Supervision of Pediatric Anesthesia After-Hours: A Survey of Pediatric Anesthetists in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND

After-hours pediatric anesthesia may pose increased risks, with a heightened potential for sudden cardio-respiratory decline. While mortality rates are low in Australia and New Zealand, critical events and morbidity occur more frequently and present ongoing challenges. However, little is known about how trainees are supervised during these high-risk periods.

METHODS

An anonymized online survey of members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia in New Zealand and Australia (SPANZA) was conducted to explore supervising anesthetists attitudes towards after-hours supervision. The survey examined the influence of patient age, medical history, trainee experience, and surgery type on supervision practices.

RESULTS

Respondents identified age and physical status as key risk factors but reported providing less direct supervision than recommended by international studies, especially for non-complex surgeries in healthy children. Trainee experience was a significant factor in supervision decisions.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric anesthetists in Australia and New Zealand recognize major risk factors but tend to supervise more remotely after-hours. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of these supervision practices on outcomes.