Anesthesia and sedation outside of the operating room

Korean J Anesthesiol. 2015 Aug;68(4):323-31. doi: 10.4097/kjae.2015.68.4.323. Epub 2015 Jul 28.

Abstract

Due to rapid evolution and technological advancements, medical personnel now require special training outside of their safe zones. Anesthesiologists face challenges in practicing in locations beyond the operating room. New locations, inadequate monitoring devices, poor assisting staff, unfamiliarity of procedures, insufficient knowledge of basic standards, and lack of experience compromise the quality of patient care. Therefore, anesthesiologists must recognize possible risk factors during anesthesia in nonoperating rooms and familiarize themselves with standards to improve safe practice. This review article emphasizes the need for standardizing hospitals and facilities requiring nonoperating room anesthesia, and encourages anesthesiologists to take the lead in applying these practice guidelines to improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse events.

Keywords: Anesthesia; Complication; Deep sedation; Intraoperative monitoring; Risk.

Publication types

  • Review