Anaesthesia is typically performed by a accredited anaesthetists, with support and assistant provided by a specifically trained nurse, technician, or theatre practitioner (referred to as anaesthetic practitioners from this point forward). Activities performed by anaesthetic practitioners encompass preoperative checking, recovery from anaesthesia and monitoring and positioning of the patient.

The importance of skilled assistance during anaesthesia has been highlighted in the literature, certainly the presence of an assistant can either mitigate or contribute to adverse events occurring. The aim of the research in this area was to identify the relevant non-technical skills for anaesthetic practitioners, develop a behavioural marker and evaluate the utility of that marker in practice.

If you would like to discuss this research further, or receive a copy of the handbook, please contact Dr John Rutherford: john.rutherford@nhs.net.