Anaesthetic assistants: Their role in the development and resolution of anaesthetic incidents

Trained anaesthetic assistants ar-e considered essential for the safe condu ct of anaesthesia. Data from 5837 AIMS (Anaesthetic Incident Monitoring Stu dy) reports were evaluated for issues concerning anaesthetic assistants in the generation and resolution of anaesthetic incidents. "Inadequate assista nce" as a contributing factor was identified in 187 reports, whilst "skille d assistance" which minimized the incident was present in 808 cases. One hu ndred and seventy-two reports specifically commented on anaesthetic assista nts in the narrative section of the AIMS form. All surgical specialities we re represented. In 147 of these reports the assistant actually contributed to or failed to assist with the incident. Although the majority of outcomes from the reports were uneventful, prolonged st ny, awareness and ICU admis sion did ensue in a small number of cases. The most common incidents were r elated to problems with equipment, communication and inadequate staffing le vels (number and/or skill mix). Results from this study have implications f or anaesthetic assistant staffing levels and the orientation of course cont ent.