Background: We wished to determine a consensus view from UK paediatric anae
sthetic consultants of what practical skills are safe and appropriate for a
n anaesthetic trainee to perform during an initial 3-month module in paedia
tric anaesthesia.
Methods: A postal survey was sent to all UK and Ireland members of the Asso
ciation of Paediatric Anaesthetists (APA). This questionnaire was designed
to determine which tasks were delegated to trainee anaesthetists. Two hundr
ed and four questionnaires were despatched, replies were received from 165
consultant anaesthetists (80% response rate).
Results: More than 50% of the APA respondents would always or regularly all
ow an anaesthetic trainee in their first 3-month module ia paediatric anaes
thesia to perform; an ilioinguinal block, a penile block and a caudal (but
not in a neonate).
Conclusions: Anaesthetic registrars undertaking an initial module in paedia
tric anaesthesia should learn basic airway management, ilioinguinal blocks,
penile blocks and caudals (but not neonatal caudals).