Want to be sedated (for surgery)? Anesthesia assistants could help shorten wait times
The critical shortage of anesthesiologists in Canada has been a pressing issue, but one potential solution may lie in increasing the number of anesthesia assistants (AAs) across the country. This profession, which has been established for over 50 years in Quebec and about 15 years in most other provinces, works under the direct supervision of anesthesiologists to extend the care and service provided in anesthesia departments.
Anesthesia assistants, like Rob Bryan at Mackenzie Health in Richmond Hill, Ontario, play a crucial role in supporting anesthesiologists in delivering care to patients. While nurses in the United States can independently practice anesthesia as nurse anesthetists, the Canadian system relies on AAs to work collaboratively with anesthesiologists to provide care.
The duties of AAs may vary from province to province, but they are increasingly becoming part of anesthesia teams in hospitals across Canada. With backgrounds as respiratory therapists, registered nurses, or other healthcare professions, AAs undergo additional training in anesthesia to enhance their skills in providing sedation for patients undergoing procedures.
Dr. Jerod Gollant, chief of anesthesiology at Mackenzie Health, highlighted the importance of AAs in improving efficiency and patient care within the hospital setting. By working alongside anesthesiologists, AAs help to ensure that procedures are not postponed due to staffing shortages and can even expand their scope of practice to include independent procedural sedations.
However, there are challenges to overcome in increasing the number of trained AAs in Canada. Limited training capacity, lack of awareness about the profession, and financial constraints for individuals seeking additional education are all barriers that need to be addressed. Training subsidies, better pay, and increased awareness of the profession could help to attract more individuals to pursue a career as anesthesia assistants.
Dr. Sally Bird, pediatric anesthesiologist at IWK Health Centre in Halifax, believes that AAs can enhance the anesthesia workforce in Canada with the right support and training. By leveraging the expertise of AAs and providing them with opportunities for growth and development, hospitals can benefit from a stronger anesthesia team that ultimately improves patient outcomes and reduces the burden on existing healthcare providers.
In conclusion, the role of anesthesia assistants in Canada is evolving to meet the growing demand for anesthesia services. By investing in training programs, raising awareness about the profession, and supporting AAs in their career development, the healthcare system can ensure better access to surgical care and a more sustainable workforce in the field of anesthesia.
