Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anaesthetists in an academic institution in South Africa

Background: Anaesthesiology is considered to be a medical speciality that can result in high levels of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic required anaesthetists to rapidly adopt additional challenging roles. This study describes the psychological impact of the pandemic on anaesthetists and identified and compared factors associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. An anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data utilising convenience sampling and results were reported using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The order of importance for the sources of stress and organisational support was determined by calculating the median rank. Results: The majority of the participants were between ages 31­40 (62.6%), male (59.8%), registrars (47.6%), had no comorbidities (73.8%), and had no known mental illness (79.9%). Having a previous diagnosis of a mental health illness was linked with greater levels of depression (OR [95% CI] = 4.50 [2.02­10.24], p < 0.001), anxiety(OR [95% CI] = 3.9 [1.7­9.0], p = 0.001), stress (OR [95% CI] = 3.8 [1.6­9.2], p = 0.002), and PTSD (OR [95% CI] = 5.4 [2.2­13.5], p < 0.001). Sources of stress identified included: insecure access to appropriate personal protective equipment, being exposed to COVID-19 at work, and taking the infection home to family. Conclusion: Participants with a history of mental illness were predisposed to developing negative psychological symptoms as a result of the pandemic. The main source of stress identified was insecure access to appropriate personal protective equipment.

Colombian anesthesiology at a crossroad? / ¿La anestesiología en Colombia ante una encrucijada?

The S.C.A.R.E. members assembly held on March 3ist, 2021, was quite revealing: its leitmotiv was the challenging work situation experienced by the colleagues across the country. The similarity with the very first assembly meeting I attended in Pasto in 1990 as a young anesthetist, invited by the tireless of doctor Jorge Osorio, was mystifying. It is rather striking to see how history repeats itself after 31 years, bringing back times that we thought were something of the past.

La asamblea de socios de la S.C.A.R.E. celebrada el 3 de marzo de 2021 fue bastante reveladora: su leitmotiv fue la desafiante situación laboral que viven los colegas de todo el país. La similitud con la primera asamblea a la que asistí en Pasto en 1990 como joven anestesista, invitado por el incansable del doctor Jorge Osorio, fue desconcertante. Es bastante llamativo ver cómo la historia se repite después de 31 años, trayendo de vuelta tiempos que creíamos que eran cosa del pasado.

Anesthetic management for non-cardiac surgery in a patient with Fontan palliation: case report / Manejo anestésico para cirugía no cardiaca en paciente con paliación de Fontán: Reporte de caso

Abstract Survival of patients with Fontan palliation has improved significantly over the years and it constitutes a condition frequently found nowadays in the perioperative setting for non-cardiac surgery. A history of this disease condition implies complex physiologic and multiorgan considerations for the anesthetist who may need to resort to special measures in order to maintain homeostasis and avoid complications. In this paper we present the case of a patient with a history of Fontan, and describe successful anesthetic management during laparoscopic surgery.

Resumen En los últimos años la sobrevida de pacientes con paliación de Fontán ha aumentado significativamente, y hoy es una condición frecuente en el escenario perioperatorio para cirugía no cardiaca. Este antecedente supone complejas consideraciones fisiológicas y multiorgánicas para el anestesiólogo, quien puede requerir medidas especiales para mantener la homeostasia y evitar complicaciones. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un paciente con antecedente de Fontán y describimos el manejo anestésico exitoso en cirugía laparoscópica.

Anestesia, analgesia, reumatología y alivio del dolor agudo y crónico / Anesthesia, analgesia, rheumatology and relief of acute and chronic pain

Introducción: el tratamiento eficaz del dolor postquirúrgico es hoy un reto para los anestesistas, reumatólogos, traumatólogos, cirujanos e investigadores de diversas especialidades, quienes proponen constantemente protocolos que toman como base a la evidencia científica. Objetivo: reflexionar y abrir el debate respecto al rol de la anestesia en el alivio del dolor de origen reumatológico. Desarrollo: en Reumatología, se recomienda, en todo paciente con dolor reumático crónico, calcular la intensidad del dolor, tanto para la elección primera del tratamiento analgésico como para la medición de la respuesta. Y, para ello, se han propuesto varios métodos de cuantificación. Conclusiones: el manejo diagnóstico y el tratamiento multidisciplinario presiden cuando se examina a este tipo de casos, ya que es la única manera de identificar el origen del dolor y suministrar un alivio prudente. En su generalidad, los pacientes responden al tratamiento conservador y solo un exiguo grupo va a necesitar de técnicas anestésicas invasivas(AU)

