Evaluation of the Approaches of the Anaesthesiologists on Maintenance of Anaesthesia Machines.

OBJECTIVE In this study, we aimed to discuss the level of knowledge and approach on 'maintenance, calibration and cleaning of anaesthesia devices' among anaesthesiologists in Turkey. METHODS A questionnaire was prepared with 21 questions based on the Google document system, and these questionnaires were sent to the anaesthesiologists via e-mail. RESULTS Overall, 226 anaesthesiologists answered our survey. With respect to the maintenance and calibration, anaesthesiologists had sufficient information about the vaporizer and the carbon dioxide canister devices; however, information about the vital components, such as disassembly of the anaesthesia machine, flow sensor, oxygen sensor, battery and exhaust system, was insufficient. The cleaning and sterilization procedures were performed when the devices became dirty, and the bacteria filter was used only for the protection of the anaesthesia system. There was a lack of knowledge about how and which part of the anaesthesia device should be disinfected. In total, 85% of the survey participants were thinking of the need of additional education on anaesthesia machine maintenance. CONCLUSION It is observed that education about anaesthesia device maintenance, calibration and cleaning issues is obviously necessary for the anaesthesiology specialists in our country. We believe that it would be useful to highlight this issue to anaesthesia educational institutions and anaesthesia associations.