Chapter 8: Guidelines for the Provision of Regional Anaesthesia Services 2024
There should be a nominated anaesthetist responsible for training in regional anaesthesia, with adequate programmed activities allocated for these responsibilities.
There should be a nominated anaesthetist responsible for training in regional anaesthesia, with adequate programmed activities allocated for these responsibilities.
Anaesthetists with a specific interest in regional anaesthesia should deliver regular appropriate theatre sessions to ensure the maintenance of their skills and experience.
All anaesthetists and the wider theatre team should be aware of the serious complications of regional anaesthesia including wrong sided block and local anaesthetic systemic toxicity. Anaesthetists should help organise and participate in regular multidisciplinary training aimed at reducing risk, recognition and management.
Staff in the recovery area and in the wards who monitor and care for patients after surgery with epidural infusions, spinal anaesthesia, intrathecal opioids and single shot or continuous nerve blocks should have received up to date training in caring for such patients.50
Staff expected to provide medication to top up epidurals and continuous nerve infusions should be trained in the administration of such medications.
Equipment suitable for each age group should be available and checked.
Regional anaesthesia should be considered in the pre-operative preparation of patients. Families and patients should be provided with information about the benefits, risks, and side effects of RA techniques in a way that they understand. This includes verbal and written instructions on how to manage pain when the block wears off and what to do and who to contact in...
Hospitals should have pathways in place for major surgery that include the use of regional techniques.
Ultrasound equipment should be available, as its use to guide central (e.g. caudal) and peripheral blocks is encouraged to increase efficacy and safety. This is particularly relevant in younger children, infants and neonates where the effect size is inversely proportional to the patient size.5