Postal survey of training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia in the United Kingdom.
BACKGROUND
There are no nationally agreed standards for training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia despite the recommendation of two reports. Since then, anesthesia training has changed because of the introduction of competency-based training, the New Deal and the European Working Time Directive.


METHODS
We surveyed consultant pediatric cardiac anesthetists to establish what training they had undergone and to compare this with what they would recommend for training in the specialty. We also wanted to determine the profession's views on establishing training guidelines and what areas of practice to include when setting standards.


RESULTS
Seventy-three percent of consultants want the Royal College of Anaesthetists to set standards for training. The majority had spent at least 2 years training in general pediatric, adult cardiac and pediatric cardiac anesthesia as well as pediatric intensive care and had spent time gaining experience overseas.


CONCLUSIONS
They would recommend the same experience for others but this is unlikely to happen within the current constraints of specialist registrar training. Therefore, further training in a fellowship program in the UK or abroad is likely to be necessary.
White
Michelle C
MC
Department of Anesthesia, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8 Canada. mcwdoc@doctors.org.uk
Murphy
Timothy W G
TW
D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003162:Competency-Based Education; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom