The supervising anaesthetist should not be responsible for more than two anaesthetised patients simultaneously, where one involves supervision of an AA.118
Each department of anaesthesia should have a lead anaesthetist for patients with cognitive impairment with sufficient time identified for the role in their job plan.246
For children, a staff member with an advanced paediatric life support qualification or an anaesthetist with paediatric competencies should be immediately available.178
Only individuals who appear on the voluntary register, currently administered by the Royal College of Anaesthetists, should be employed in AA roles.15
Anaesthetists should participate in departmental audit and should adhere to the standards and principles outlined in the RCoA ‘QI Compendium.43
Departments should have processes in place to recognise and manage substance use disorder in an anaesthetist, providing support to the doctor involved.67
Anaesthetists should actively engage in planning services with significant regional anaesthesia requirements. They should be actively involved in policy decisions, service improvements and equipment purchasing related to regional anaesthesia.
Association of Anaesthetists Consensus guidelines on regional anaesthesia for patients at risk of lower limb compartment syndrome should be followed. Discussion of risk with the patient should occur where possible.
All anaesthetists involved in the care of pregnant and breastfeeding women should be competent to deliver high-quality and safe anaesthetic care in this population.54
