Effects of a simulation-based sedation training course on non-anesthesiologists’ attitudes toward sedation and analgesia

The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of emergency or complication during sedation and change of attitude toward sedation by simulation-based sedation training course (SEDTC) hosted by the Japanese Association of Medical Simulation. We used a questionnaire survey to non-anesthesiologists who participated in the 1st to 13th SEDTCs from 2011 to 2012. Survey contents included emergencies or complications during sedation and impressions of the Sedation and Analgesia guidelines for non-anesthesia doctors developed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Of 84 non-anesthesiologists, 81 have encountered patient respiratory suppression. More than 70 % non-anesthesiologists have encountered patient respiratory arrest. All non-anesthesiologists have encountered patient cardiac suppression; 20–30 % of non-anesthesiologists have encountered patient anaphylaxis, asthma attack, and cardiac arrest; and all non-anesthesiologists have encountered patient vomiting and about 80 % aspiration. Non-anesthesiologists largely accepted the guidelines. SEDTC attendance improved significantly 13 points of 18 important suggestions. As non-anesthesiologists experience several complications during sedation, SEDTC may be useful for the improvement of their attitude toward the safety management of sedation.