Current opinion in anaesthesiology
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewMachine learning: implications and applications for ambulatory anesthesia.
This review explores the timely and relevant applications of machine learning in ambulatory anesthesia, focusing on its potential to optimize operational efficiency, personalize risk assessment, and enhance patient care. ⋯ Machine learning has the potential to revolutionize ambulatory anesthesia practice by optimizing efficiency, personalizing care, and improving quality and safety. However, limitations such as algorithmic opacity, data biases, reproducibility issues, and adoption barriers must be addressed through transparent, participatory design principles and ongoing validation to ensure responsible innovation and incremental adoption.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewPreventing perioperative infections: a call to action for anesthesiologists.
Surgical site infections (SSI) are one of the most costly complications and hospital organizations are promoting multidisciplinary approaches to address this harm. Anesthesiologists are increasingly recognized as key players influencing surgical outcomes and patient safety, and play a key role in preventing SSIs. ⋯ Timely interventions, including appropriate antibiotics' administration, practicing sterile and aseptic techniques when performing intraoperative procedures and handling medications are impactful steps in the process of improving rates of SSIs. Multidisciplinary participation in local and regional collaborative initiatives to improve adherence to best practices as well as integrated education of all the stakeholders are some of the principles of patient-centered care described in our review.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewBest perioperative practices in the management of obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.
This review is timely due to the increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among patients undergoing ambulatory surgery, necessitating updated perioperative management strategies to improve outcomes and reduce complications. ⋯ Effective management of OSA in ambulatory surgery requires a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing preoperative screening, tailored intraoperative techniques, and vigilant postoperative monitoring. Implementing guidelines and protocols can significantly enhance patient safety and outcomes.
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Curr Opin Anaesthesiol · Dec 2024
ReviewDental sedation permit requirements for physician anesthesiologists in the United States and the European Union: a review.
This review addresses the dental sedation permit requirements for physician anesthesiologists in the United States and the European Union (EU). The regulatory landscape for office-based anesthesia, including dental settings, is often described as the 'Wild West' of patient safety, making it crucial to outline the similarities and differences in dental anesthesia regulations and offer practical guidelines for regulators. ⋯ By comparing dental anesthesia regulations and guidelines across all U.S. states and the EU, the review aims to offer practical guidelines for regulators to institute an oversight process that is fair to physician anesthesiologists and does not impede their ability to practice in the dental office setting. This framework for credentialing and permitting physicians in dental office-based anesthesia settings is informed by existing safety recommendations and best practices.