Doctors oppose expansion of nurses' powers in anesthesiology

The Presidium of the Supreme Medical Council has expressed strong opposition to the proposal to introduce an advanced nursing practice model, under which nurses would be able to independently administer anesthesia to adult patients classified as ASA Group I and II. Doctors stress that while they appreciate the role of nurses, expanding their authority in this area poses a risk to patient safety.

- Polish anesthesiology is extremely safe, mainly due to high standards and close cooperation between anesthesiologists and nurses. Introducing changes in this regard could result in a decrease in the quality of care, the members of the presidium of the NRL stress.

Patient safety paramount

The chairman of the NRL Education Committee, Dr. Damian Patecki, points out that anesthesia nurses play a key role in the medical team, but it is the doctor who should make the decision on anesthesia and carry out the procedure.

- The system, in which the anesthesiologist works closely with the nurse, works very smoothly and, above all, guarantees patient safety, he points out.

NRL calls for maintenance of standards

In its position paper, the NRL stresses that Polish anesthesiologists undergo years of rigorous training, which prepares them to make quick and responsible decisions in life-threatening situations. According to the doctors, independent anesthesia performed by nurses, as well as the ability to qualify patients for anesthesia or order diagnostic tests, is a step toward lowering anesthesiology standards.

- We appreciate anesthesia nurses and support efforts to raise their salaries and professional prestige. However, we cannot agree to changes that may endanger patients," the NRL representatives conclude.

Source: NIL