Introduction: The effective treatment of postoperative pain is today a challenge for anesthetists, rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons, surgeons and researchers of various specialties, who constantly propose protocols based on scientific evidence. Objective: Reflect and open the debate regarding the role of anesthesia in the relief of pain of rheumatological origin. Development: In Rheumatology, it is recommended, in all patients with chronic rheumatic pain, to calculate the intensity of the pain, both for the first choice of the analgesic treatment and for the measurement of the response. And, for this, several methods of quantification have been proposed. Conclusions: Diagnostic management and multidisciplinary treatment preside when this type of case is examined, since it is the only way to identify the origin of pain and provide prudent relief. In general, patients respond to conservative treatment and only a small group will need invasive anesthetic techniques(AU)

Comunicación de malas noticias: perspectivas desde la anestesiología / How to tell bad news in anesthesiology

Objetivo: Desarrollar las habilidades de comunicación, dado que estas pueden producir un impacto positivo tanto en el dador como en el receptor de malas noticias. Conocer, mejorar y reforzar las técnicas en la transmisión de malas noticias. La comunicación de malas noticias es una práctica inherente al acto médico, si bien no nos enfrentamos habitualmente como anestesiólogos, es una de las tareas más difíciles a las que estamos expuestos. El hecho de no estar preparados para ello puede comprometer las competencias que necesitamos para hacerlo adecuadamente, lo que es fundamental conjuntamente con el mantenimiento de una adecuada relación médico paciente. La medicina paternalista ha dejado de ser tal, para dar lugar a nuevas formas de modelos de atención, poniéndose énfasis en la opinión y participación del paciente (empoderamiento) en la toma de decisiones. Transmitir una mala noticia de forma inadecuada, es decir, de forma drástica y sin empatizar con la situación que vive el paciente, hace que el médico ejerza esa tarea de manera áspera y errática. Acercarse a una persona o una familia con una mala noticia, sin un plan adecuado para presentar la información en forma estructurada, es casi una garantía de que se generará mayor dolor emocional y la alteración de los receptores de la noticia. Conclusión: La mayoría de los profesionales médicos no han recibido educación para dar malas noticias, pero casi todos se enfrentan frecuentemente al hecho. De ahí la importancia de estar preparados para esta responsabilidad, por lo que necesitamos formación para hacerlo de manera adecuada y profesional.

Objective: To learn communication skills, as they can have a positive impact on both the donor and the recipient of the bad news. To know, to improve and to reinforce the techniques of transmission of bad news. The communication of bad news is an inherent practice of the medical act, although normally we do not face as anesthetists, it is one of the most difficult tasks to which we are exposed. Not being prepared for it can compromise the human and technical skills we need to do it correctly, which is fundamental in conjunction with maintaining an adequate patient medical relationship. Paternalistic medicine has ceased to be such, to give rise to new forms of models of care, with an emphasis on the opinion and participation of the patient in decision making. To transmit bad news in an inadequate way, that is to say, drastically and without empathizing with the situation that the patient lives, causes the doctor to perform this task in a rude and erratic way. Approaching a person or a family with bad news, without a suitable plan to present the information in a structured way, is almost a guarantee that will generate more emotional pain and alteration of the news recipients. Conclusion: Most medical professionals have not been educated to give bad news, but almost all often face the fact. Hence the importance of being prepared for this responsibility, so we need training to do it properly and professionally.

