Effect of expertise on diagnosis accuracy, non-technical skills and thought processes during simulated high-fidelity anaesthetist scenarios.

Background: The expert performance approach can be used to examine expertise during representative field-based tasks, while collecting process-tracing measures such as think-aloud verbal reports. Collecting think-aloud verbal reports provides an insight into the cognitive mechanisms that support performance during tasks.

Method: We examined the thought processes and performance of anaesthetists during simulated environments.

Obstructive sleep apnea can be safely managed in a level 2 critical care setting after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Background: In the United Kingdom, demand for intensive care beds (level 3 critical care) often outstrips supply, leading to frequent and frustrating cancellation of complex elective surgery. It has been suggested that patients with obstructive sleep apnea who undergo bariatric surgery should be admitted to a level 3 facility for routine postoperative management. We have questioned the validity of this dogma in the era of laparoscopic bariatric surgery by using a simple easily applicable algorithm.