Swedish anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists routines for evaluation and management of cognitive function : a nationwide survey

• Introduction: In clinical practice efforts have mainly been focused on cardiovascular and pulmonary risks, there is less attention on postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).Methods: An online questionnaire regarding cognitive decline after anaesthesia and surgery was sent nationwide to a total of 2 626 anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts, subjective preferences, routines and practices based on four typical case scenarios i.e. POCD, POD, emergence agitation (EA) and awareness.Results: The response rate was n=417 (45%) and n=669 (55%) for anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists respectively. Only 10% of the responders consider cognitive function, assessment of preoperatively and risk for cognitive side-effects postoperatively important. The concern regarding awareness was far greater (90%) than for EA, POD and POCD, 30- 45%. EEG based depth of anaesthetic monitoring (DOA) is used regularly by 10% and in 22% in patients with increased risk. Regarding treatment, investigation and follow-up routines, less than 15% had written structured protocols. Sixty percent of the respondents do not consider POCD as an important outcome. Anaesthesiologists have a better knowledge of screening methods, management and follow-up routines and drug treatment for POD, POCD and EA compared to nurse anaesthetists.Conclusions: Our nationwide survey of anaesthesiologists and nurse anaesthetists shows that there is a general lack of knowledge about assessment and management of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. They are more concerned about awareness than the much more frequent and serious problems such as POD and POCD. In general DOA monitoring is not considered necessary. This survey shows that there is a clear need for improvement regarding knowledge of cognitive function.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Anestesi och intensivvård (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Anaesthesia

Surgery

adverse effects; cognitive dysfunction

postoperative delirium

emergence agitation

POCD

depth of anaesthesia monitoring

AAI

Anaesthesiology

Anestesiologi

Publication and Content Type

pop (subject category)

ovr (subject category)