title: Teaching and learning in the operating theatre.
abstract: The anaesthetist's role during an anaesthetic is one of vigilance. Any interaction between tutor and student in this situation must be structured around the vigilance task. Teaching that recognizes this role may be educationally fruitful and may even improve vigilance. Teaching which disregards this function is less likely to result in learning and may interfere with patient care. Some of the types of teaching that are likely to be appropriate or inappropriate to different phases of an anaesthetic are indicated.
mesh_terms: D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D001288:Attention; D001315:Australia; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D007858:Learning; D009873:Operating Rooms; D013663:Teaching