The role of nonmedical staff in the delivery of anaesthesia service

Abstract

Purpose of review: There are many different ways of organizing anaesthetic teams, in particular because the role of nonmedical staff as assistants and anaesthesia providers varies between countries. Nevertheless, in many countries the nature and organization of anaesthesia teams is under review. A discussion of the ideas being expressed is timely.

Recent findings: Debate, comment and even developments are often based more on opinion than evidence. Anaesthesia teams are being extended both by the increased use of nonmedical staff to administer anaesthesia and by the use of specialized assistants to undertake anaesthetic and peri-anaesthetic tasks. These developments have not been shown to be unsafe and may alleviate potential shortages of anaesthesia providers.

Summary: Many factors influence the organization of anaesthesia teams. This review focuses on issues of manpower, standards, inter-professional working and the extending of the anaesthesia team. There are many ways of constructing viable anaesthesia teams. They must be fit for purpose within the context of their work and must satisfy criteria for outcome and audit of their processes.