Staff attitudes to an ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block room for orthopaedic patients.

ABSTRACT

Ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks have well recognised benefits in orthopaedic patients. Some hospitals, to maximise these benefits, establish dedicated "block rooms" to deliver this service. Orthopaedic surgery makes up a large proportion of our hospitals work load, and many of these patients would benefit from ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks. We analysed the attitudes of key staff in our hospital towards the establishment of a block room. Sixty questionnaires were distributed and 47 (78%) were completed. Orthopaedic surgeons (n = 6) were concerned ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks would delay theatre lists (83%), and cause patients pain (67%) and increased anxiety (67%). Anaesthetists (n = 10) and Nurses (n = 30) were concerned there was insufficient experience in their departments to deliver this service (80% and 77%, respectively). However, 91% of all staff believed funding should be available for a block room. Our survey has identified areas of concern, and deficiencies that we must address before proceeding with the development of such a service.