ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Resilience of healthcare professionals involved in Anesthesia practice is relatively a new area of research. Improvement of resilience is important for the sustainability of the healthcare workforce. The aim of this study was to evaluate resilience of the health care providers towards intra-operative emergency situation and intensive care unit. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, healthcare providers working involved in anesthesia practice responded to a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to their regular work profile. Answers were graded as- "Yes", "Not often" and "No". Scores of "Three", "Two" and "One" were assigned to these responses and total score was calculated. Frequency and percentage of each response were compared based on place of work and roles. Scores were compared based on the designation. Results: Out of 103 healthcare workers 56 (54.4%) were from government or charity hospital. Thirty-one (30.1%) were Junior Residents. Comparison of responses based on the role/designation, significant differences were observed for questions- I reach to operation theatre well before the proposed time for the case (0.02994), I personally check operation theatre preparation (p = 0.01966), I check for the consent form every time (p = 0.02018), I can recognize different electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns (p = 0.00231) and I always try to learn from everything (p = 0.01989). Based on the place of work of study participants, there was a significant difference (p = 0.002095) for question, i.e., "I personally check operation theatre preparation." Conclusion: The study results suggested good resilience of healthcare professionals involved in anesthesia and intensive care. Some pointers towards burnout are seen among study population. Early interventions may be useful to improve resilience and reduce risk of burnout.
ABSTRACT
Pain is one of the most common causes of seeking medical care. In the day to day clinical practice, incidence of pain of some origin is next only to common cold. The average life span of an Indian has also increased and this population is vulnerable to chronic and cancer pain. Anaesthesiologists are well-versed with the art and science of treating pain and their role as pain physician is a natural extension of the professional work. 'Pain Medicine' is growing as a speciality. Last two decades have seen an explosive growth in the scientific study of pain and anaesthesiologists taking up pain medicine as a career. Postgraduate students can certainly adopt this super speciality. This article highlights the merits and depicts various aspects of 'pain medicine' as a career.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Needle stick injury (NSI) has a serious risk of transmission of various blood borne pathogens amongst healthcare personnel and more so in anaesthesiologists. This survey assessed the prevalence of NSI and awareness of safety protocols for its prevention amongst the anaesthesiologists from Maharashtra, India. METHODS: This self-administered survey was completed by 403 anaesthesiologists across Maharashtra from August 2019 to October 2019. The pre-validated and pretested 18-item questionnaire was administered using Google forms and the link was circulated amongst anaesthesiologists electronically. The questionnaire items included information on the awareness of safety protocols and immediate measure after NSI, knowledge of immunisation and safety practices followed in routine practice. Data were collected, tabulated and coded in Microsoft Excel. Descriptives are presented for the different items and prevalence of NSI. Comparison of prevalence of NSI in subgroups based on gender, period of experience and type of practice were analysed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of NSI was 73.7% (n = 403) in anaesthesiologists with 71.1% (n = 235) in males and 77.4% (n = 168) in females. The anaesthesiologists from the medical schools had a prevalence of 75.0% (n = 148), those in private practice had a prevalence of 72.7% (n = 216), whereas those working in both medical school and private practice had a prevalence of 74.4% (n = 39). A greater prevalence was observed in those working for longer periods. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of NSI's is alarmingly high amongst anaesthesiologists and there is an immediate need of creating awareness and practice safety protocols in routine practice. Training and education are required in the formative years of healthcare curriculum.
ABSTRACT
Obstructive sleep apnea may be associated with numerous comorbidities and perioperative complications. Poor laryngeal anatomy visualization can be a cause of failed tracheal intubation after multiple attempts in patients with sleep-disordered breathing due to the underlying adenoid enlargement. We present a case of difficult endotracheal intubation in a 52-year-old menopausal female patient posted for tonsillectomy with adenoid resection with a history of snoring and difficulty in breathing while asleep. A thorough preoperative assessment focusing on history and investigating obstructive sleep apnea, and preparing and planning for difficult tracheal intubation in such patients can lead to successful endotracheal intubation inside the operation theater.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY: Many a times, cancer patients undergo chemotherapy before being subjected for surgery. Such patients pose some serious interactions and complications during the anaesthetic management. So, it is very important to know such interactions, and problems in advance for a smoother and uncomplicated management of anaesthesia. Herewith, a detailed review of this problem is discussed along with the current concepts and solutions.