Paediatric anaesthesia practice in France: a survey in 1,526 anaesthetists.

Objectives: To assess the individual activity of anaesthetists in paediatri c anaesthesia (PA), and collect their wishes about continuing education and recommendations in PA. Study design: Transversal, prospective study. Methods: A questionnaire of 33 items, sent to 4,360 anaesihetists, spread o ver 15 health districts, working in a public or private institution. Results: We gathered 1,526 replies (35%) of which 34% university hospitals, 32% public institutions and 31% private institutions. 943 physicians (63%) had no specific structure, and 1,119(87%) considered a specialized nurse t o be essential for PA. 1,127 physicians (74%) had undertaken a specific ses sion during their formation. The practice of PA depends upon age and contex t. Above 1 year old, the surgery that is performed weekly was ENT (38%), ab dominal and urologic surgery (28%). Mask induction was performed by 60% of the physicians in children under 5 years. 63% of the anaesthetists dreaded a laryngospasm during induction. 625 physicians undertook regional anaesthe sia in children under 5 years (87% caudal anaesthesia, 48% peripheral nerve blocks). 1,029 physicians (67%) wished for recommendations in PA in childr en under 12 months. Conclusions: This survey showed that most of the anaesthetists wished for r ecommendations in their paediatric anaesthesia practice. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.