Status quo of pediatric anesthesia practice in China: an online survey

Objective To describe current practice of pediatric anesthesia in China for improving clinical anesthetic management.

Methods We conducted a self-administered questionnaire survey on pediatric anesthesia practice via WeChat among members of New Youth Anesthesia Forum (NYAF) of China between May and June, 2017. The respondents could use a mobile device or desktop to complete the survey. Each internet protocol (IP) address was allowed to complete the survey once only.

Results Of the 5 779 NYAF members browsing the notice of the survey, 2 496 completed the questionnaire, with an overall response rate of 43%. The three most common surgeries with anesthesia administration reported by the respondents were orthopedic, otorhinolaryngology, and general surgery. There were 19% of the respondents reporting not administering preoperative medications and the respondents reported more cuffed than uncuffed tracheal tube application in general anesthesia for the child patients of ≥ one year old. The respondents reported that the most commonly used neuromuscular blockade agent was cisatricurium and remifentanil was the most commonly used narcotic in surgery. More than 95% of the respondents reported no routine application of neuromuscular monitors and more than 70% of the respondents reported no routine administration of reversal agents at the end of a surgical procedure.

Conclusion The results provide basic information on current status of pediatric anesthesia in China and references for further researches on improvement of clinic pediatric anesthesia practice in the country.