Historically, research has paid little attention to the division of labor in the anesthesia care team (ACT) model. For example, anecdotal reports suggest there is marked variation in the delivery of regional anesthesia amongst nurse anesthetists and physicians, but there is minimal evidence to support or refute. The presentation will report findings from a single state survey of practices in the ACT model, as well as examine differences between facilities. Using five procedures (hysterectomy, cesarean section, coronary artery bypass surgery, endoscopy, and labor epidurals), comparisons are made between levels of involvement.
Learning Objectives:
Describe activities of physicians and nurse anesthetists in a team care model.
Identify differences between rural and urban hospitals in administration of anesthesia.
