2021 Curriculum learning syllabus: stage 1

Published: 04/02/2021

Regional Anaesthesia

Stage learning outcome

  • Performs simple peripheral nerve blocks and performs spinal anaesthesia and lumbar epidural anaesthesia/analgesia independently

Supporting resources: Joint RA-UK/RCoA guidance for trainers on achieving regional anaesthesia outcomes: RCoA 2021 curriculum

Key capabilities A to C

A Explains clearly to patients the risks and benefits of regional anaesthesia
B Describes the indications and contraindications to regional anaesthetic techniques
C Practices measures to avoid wrong-site blocks

Examples of evidence

  • EPAs 3 and 4
  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties including obstetrics
  • these should include demonstration of Stop Before You Block measures.

Suggested supervision level

  • 3 - supervisor on call from home for queries able to provide directions via phone or non-immediate attendance.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Safety and Quality Improvement
  • Perioperative Medicine and Health Promotion

 

Key capability D

D Performs spinal anaesthesia for ASA 1-3 surgical patients independently

Examples of evidence

  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties
  • EPA 4.

Suggested supervision level

  • 3 - supervisor on call from home for queries able to provide directions via phone or non-immediate attendance.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Regional Anaesthesia

 

Key capability E

E Performs simple peripheral nerve blocks with ultrasound

Examples of evidence

  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties.

Suggested supervision levels

simple peripheral nerve block such as wrist block:

  • 2b - supervisor within hospital for queries, able to provide prompt direction/assistance

for ultrasound guided upper limb plexus block:

  • 2a - supervisor in theatre suite, available to guide aspects of activity through monitoring at regular intervals

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Regional Anaesthesia

 

Key capability F

F Performs ultrasound-guided femoral or fascia iliaca blocks independently

Examples of evidence

  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties.

Suggested supervision levels

  • 2b - supervisor within hospital for queries, able to provide prompt direction/assistance.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Regional Anaesthesia

 

Obstetric anaesthesia: key capabilities G to I

G Identifies and initiates initial management of complications of regional anaesthesia including systemic local anaesthetic toxicity, high spinal and dural puncture headache
H Provides epidural or combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labour in the ASA 1-3 obstetric patient, and offers other forms of pain relief when neuraxial analgesia is contraindicated
I Provides neuraxial anaesthesia for operative delivery and other obstetric procedures in ASA 1-3 patients and manages the inadequate neuraxial block

Examples of evidence

  • EPAs 3 and 4
  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties including obstetrics.

Suggested supervision level

  • 3 - supervisor on call from home for queries able to provide directions via phone or non-immediate attendance.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Perioperative Medicine and Health Promotion
  • Regional Anaesthesia

 

Key capability J

J Discusses the scientific basis of ultrasound and the generation of ultrasound images

Examples of evidence

  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties.
  • Primary FRCA.

Suggested supervision level

  • not applicable.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Regional Anaesthesia 

 

Key capability K

K Discusses drugs and equipment used in regional anaesthesia

Examples of evidence

  • SLEs throughout stage of training across range of surgical specialties 

Suggested supervision level

  • not applicable.

Cross links with other domains and capabilities

  • Regional Anaesthesia