Anaesthetic technician

Anaesthetic technicians use infusion pumps to deliver medications.
Drug ampoules contain small amounts of medications.

An anaesthetic technician (British English) or anesthesia technician (US English) is an allied healthcare worker who assists with the administration and monitoring of anaesthesia and has an extensive knowledge of anaesthesia techniques, instruments, supplies, and technology.

Anaesthetic technicians are mainly employed by anaesthetic departments or operating theatre suites, but can be found in other areas of clinical practice including emergency departments, intensive care units (ICU) and day surgery clinics.

Role description

Anaesthetic technicians are involved with all aspects of the delivery of a patient's perioperative anaesthetic care,[1] taking into account the patients' religious and cultural beliefs and respecting their right to medical privacy and dignity at all times. Anaesthetic Technician also provide a key role in the emergency resuscitation of patients.

Prior to anaesthesia

Anaesthetic technicians prepare equipment needed for the patient to safely undergo anaesthesia. This involves:

During anaesthesia

The anaesthetic technicians role includes assisting with:

After anaesthesia

Anaesthetic technicians assist the anaesthetist with:

Other activities

Regional variations exist, but anaesthetic technicians may also be involved with:

(Registered) Anaesthetic Technicians in  New Zealand

Anaesthetic Technicians work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that includes doctors, nurses and support workers. The New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians Society are a body that provides education and support for Anaesthetic Technicians.

Registration

Anaesthetic technicians are now covered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003.[2] New Zealand based Anaesthetic assistants must now be registered by law with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (formerly the Medical Laboratory Sciences Board).

In order to practice, members must obtain an Annual Practising Certificate from the Medical Sciences Council.

Qualification

In New Zealand, a Diploma of Applied Science (Anaesthetic Technology) [3] is the national qualification. This is studied for through Auckland University of Technology. Other (international) qualifications may also be acceptable for working as an Anaesthetic Technician in New Zealand.

The amount of practical clinical hours required are laid out by the Australia & New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, professional document PS8.[4]

Anaesthetic Technicians in  Australia

Registration

Anaesthetic Technicians in Australia are provided with voluntary registration of their National Body the Australian Anaesthesia Allied Health Practitioners AAAHP (www.asapo.org.au) . In Western Australia there is an educational group, the Association of Operating Theatre Practitioners(W.A.) (A.O.T.P.) www.aotp.org.au, which is in no way affiliated with the AAAHP national body, that offers educational opportunities in anaesthesia for those technicians in Western Australia. The AAAHP is currently working with the Australian government to introduce Mandatory Regulation. This will assist in reducing the number of deregistered practitioners from other countries seeking work in Australia. Minimum requirements for Voluntary Registration is completion of the nationally accredited Diploma of Paramedical Science(Anaesthesia) or in Western Australia and some hospitals in Victoria Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology. Overseas trained Anaesthetic Technicians who are NOT registered in the UK, NZ, Canada or USA must have their qualifications level assessed by NOOSR, undertake an IELTs, have their qualification mapped against the Australian qualifications & maintain employment as an Anaesthetic Technician in Australia or New Zealand.

Health training package

Nationally recognised Diploma in Paramedical Science (Anaethesia) and in Western Australia and some hospitals in Victoria Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology....

Qualification

Anesthesia Technicians in the  United States

In the United States, the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians (ASATT), acknowledges the scope of practice for the anaesthesia technical personnel. The commitment of ASATT is to ensure that efficient, safe, competent, and ethical practices are provided to society and maintaining professional standards of practice. ASATT acknowledges that the anaesthesia technical personnel are a part of the anaesthesia care team as listed in the practice guidelines of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).[6] This position should not be confused with that of an anesthesiologist assistant who actively participates as a licensed anesthesia provider.

Certified Anesthesia Technician

For more details on this topic, see Certified Anesthesia Technician.

Certified Anesthesia Technologist

For more details on this topic, see Certified Anesthesia Technologist.

Associate & Bachelors Programs

See also

References

  1. ↑ NZATS Scope of Practice
  2. ↑ Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003), New Zealand Government
  3. ↑ Diploma of Applied Sciences (Anaesthetic Technology)
  4. ↑ ANZCA Professional Document - PS8
  5. ↑ WA Qualifications
  6. ↑ "ASATT - Standards of Practice". American Society of Anesthesia Technologists & Technicians. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
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