Postal survey of training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND: There are no nationally agreed standards for training in pediatric cardiac anesthesia despite the recommendation of two reports. Since then, anesthesia training has changed because of the introduction of competency-based training, the New Deal and the European Working Time Directive. METHODS: We surveyed consultant pediatric cardiac anesthetists to establish what training they had undergone and to compare this with what they would recommend for training in the specialty. We also wanted to determine the profession's views on establishing training guidelines and what areas of practice to include when setting standards. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of consultants want the Royal College of Anaesthetists to set standards for training. The majority had spent at least 2 years training in general pediatric, adult cardiac and pediatric cardiac anesthesia as well as pediatric intensive care and had spent time gaining experience overseas. CONCLUSIONS: They would recommend the same experience for others but this is unlikely to happen within the current constraints of specialist registrar training. Therefore, further training in a fellowship program in the UK or abroad is likely to be necessary.