BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice

BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice

Author/Editor: Matt McMillan

Publication Year: 2020

Overview

BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice is an innovative, practical resource designed to enhance patient safety by mitigating human error during critical veterinary procedures. Authored by Matt McMillan, this handbook utilizes visual prompts, checklists, and decision algorithms inspired by high-reliability industries like aviation. It serves as an invaluable, real-time companion for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, and clinical teams navigating both routine anesthetic management and high-pressure emergencies.

Key Topics Covered
Checklists & Pre-Anaesthetic Preparation: Systematic protocols for equipment checks, patient evaluation, and pre-operative preparation to minimize oversight.
Intraoperative Monitoring & Management: Real-time guidance for tracking vital parameters, maintaining proper depth of anesthesia, and managing routine workflows.
Crisis Management & Emergency Algorithms: Rapid-response decision guides for handling acute patient deterioration, cardiac arrest, and unexpected anesthetic complications.
Human Factors & Cognitive Support: Practical strategies to reduce cognitive overload, prevent forgetfulness under stress, and improve team communication in the operating theatre.