Monitoring during sedation given by non-anaesthetic doctors

Conscious sedation is routinely performed by non-anaesthetic doctors. Although guidelines exist to help promote patient safety, it is not clear how stringently these are adhered to. We circulated a questionnaire to non-anaesthetic doctors in training to assess sedation practices. A response rate of 79% (111/140) was achieved. Results showed that 70% of respondents used data recording sheets and/or had protocols for recovery and discharge. In all, 88% of procedures were performed in the presence of an assistant; 82% of respondents used pulse oximetry; 80% used non-invasive blood pressure monitoring; 53% used ECG monitoring; and none used capnography. Of respondents, 29% were Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified; and 22% reported an adverse event. Two respondents experienced adverse events that required the assistance of an anaesthetist. The practice of sedation is not without risk, and doctors involved in the practice should be aware of, and adhere to, appropriate guidelines.