TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- A recent survey of pediatric anesthesia programs at teaching institutions in the United States highlights the need for improvements in training, clinical practice, and communication related to neurotoxicity associated with general anesthesia in young children, according to research published in the January issue of Pediatric Anesthesia.
Christopher G. Ward, M.D., of the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and colleagues sent a 22-question online survey to members of the Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council and the Pediatric Anesthesia Program Directors Association. The survey was divided into sections on Faculty/Trainees, Parents, and Non-Anesthesia Providers. Survey responses were solicited by e-mail with follow-up e-mail reminders.
The researchers found that U.S. programs for pediatric anesthesia lack consistency in their approach to managing the topic of anesthesia-related neurotoxicity among pediatric anesthesiologists, pediatric anesthesiology residents, pediatric anesthesiology fellows, and their non-anesthesia medical and surgical colleagues. Policies and materials for discussing this topic with parents also are lacking.
"A significant need exists to provide information to other pediatric professionals and parents," the authors write. "A consistent message from all providers that includes what is known, and indeed more importantly what is not known, may be a useful approach."
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