Questions that parents should ask when their children have an operation
The lack of information about what Pediatric Anesthesiologists do and how one defines quality frightens many parents. Moms and Dads often say " I am more scared about the anesthesia than the surgery." It is part of my job to explain the risks and benefits and, to the best of my ability, allay some of the anxiety and fear. In this posting, I hope to give some guidance about what parents should want to know before their child goes off with a stranger to the operating room? This may take a couple of postings so put your seat belt on!
1. What experience and training does the practitioner have in the management of infants and children?
Most board certified anesthesiologists have received significant pediatric training during their residencies. After going into practice some develop a niche in managing children; millions of tonsillectomies and hernia repairs are managed by general anesthesiologists safely every year. The overwhelming majority of these practitioners provide high quality and safe care.
Infants, especially newborns, the premature and children with chronic disease require specialized training and should be cared for in centers that have the resources to provide the ancillary support that is required. For these patients, there is a difference in outcomes and parents of these kids should inquire about the training and experience of the person that will be managing the child's care.
2. Specifically how are Pediatric Anesthesiologists trained?
Most have five years of graduate training in anesthesiology after medical school including a fellowship in the management of the sickest children. Some have substantially more training - some are board certified in Pediatrics, many have substantial additional training in critical care. Is this necessary? Maybe not, but the more training and experience that a physician has the greater the likelihood that they can " land this baby in bad weather", and for some of the sickest infants, the weather is more like landing in a hurricane.
So parents should feel at ease asking about the experience level of the anesthesia practitioner, especially if their child is chronically ill or premature. In the same way that they should investigate the credentials of a surgeon, parents have a responsibility to ascertain that the person that will manage their most treasured possession meets or exceeds all suitable standards.
More about this in my next posting
Rae
1. What experience and training does the practitioner have in the management of infants and children?
Most board certified anesthesiologists have received significant pediatric training during their residencies. After going into practice some develop a niche in managing children; millions of tonsillectomies and hernia repairs are managed by general anesthesiologists safely every year. The overwhelming majority of these practitioners provide high quality and safe care.
Infants, especially newborns, the premature and children with chronic disease require specialized training and should be cared for in centers that have the resources to provide the ancillary support that is required. For these patients, there is a difference in outcomes and parents of these kids should inquire about the training and experience of the person that will be managing the child's care.
2. Specifically how are Pediatric Anesthesiologists trained?
Most have five years of graduate training in anesthesiology after medical school including a fellowship in the management of the sickest children. Some have substantially more training - some are board certified in Pediatrics, many have substantial additional training in critical care. Is this necessary? Maybe not, but the more training and experience that a physician has the greater the likelihood that they can " land this baby in bad weather", and for some of the sickest infants, the weather is more like landing in a hurricane.
So parents should feel at ease asking about the experience level of the anesthesia practitioner, especially if their child is chronically ill or premature. In the same way that they should investigate the credentials of a surgeon, parents have a responsibility to ascertain that the person that will manage their most treasured possession meets or exceeds all suitable standards.
More about this in my next posting
Rae
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