COVID-19 and the challenges of paediatric anaesthesia: A survey of practice in a UK District General Hospital

Challenges in paediatric anaesthesia during the COVID-19 pandemic include the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE) on communication, the infection risks of carers being present for induction of anaesthesia, the potential infection spread with gaseous anaesthesia induction techniques, and management of the child with mild upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). We surveyed anaesthetists in a UK hospital that undertakes emergency and elective paediatric surgery, regarding these issues. Concerning children with various COVID statuses, we surveyed what PPE doctors would wear, whether they would allow carers to be present for anaesthesia induction, the use of gaseous induction of anaesthesia, and willingness to proceed with surgery in a child with mild respiratory infection symptoms.