French current practice for ambulatory anesthesia in children: a survey among the French-speaking Pediatric Anesthesiologists Association (ADARPEF).

BACKGROUND

This survey aims to describe current practice in ambulatory care among pediatric anesthesiologists in France.

METHODS

Members of the French-speaking Pediatric Anesthesiologists Association (ADARPEF) were sent a questionnaire examining the proportion of pediatric ambulatory anesthesia practiced by each responder, the level of adherence to pediatric ambulatory Anesthesia guidelines, and responder consensus in decision making when faced with common case scenarios in pediatric ambulatory anesthesia. For the latter, consensus was defined as a > 80% opinion.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-five pediatric anesthesiologists replied (43%). Ambulatory anesthesia appears underused in France. Recent French pediatric ambulatory anesthesia guidelines are being applied. Postoperative pain is poorly managed. The choice of scheduling children for ambulatory anesthesia appears to be more heavily influenced by practitioners' subjective evaluation than evidence from the literature.

CONCLUSION

A better commitment for ambulatory care must be found among anesthesiologists. Further studies are required to improve coherence, safety, and efficiency of children selection for ambulatory anesthesia.