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Abstract
Background and Aims The new RCoA 2021 Curriculum requires anaesthetic trainees to ‘deliver a range of safe and effective regional anaesthetic techniques to cover the upper and lower limb, chest and abdominal wall independently’ [1]. RA-UK have highlighted inconsistences in training and recommend core competency in high value Plan A blocks [2]. We implemented a weekly Sonoclub teaching program to cover all 7 Plan A blocks to raise the standards in ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) in our hospital (figure 1).
Methods Sonoclub sessions, which were organised by regional fellows from April to June 2021, lasted one hour encompassing lectures to help pass FRCA/EDRA and ‘block of the week’ scanning. Equipment included a computer, two ultrasound machines, two beds and willing participants. We conducted a pre- and post- course survey to evaluate trainees’ training and competency in regional anaesthesia.
Results 17 anaesthetic trainees (CT1-ST7) replied to the pre- and post- course questionnaire with an average attendance of 3 Sonoclub sessions. 24% agreed and 77% strongly agreed that Sonoclub improved their knowledge and skills in regional anaesthesia. Using a 5-point Likert scale, we found considerable improvements in the practice of obtaining consent, sonoanatomy of Plan A blocks (figure 2), managing complications and providing safe and effective regional anaesthesia (figure 3).
Weekly Sonoclub timetable
Pre- and post-course questionnaire for sonoanatomy of Plan A blocks
Pre- and post-course questionnaire for providing safe and effective regional anaesthesia
Conclusions We have shown regular departmental Sonoclub teaching improves training and competency in regional anaesthesia. We recommend Plan A blocks are taught on a regular basis in all hospitals. It is cheap, easy to implement and improves standards in regional anaesthesia.