JAP Volume 7 Issue 1 Feature
Remember, remember…
There are no age restrictions or shame in reciting “naughty elephants squirt water” and jabbing the air in four clockwise points to explain that Cornwall is in South West England. Dr Mohammad, Dr Elayaperumal, Dr Aluri and Mr Hamid think similarly of mnemonics and acronyms in anaesthesia.
have been introduced, which are divided into different categories, such as acronyms for cardiology, neurology and anaesthetics etc. Mnemonics are of particular use to medical students, but we can all use some help with our memories in the long haul. We would like to present the readers of JAP with our acronyms and mnemonics for anaesthesia and peri-operative care. They will cover: • The definition of an anaesthetist • Awareness during GA • Care of patients in PACU • Non-anaesthetic causes of vomiting • Sher’s scoring for prediction of PONV • Paracetamol • Peri-operative Hypothermia • Anaphylaxis • RA Vs GA in labour suite (also called baby factory) • Indications for GA in dental surgery
A Te 21st
The definition of an anaesthetist differs from one country to another and even within the same country. Some people say that an anaesthetist is anyone who puts somebody to sleep. An anaesthetist is also known as a gas man. There is always a debate whether to call him/her an anaesthetist or anaesthesiologist. About 10 years ago, on the eve of National Anaesthesia Day, public survey showed that anaesthetists were not doctors; rather, they were considered as technicians only. We have developed some acronyms which give the 21st
century definition of an “anaesthetist”
cronyms and mnemonics are handy for remembering things. In modern medical science (including anaesthetics), hundreds of mnemonics
A Arrives in theatre on time Approachable when needed Appreciates and values the role of others Audits own practice and attends PGME meetings Appraises and revalidates him/herself
N Non-judgemental Non-interfering Networker
A Anticipates risks and makes plans to avoid complications Acts quickly and appropriately Analgesia guru All rounder i.e. practices as intensivist, pain specialist and anaesthetist (e.g.DGHs)
E EBM follower Educated to RCA standards Economic in time, consumables and resources Encourages surgeons with helpful comments Enhanced recovery programme supporter
S Scientific as well as practical Supervises juniors with patience Sticks to safe sedation guidelines Signs instantly for controlled drugs being used
T Technically sound and safe Tackles problems confidently
H Hard worker Helpful to all staff members including surgeons Handover of patients to others is clear, timed and documented Habituates hand hygiene, which helps prevent HAIs
E Enthusiastic and humorous Eco-friendly practice i.e. uses low flow anaesthesia
T Team player Time keeper
century
definition of an anaesthetist (British Standard). The definition may change in future as new knowledge is generated through research, new medicine introduced and updated technologies incorporated into anaesthetic practice. For now, simply remember the word “ANAESTHETIST” and that explains the characteristics of an anaesthetist.
I Instructs accurately Implements NICE guidelines
S Situationally aware Seeks advice before it is too late Structured and specific approach
T Teaches up-to-date information Trainees are satisfied Takes part in research
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