Acquiring skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management: comparison of high-fidelity simulation versus computer-based case study / Adquirir habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna: comparação de simulação de alta-fidelidade versus estudo de caso em computador

Abstract Introduction: The primary purpose of this study was to compare the effect of high fidelity simulation versus a computer-based case solving self-study, in skills acquisition about malignant hyperthermia on first year anesthesiology residents. Methods: After institutional ethical committee approval, 31 first year anesthesiology residents were enrolled in this prospective randomized single-blinded study. Participants were randomized to either a High Fidelity Simulation Scenario or a computer-based Case Study about malignant hyperthermia. After the intervention, all subjects' performance in was assessed through a high fidelity simulation scenario using a previously validated assessment rubric. Additionally, knowledge tests and a satisfaction survey were applied. Finally, a semi-structured interview was done to assess self-perception of reasoning process and decision-making. Results: 28 first year residents finished successfully the study. Resident's management skill scores were globally higher in High Fidelity Simulation versus Case Study, however they were significant in 4 of the 8 performance rubric elements: recognize signs and symptoms (p = 0.025), prioritization of initial actions of management (p = 0.003), recognize complications (p = 0.025) and communication (p = 0.025). Average scores from pre- and post-test knowledge questionnaires improved from 74% to 85% in the High Fidelity Simulation group, and decreased from 78% to 75% in the Case Study group (p = 0.032). Regarding the qualitative analysis, there was no difference in factors influencing the student's process of reasoning and decision-making with both teaching strategies. Conclusion: Simulation-based training with a malignant hyperthermia high-fidelity scenario was superior to computer-based case study, improving knowledge and skills in malignant hyperthermia crisis management, with a very good satisfaction level in anesthesia residents.

Resumo Introdução: O objetivo primário deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da simulação de alta-fidelidade versus autoestudo baseado em resolução de casos no computador, a aquisição de habilidades sobre hipertermia maligna em residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano. Métodos: Após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética institucional, 31 residentes de anestesiologia do primeiro ano foram inscritos neste estudo prospectivo, randômico e encoberto. Os participantes foram randomizados para um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade (SAF) ou um estudo de caso (EC) em computador sobre hipertermia maligna. Após a intervenção, o desempenho de todos os indivíduos foi avaliado através de um ambiente de simulação de alta-fidelidade utilizando uma rubrica de avaliação previamente validada. Além disso, uma pesquisa de satisfação e testes de conhecimento foram aplicados. Por fim, uma entrevista semiestruturada foi realizada para avaliar a autopercepção do processo de raciocínio e da tomada de decisão. Resultados: Vinte e oito residentes do primeiro ano concluíram o estudo com sucesso. Os escores dos residentes na aquisição de habilidades no manejo da hipertermia maligna foram globalmente maiores no Grupo SAF que no Grupo EC, mas a significância foi em quatro dos oito elementos da rubrica de desempenho: reconhecer os sinais e sintomas (p = 0,025), priorizaras ações iniciais do manejo (p = 0,003), reconhecer complicações (p = 0,025) e comunicação (p = 0,025). As médias dos escores nos questionários de conhecimento pré- e pós-teste melhoraram de 74% para 85% no Grupo SAF e diminuíram de 78% para 75% no Grupo EC (p = 0,032). Em relação à análise qualitativa, não houve diferença nos fatores que influenciaram o processo de raciocínio e de tomada de decisão dos alunos com ambas as estratégias de ensino. Conclusão: O treinamento baseado em simulação com um ambiente de alta-fidelidade de hipertermia maligna foi superior ao estudo de caso em computador, melhorou o conhecimento e as habilidades no manejo de crises de hipertermia maligna, com um nível de satisfação muito bom entre os residentes de anestesia.

Interacción farmacológica de los bloqueadores neuromusculares con fármacos de uso anestesiológico / Neuromuscular-blocking drugs interaction with drugs used in anesthesiology

Introducción: Se entiende por interacción farmacológica la capacidad que tiene un fármaco de alterar los efectos farmacológicos de otro que se administre simultáneamente. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión actualizada de la interacción farmacológica de los bloqueadores neuromusculares con fármacos de uso frecuente en el ámbito anestesiológico. Desarrollo: Los mecanismos de interacción medicamentosa son variados y se complican cuando se trata de modificaciones sobre las propiedades farmacocinéticas y farmacodinámicas de cada medicamento. Los bloqueadores neuromusculares (BNM) son fármacos que se utilizan para relajar la musculatura estriada y garantizar la intubación traqueal, la ventilación y producir un plano quirúrgico suficiente para que el cirujano pueda realizar de forma adecuada el procedimiento quirúrgico. Muchos medicamentos interactúan con los BNM y con frecuencia potencian el efecto relajante muscular. Esto resulta de importancia clínica en el caso de antibióticos, anestésicos inhalatorios, litio y ciclosporina. Conclusiones: El anestesiólogo moderno debe tener suficientes conocimientos teóricos sobre las diferentes interacciones medicamentosas que se pueden presentar en el perioperatorio. Los bloqueadores neuromusculares pueden interactuar con fármacos de uso común por los pacientes o por el anestesiólogo, por lo que es necesario el diagnóstico precoz y el tratamiento adecuado para evitar las complicaciones(AU)

