 21st century: emphasis on quality and safety.
Nonoperating room anesthesia (NORA) has grown from an insignificant percentage of total anesthesia cases into a major percentage of anesthesia workload over the past 30 years. This trend evidences no signs of abating. ⋯ It may be anticipated that in the next decade that NORA cases will constitute over 50% of the number of cases performed with anesthesia involvement. As the last century belonged to invasive surgery, the next century will belong to interventionalists. There is also an increasing national emphasis on quality measurement and metrics reporting. Future anesthesia payment models under Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act, such as merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS), emphasize various process and outcomes measures. Anesthesiologists will be evaluated based on a composite performance score consisting of four components: quality, resource use, clinical practice improvement activities and meaningful use of certified electronic health record technology.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewHeart rate variability: implications for perioperative anesthesia care.
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the balance between both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system and may provide useful information for anesthesia care providers. HRV may offer predictive information about critically ill and operative patients. Further, HRV collection provides real-time information of patient autonomic nervous system status and may allow tailoring of the analgesia for patients in the ICU and operating room. ⋯ Not applicable.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewEnhancing the quality and safety of the perioperative patient.
Many possible hazards bedevil the perioperative patient. This review focuses on a number of aspects of perioperative management where the patient's quality and safety can be enhanced. ⋯ A clear vision of what postoperative recovery should mean for practitioner and patients; careful risk stratification and prophylactic measures to avoid postoperative complications; the judicious use of checklists and other cognitive aids to complement clinical expertise in promoting safety within each local context; and the prompt recognition and rescue of postoperative problems when they occur are all important aspects of a safe perioperative care.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2017
ReviewRole of in-situ simulation for training in healthcare: opportunities and challenges.
Simulation has now been acknowledged as an important part of training in healthcare, and most academic hospitals have a dedicated simulation center. In-situ simulation occurs in patient care units with scenarios involving healthcare professionals in their actual working environment. The purpose of this review is to describe the process of putting together the components of in-situ simulation for training programs and to review outcomes studied, and challenges with this approach. ⋯ In-situ simulation can be used to improve reliability and safety especially in areas of high risk, and in high-stress environments. It is also a reasonable and attractive alternative for programs that want to conduct interdisciplinary simulations for their trainees and faculty, and for those who do not have access to a fully functional simulation center. Further research needs to be done in assessing effectiveness of training using this method and the effect of such training on clinical outcomes.