Abstract
Specific factors have limited the interpretation of studies regarding the efficacy, effectiveness and efficiency of technology in anaesthesia. Some of these problems are reviewed, including the lack of specific outcomes necessitating the use of intermediate measures (e.g., hypoxaemia, myocardial ischaemia), which are not necessarily related to ultimate patient outcomes. This emphasizes the need for anaesthesia investigators to define fundamental issues specifically and design studies accordingly. With respect to anaesthesia monitors, the “lead time” or early warning provided by a monitor relative to that required to alter therapy effectively needs to be defined better and compared with the “lead time” without the monitor. After defining the benefit of a monitor, investigators should analyze the cost relative to alternatives (cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness). A hierarchical model to guide technology assessment is presented that addresses in order, the scientific basis of the technology, and the influence on the patient followed by societal issues. Anaesthetists have relied on traditional methods of technology assessment adopted from other disciplines. These methodologies do not address specific issues related to anaesthesia practice (such as “lead time”). In defining problems specific to the specialty of anaesthesia, new outcome measures that focus on the human factors related to decision-making in the operating room need to be developed. Future evaluations of anaesthesia technology require innovative approaches that address specific anaesthesia-related problems. One such approach is the use of simulation-based studies of response patterns to critical incidents.
Résumé
En anesthésie, certains facteurs spécifiques limitent l’interprétation des études portant sur l’efficacité, le rendement et la productivité de la technologie. Certains de ces problèmes sont passés en revue, en particulier l’absence de résultats spécifiques nécessitant l’utilisation de mesures intermédiaires (par ex., l’hypoxémie, l’ischémie myocardique) qui ne sont pas en rapport direct avec le devenir ultime des patients. Ceci souligne pour l’anesthésie le besoin de chercheurs orientés vers la définition des problèmes fondamentaux et l’élaboration subséquente d’études appropriées. Au regard des moniteurs, le délai de réaction (ou la rapidité de l’alarme produite) d’un moniteur comparé au temps requis pour modifier efficacement un traitement doit être mieux défini et comparé au délai de réaction enregistré sans moniteur. Après avoir défini le bienfait d’un moniteur, les chercheurs doivent en analyser le coût relatif avec ses alternatives (coût-bénéfice et coût-efficacité). Un modèle hiérarchique servant à guider l’évaluation de la technologie est présenté dans l’ordre suivant: la base scientifique de la technologie et son importance sur le patient suivies par des problèmes sociétaux. Traditionnellement, les anesthésistes ont eu recours aux méthodes d’évaluation technologique adoptées par d’autres disciplines. Cette méthodologie ne s’adresse pas aux problèmes spécifiques à la discipline d’anesthésie (comme le délai de réaction). En définissant les problèmes spécifiques à l’anesthésie, il faut développer des nouvelles mesures de résultats qui mettront l’accent sur les facteurs humains qui influencent la prise de décision en salle d’opération. A l’avenir, les évaluations de la technologie nécessiteront des approches innovatrices qui s’adresseront aux problèmes spécifiques à l’anesthésie. Une telle approche comprend l’utilisation de la simulation des types de réponses aux incidents graves.
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Dr. Cohen is supported by a National Health Scholar Award from Health Canada.
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Byrick, R.J., Cohen, M.M. Technology assessment of anaesthesia monitors: problems and future directions. Can J Anaesth 42, 234–239 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03010685
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03010685