Anesthesia Care Provided by Nurses

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Project Line:

Health Technology Review

Project Sub Line:

Rapid Review

Project Number:

RC1376-000

What is the clinical effectiveness of anesthesia care provided by nurses versus anesthesia care provided by physicians?
What is the cost-effectiveness of anesthesia care provided by nurses versus anesthesia care provided by physicians?

One systematic review, 4 primary studies (observational studies: 3 retrospective and 1 prospective), and 1 economic evaluation were identified.
A definitive conclusion is not possible regarding the clinical effectiveness of anesthesia provided by non-physician anesthetists compared with physician anesthetists, considering the evidence was from studies of low quality that were associated with considerable risk of bias, and there were inconsistencies in the findings.
The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for physician anesthesiologists compared with nurse anesthetists was US$77,400 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. The 1-way sensitivity analyses showed that with an increase in the cost of nurse anesthetist professional services or an increase in the number of unexpected hospital days, the ICER values would fall below US$50,000 per QALY gained.

Last Updated : September 2, 2021