Belgian anesthesiologists’ overconfidence in their perceived understanding of neuromuscular blockade management

Abstract

Background : The incidence of postoperative residual weakness remains unacceptably high and essentially unchanged over decades. It is puzzling why anesthesiologists are resistant to accept the concepts of safe management of neuromuscular blockade and reversal. It appears that pervasive misconceptions regarding appropriate implementation of neuromuscular blockade monitoring and management continue to be a substantial obstacle in addressing this issue.

Methods : We conducted a 10-question survey composed of true/false options to determine the respondents’ knowledge regarding neuromuscular blockade management. Surveys were made available during an unannounced 90 minute period of a national anesthesiology conference in Belgium. Participants were also asked to rate their confidence in their responses.

Results : One hundred and fifty-seven anesthesiologists (69 certified anesthesiologists and 88 anesthesiologists-in-training) completed the 10-question survey. Respondents were correct 72% of the time, yet rated their mean confidence significantly higher as 80%.

Conclusions : The surveyed anesthesia providers conveyed overconfidence in their understanding of neuro-muscular blockade management. Such misconceptions represent a substantial challenge to improving the standards of neuromuscular blockade management throughout the anesthesia community.