Article Text
Abstract
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Background and Aims Regional anaesthesia training is variable across the UK. It relies on senior anaesthetists being competent in teaching blocks and maintaining a sufficient logbook of cases to satisfy the outcomes required by the Royal College of Anaesthetists. By understanding the areas of deficiency, logging the cases performed and implementing new protocols, our department (not synonymous with blocks) set out the ambitious task of becoming authorised for advanced regional anaesthesia training (fellowship equivalent).
Methods A questionnaire was sent out to the senior anaesthetists about the RA-UK Plan A blocks. A database was created recording the number and type of regional procedures carried out. Training days, scanning clubs and consultant appointments (regional anaesthetists) were implemented.
Results We identified 3 Plan A blocks in which our department performed less frequently and were least confident in: rectus sheath, adductor canal and erector spinae plane. Over a 28-day period, our department performed 147 regional blocks for 108 cases.
Conclusions By designing training days (targeting deficient areas) and holding regular scanning sessions we created a culture in which regional anaesthesia flourished. A new protocol devised for the hip and knee arthroplasties also resulted in an exponential rise in lower limb blocks. Our department now performs a large and varied number of blocks making it compatible with advanced curriculum requirements. The above data was presented to the regional training programme directors and approval to implement a regional anaesthesia advanced module at our hospital was granted. This project offers a template of how other hospitals can also work towards advanced training approval.