British journal of anaesthesia
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Genetic polymorphism (A118G) in the μ-opioid receptor has been reported to affect systemic opioid analgesia. However, reported pharmacogenetic effects on spinal opioid analgesia, particularly in labour, have been equivocal. ⋯ We found no significant effect for the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on analgesic duration after spinal fentanyl for labour. In contrast, ethnically distinct hospital population groups exerted a marked effect on the time-course of both analgesia and pruritus.
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Distractions are cited as contributory to healthcare-associated errors in a large proportion of incidents including those involving anaesthetists. The anaesthetist is relatively understudied, despite the closer coupling between action and outcome than in surgery. ⋯ Distracting events involving the anaesthetist are common, but approximately two-thirds of these events have no externally visible effect. Another anaesthetist was the most common recipient of a distracting event initiated by the anaesthetist. Anaesthetists need to address themselves as causes of distractions and the potential impact on patient safety.
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Scholarly activity is an important aspect of a resident's educational experience; however, evaluation methods have remained underdeveloped despite the increased focus over the last decade. A new scoring system is proposed as a comprehensive evaluation tool. ⋯ A new scoring system enabled a comprehensive statistical evaluation of residents' scholarly productivity.