Introduction: Drug interaction is understood as the ability of a drug for altering the pharmacological effects of another simultaneously administered. Objective: To carry out an updated review about the drug interaction of neuromuscular-blocking drugs with others frequently used in the anesthesiological field. Findings: The mechanisms of drug interaction are varied and are complicated in cases of modifications on the pharmacokinetical and pharmacodynamical properties of each medicine. Neuromuscular-blocking drugs (NMBs) are used to relax the striated musculature and to ensure tracheal intubation, ventilation. They produce a sufficient surgical plane in order for the surgeon to perform the surgical procedure properly. Many medications interact with NMBs and often potentiate the muscle relaxant effect. This is of clinical importance in the case of antibiotics, inhalational anesthetics, lithium and cyclosporine. Conclusions: Modern anesthesiologists must have sufficient theoretical knowledge about different drug interactions that may occur during the perioperative period. Neuromuscular-blocking drugs can interact with others commonly used by patients or by the anesthesiologists, a reason why early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are necessary to avoid complications(AU)

An evaluation of personality traits associated with job satisfaction among South African anaesthetists using the Big Five Inventory

Background: Job satisfaction is a vital contributor to occupational well-being and may be instrumental in mitigating stress and the adverse effects thereof. This is particularly pertinent in anaesthesiology, which is an inherently stressful field. There are myriad factors, including personality traits, shown to influence job satisfaction. Personality testing is conducted in many industries prior to recruitment; however, this is not the case in medicine. Currently the prevailing tool for the aforementioned purpose is the Big Five Inventory based on the well-described Five Factor Model of personality. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilised with electronic questionnaires distributed to all 1 509 members of the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists in 2016. Specialists, registrars, diploma-qualified and full-time general practitioner anaesthetists working in both the private and public sectors were included. Results: A response rate of 31% was achieved. Statistical analysis demonstrated that Neuroticism was the strongest and most consistent negative correlate of job satisfaction, while Agreeableness was positively associated with job satisfaction. Encouragingly, a mean of 65.6% was recorded for job satisfaction using a visual analogue scale. Socio-demographic variables positively associated with job satisfaction included increasing age, male gender, private practice and specialist/diploma qualification. Conclusions: Information gleaned from this study may prove useful in vocational counselling with the aim of improving occupational well-being, thereby reducing burnout and maladaptive behaviour among South African anaesthetists

Errors and clinical supervision of intubation attempts by the inexperienced

Background: Tracheal intubation is an essential skill for anaesthetists and other disciplines that require emergency establishment of a secure airway. Early attempts in patients often meet with failure. Existing publications focus mainly on trainees in emergency settings and highlight the role of experience in success; most recommend prior simulation training. Common factors identified as contributing to difficulty have been difficult airways, emergencies and rapid sequence induction. Early intubation skill development in patients with anticipated straightforward airways in a controlled environment has received little attention. Objectives: This qualitative observational study aimed to identify common difficulties associated with a supervised intubation process by inexperienced personnel in the relatively stress-free conditions of elective surgical procedures in the operating theatre. Methods: Following institutional and ethical approval, participants, supervisors, anaesthetic assistants and patients consented to observation and video-recording of supervised intubations in a Durban teaching hospital. Anonymity and confidentiality were assured. Contemporaneous observations were recorded in theatre, and video-recordings were subsequently reviewed for content. Errors, and interactions between supervisor, assistant and participant, and associated outcomes, were identified. Results: Twenty participants (medical interns and medical, paramedical and nursing students) performing 72 intubations were observed. All participants had prior training using manikins or simulators. There were 61 successful intubations and 11 unsuccessful attempts. Factors associated with failure included unfamiliarity with airway, equipment or process. Process errors included inadequate head positioning, laryngoscope handling and tracheal tube manipulation. Anaesthetic assistants contributed to difficulties in some cases. Supervisor support was either verbal, physical or both. Less experienced supervisors tended to intervene earlier. There was a significant trend for success associated with the reported number of prior successful intubations. A successful intubation within the study was, however, no guarantee of subsequent success. Conclusion: Despite prior simulation training, many participants demonstrated lack of familiarity with the airway, intubation process and equipment. While improved simulation training might partly address these issues, supervision of early clinical intubation attempts needs to be redirected from the process of intubation itself to the process of intubation skills acquisition. A first step would be to ensure that all supervisors and assistants are trained for the latter goal, anticipating common errors and providing standardised conditions for success. The use of video-recording of the events is an invaluable aid to observation and interpretation, and is recommended as an adjunct to further studies of mechanical skills transfer

