Return to Anaesthesia Practice for Anaesthetists

Optimal performance depends on recency of practice, and deteriorates when clinical activities are interrupted. Deterioration is individual, and relates to:

Definitions

  • Prolonged absence
    Absence from clinical anaesthesia >12 months.

Principles

Return to practice should be:

  • Based upon ANZCA roles in practice
  • Incorporate ANZCA CPD philosophy
  • Be informed by a needs analysis

Outline

Program duration is one month per year of absence:

  • Tailored to individual needs
  • Broken into stages:
    • Stage 1
      Prior to recommencement, or early in return to practice:
      • CICO
      • Cardiac arrest
      • Formal CPD plan
    • Stage 2
      On commencement.
      • Initial period of one-to-one supervision
      • Structured assessment of ability to practice without one-to-one supervision
    • Stage 3
      After finishing one-to-one supervision period.
      • Oversight by supervisor
      • Evaluation
        MSF, peer review, clinical audit.
      • Discussion of cases with supervisor
    • Stage 4
      Completion of return to practice.
      • Supervisor submits report to college confirming satisfactory completion

Plan Requirements

Must contain:

  • Supervisor details
  • Reason of absence from practice
  • Learning needs analysis
  • Description of:
    • Where the program will occur
    • Intended duration
    • Intended clinical experience

References

  1. ANZCA. PS50: Guidelines on Return to Anaesthesia Practice for Anaesthetists.