Association of Anaesthetists/Anaesthesia Research Grants

Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust

Title
An observational cohort study to measure carbon dioxide levels and to investigate the physiological and psychological impacts on healthy NHS staff volunteers whilst wearing filtering face piece class 3 (FFP3) respirators

Amount
£18,453

Scientific Abstract
UK guidance recommends FFP3 respirators are worn when performing aerosol-generating procedures and at all times in critical care areas containing patients with COVID-19.

Healthcare workers have reported a variety of symptoms when wearing respirators consistent with hypercarbia. Although FFP3 respirators should maintain FiCOâ‚‚ < 0.01, we hypothesise that greater levels of FiCOâ‚‚ may occur, explaining the symptoms reported. Hypercarbia can reduce individual cognitive performance in clinical situations, potentially affecting personnel and patient safety.

The primary aim of this research is to measure PcCOâ‚‚ levels in 20 volunteer healthcare workers wearing FFP3 respirator masks alone and then a subset of 10 volunteers (drawn from the first 20) wearing 'full' PPE ensemble. The secondary aims are: to quantify: the prevalence of symptoms associated with prolonged FFP3 respirator use, particularly those known to be associated with hypercarbia, and to determine any impact on standardised reaction time testing.

This research will help raise awareness of problems with PPE, it may help inform future respirator redesign and reconsideration of working conditions, towards improving personnel and patient safety.

University of Oxford

Title
How can short-course training contribute to excellence in post-operative care in Low-income and Middle-income Countries? An e-Delphi technique study

Amount
£2,840

Scientific Abstract
Postoperative mortality is one of the leading causes of death globally, and it disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A leading cause for this inequality, the availability of skilled anaesthesia providers, is targeted through the Safer Anaesthesia From Education (SAFE) short courses. However, no current short course exists which explores the postoperative period in detail, despite its significance for safe surgical care.

Therefore, we aim to work with SAFE facilitators based in LMICs, to a) define key curriculum content for a short course on postoperative care, b) explore preferred teaching methods, and c) define ideal participants and facilitators.

Following a literature review, a preliminary survey with content on postoperative care in LMICs will be prepared and further honed with the help of a number of focus groups comprising recent SAFE facilitators based in LMICs. The finalised survey will use a three round, e-Delphi technique, to develop consensus-based statements from panels of SAFE facilitators representing different geographical regions. These statements will be available on a website where feedback will be invited from visitors and used to inform the discussion.

The final statements can be used to develop new, regionally appropriate, short course content on postoperative care.