Content provided in partnership with

Types of anesthesia care providers subject of recent study - General Sessions - Brief Article

Although some patients may prefer to have anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist, administration of anesthesia by a certified RN anesthetist (CRNA) is just as safe, according to a recent article in the AANA Journal. Researchers reviewed Medicare data and the mortality rates from more than 400,000 procedures to determine whether an anesthesiologist alone, a CRNA alone, or a team of an anesthesiologist and a CRNA performed better.

Study results showed no significant difference in risk-adjusted mortality rates by type of anesthesia care provider. Emergency and other high-risk procedures were excluded from the study, thereby increasing the probability that coexisting serious acute conditions were not present at the time of surgery.

Most Popular Articles in Health: Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...; Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions; Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...; The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use; The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...; More »

The study, however, has some limitations. Non-Medicare cases were not included, and Medicare data may not capture the true preoperative risk of death. Also, the Medicare database does not permit precise identification of cause of death.

M Pine, K D Holt, Y Lou, "Surgical mortality and type of anesthesia provider," AANA Journal 71 (April 2003) 109-116.

Health Care Industry

Types of anesthesia care providers subject of recent study - General Sessions - Brief Article

AORN Journal, June, 2003

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Autos

Most Popular Articles in Health

Most Popular Publications in Health