Local anaesthesia for cannulation. Has practice changed?

A questionnaire study was undertaken to assess the influence of recently published, simple and conclusive research on the practice of anaesthetists in four centres. The research had clearly demonstrated the benefit of subcutaneous infiltration of local anaesthetic in reducing the pain of intravenous cannulation. Of the 81% who responded, 71% were aware of the research; 43% of these anaesthetists had altered their clinical practice as a result of the research and 73% used local anaesthesia for cannulae of 18 gauge or less, compared with only 46% of those who were unaware of the research. Practice comparisons were made between centres and grades of anaesthetist. Senior house officers were significantly less likely to be aware of the research than other grades. Anomalies were identified between the apparent awareness of the research and routine practice agreeing with the study findings. The value of research and the incorporation of clinical findings into everyday practice is discussed.