[Target controlled infusion (TCI) anesthesia using propofol. Assessment of training and practice in the operating room].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate overall awareness of TCI and the need for training in the TCI technique. To assess, among trained anaesthetists, the value of the session and the impact of TCI technique on their working practice.


METHODS
Two prospective domestic surveys during the first quarter of 1999.


METHODS
Three hundred anaesthetists representative of French anaesthetists as a whole, and 336 anaesthetists who had taken part in a training course.


RESULTS
The notoriety of TCI was high and greater in the public sector compared with the private sector. Almost 3/4 of anaesthetists believed that training was necessary but only four anaesthetists out of ten TCI users said they had taken part in training sessions. After the training session nine anaesthetists out of ten became TCI users and would have recommended the training course despite the low number and variety of anaesthetic procedures observed during the practical part of training. The main difficulties reported during initial use were the choice of target concentrations and the management of drug interactions. Familiarisation to the technique was rapid (less than 20 procedures). Despite the lack of long experience (< 6 months for more than 2/3 of them), TCI appeared to be more likely used for anaesthesia of average duration.


CONCLUSIONS
TCI was perceived to be an innovative concept with a requirement of a specific training. This preliminary appraisal of training sessions was generally satisfactory but underline a need for future training sessions focused on practical aspects.
Ecoffey
C
C
Service d'anesthésie-réanimation chirurgicale 2, hôpital Pontchaillou, 35033 Rennes, France. cEcoffey.rennes@invivo.edu
Viviand
X
X
Billard
V
V
Cazalaà
J B
JB
Molliex
S
S
Servin
F
F
Laxenaire
M C
MC
D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005602:France; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D016304:Hospitals, Private / Q000592:standards; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D015742:Propofol