Contribuciones de enfermería a la anestesiología en Costa Rica / Contribution nursing to the anesthesiology in Costa Rica

ResumenIntroducción. En el presente artículo se presentan los resultados de un estudio que cuyo objetivo fue identificar la participación de la enfermería en el desarrollo de la anestesiología en Costa Rica.Método. Se aplicó la metodología de la investigación histórica para determinar los sucesos ocurridos en el pasado relacionados con el desarrollo de la anestesia, así como las contribuciones de enfermería. Se analizó fuentes primarias y secundarias que fueron sistematizadas, valoradas, ordenadas y sintetizadas. Se aplicó la técnica de grupo focal y entrevistas en profundidad a 23 enfermeras (os) técnicos en anestesia que laboran actualmente y a las enfermeras (os) pensionados.Resultados. Durante más de 90 años la administración de anestesia a las personas fue llevada a cabo por enfermeras (os), no obstante, la formación de enfermería en anestesia fue suspendida en 1981.Conclusión. El estudio determinó que este personal tenía una preparación formal dada por el doctor Sotela que luego fue ampliada a año y medio por la Escuela de Medicina de la Universidad de Costa Rica, institución de la que egresaban como técnicos en anestesia.

AbstractIntroduction. In this article the results of a study that aimed to identify the nursing involvement in the development of anesthesiology in Costa Rica are presented.Method. Historical research methodology is applied to determine the events related to the development of anesthesia as well as the contributions of nursing. The primary and secondary sources were systematized, evaluated, ordered and synthesized. The technique of focal group and interviews in depth with 23 nurses anesthesia technicians that currently working and pensioners was applied.Result. During more than 90 years staff of the discipline conducted the administration of anesthesia to people and training in anesthesia nursing was suspended in 1981.Conclusion. The study found that the staff had formal training given by Dr. Sotela which was later extended to one and a half by the School of Medicine of the University of Costa Rica, an institution that were teaching as technicians in anesthesia.

Immunological status in anaesthetic personnel chronically exposed to nitrous oxide and halothane in operating theatre in Tanta University Hospitals

Immunological status of individuals occupationally and chronically exposed to low levels of halothane and nitrous oxide in unscavenging operating theatre was examined and compared with that of non-exposed controls. This study was conducted on 26 personnel of both sex, 9 controls [unexposed] and 17 exposed persons. The period of exposure was between 3-5 years. Haemoglobin concentration, red cell count and haematocrite value showed insignificant changes [P> 0.05] when compared with the control group. Also, segmented neutrohils, eosinophils, basophils and monocytes percentage did not alter significantll [P> 0.05] from the control group. On the other hand, the total leuococytic count showed significant decrease [P< 0.05] in exposed group when compared with the control group. Total T-lymphocytes [OKT3], OKT4 AND OKT8 percentages were significantly increased [P< 0.05] while their absolute numbers and OKT4/OKT8 ratio were insignificantly changed [P> 0.05] when compared with the non exposed group. No significant change [P> 0.05] were reported in serum I[g]a, I[g]m and I[g]e, but a significant diminution [P< 0.05] was found in I[g]g concentrations