Srinivasan I, Whyte S, Bailey K, Antrobus T, Hinkson-LaCorbinière K, Martin TW, Cravero JP, Mason LJ. Pediatric anesthesia in North America.
Paediatr Anaesth 2024. [PMID:
38462910 DOI:
10.1111/pan.14872]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
This educational review outlines the current landscape of pediatric anesthesia training, care delivery, and challenges across Canada, Barbados, and the United States.
DESCRIPTIONS AND CONCLUSIONS
Approximately 5% of Canadian children undergo general anesthesia annually, administered by fellowship-trained pediatric anesthesiologists in children's hospitals, general anesthesiologists in community hospitals, or family practice anesthesiologists in underserved regions. In Canada, the focus is on national-level evaluation and accreditation of pediatric anesthesia fellowship training, addressing challenges arising from workforce shortages, particularly in remote areas. Barbados, a Caribbean nation, lacks dedicated pediatric hospitals but has provided pediatric anesthesia since 1972 through anesthetists with additional training. Challenges in its development, common to low-middle-income countries, include inadequate infrastructure and workforce shortages. Increased awareness of pediatric anesthesia as a sub-specialty could enhance perioperative care for Barbadian children. Pediatric anesthesia encompasses various specialties in the United States, with pediatric anesthesiologists playing a foundational role. Challenges faced include recruitment and retention difficulties, supply-chain shortages, and the proliferation of anesthesia sites, all impacting the delivery of modern, high-quality, and cost-effective patient care. Collaborative efforts at national and organizational levels strive to improve the quality and safety of pediatric anesthesia care in the United States.
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