BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines from the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend the use of ultrasound guidance for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in children. We conducted a survey of pediatric anesthetists to determine current practice and opinion on the appropriate use of ultrasound guidance. METHOD: A confidential postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists working in the UK. After 4 weeks a follow-up questionnaire was sent to nonrespondents. Members were questioned on availability and use of ultrasound, and its place in clinical practice and training. RESULTS: A total of 250 questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 63%. Of those members who placed CVCs in children (n = 196), 85% had access to ultrasound, and 68% stated that they used ultrasound guidance. Thirty-nine percent of clinicians who used ultrasound did so routinely. The remaining 61% used either a landmark or an ultrasound technique depending on circumstances. Regarding its mandatory use, 76% of responders believed that ultrasound guidance was beneficial in certain circumstances but did not need to be used routinely. Seventy-five percent of responders agreed that all pediatric anesthetists should have training and access to ultrasound for CVC placement. CONCLUSIONS: In the UK most pediatric anesthetists placing CVCs in children currently have access to ultrasound guidance. Despite a lack of widespread support for its routine use, most agree ultrasound is a useful tool, and that all pediatric anesthetists should have access and training in the use of this technology.
BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines from the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommend the use of ultrasound guidance for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in children. We conducted a survey of pediatric anesthetists to determine current practice and opinion on the appropriate use of ultrasound guidance. METHOD: A confidential postal questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists working in the UK. After 4 weeks a follow-up questionnaire was sent to nonrespondents. Members were questioned on availability and use of ultrasound, and its place in clinical practice and training. RESULTS: A total of 250 questionnaires were returned, a response rate of 63%. Of those members who placed CVCs in children (n = 196), 85% had access to ultrasound, and 68% stated that they used ultrasound guidance. Thirty-nine percent of clinicians who used ultrasound did so routinely. The remaining 61% used either a landmark or an ultrasound technique depending on circumstances. Regarding its mandatory use, 76% of responders believed that ultrasound guidance was beneficial in certain circumstances but did not need to be used routinely. Seventy-five percent of responders agreed that all pediatric anesthetists should have training and access to ultrasound for CVC placement. CONCLUSIONS: In the UK most pediatric anesthetists placing CVCs in children currently have access to ultrasound guidance. Despite a lack of widespread support for its routine use, most agree ultrasound is a useful tool, and that all pediatric anesthetists should have access and training in the use of this technology.