The use of nitrous oxide in paediatric anaesthetic practice in the United Kingdom: a questionnaire survey.
Nitrous oxide pollution is common in paediatric anaesthetic practice. A questionnaire was sent to all UK members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists requesting details of three areas of their paediatric practice relating to nitrous oxide: attitudes to its use; current usage; and availability of alternatives. Replies were received from 296 (68%) consultants. Of these, 169 (57%) stated that their use of nitrous oxide had decreased over the last 5 years. One hundred and fifty-eight (54%) considered theatre pollution a problem in paediatric anaesthesia. One hundred and sixty-nine (57%) reported that in normal circumstances potential deleterious effects on patients influenced their use of nitrous oxide, whilst only 70 (24%) felt potential effects on staff influenced usage. Fifty-five (18%) felt there should be some restriction in the availability of nitrous oxide.
Sheraton
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TE
Department of Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, University Hospital of Wales/University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales, UK. sheratonte1@cf.ac.uk
Gildersleve
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CD
Hall
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JE
D000758:Anesthesia / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D009609:Nitrous Oxide