Policies & Procedures

STANDARD 3 - POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Written and updated policies and procedures reflect current scientific knowledge and principles for the anaesthetic service.

3. CRITERIA

3.1 Policies and procedures are dated, readily accessible for reference, reviewed at least every three (3) years and revised as necessary.

3.2 There is documented evidence of pre-anaesthetic assessment performed by the medical practitioner who is administering the anaesthetic.

	In certain circumstances this assessment may be delegated to a medical practitioner who has appropriate training in anaesthesia.
	Except in an emergency, such assessment should be made at a time which will enable satisfactory measures to be taken to prepare the patient for anaesthesia and to perform any additional investigations which may be warranted by the patient's condition.

3.3 Anaesthesia is commenced or terminated only in the presence of a member of the nursing staff.

3.4 Other than where lengthy preparation is required, the person performing the procedure must be available before the anaesthetist commences.