Martínez-Lapido M, Mato-Búa R, Taboada-Muñiz M, Vilar-Castro A, López-López D, Nieto-Mouronte CM

Language: Spanish
References: 24
Page: 14-18
PDF size: 431.12 Kb.

ABSTRACT

The ASA classification is used by healthcare professionals all around the world to assess the physical condition of a patient prior to surgery. Two of its limitations are subjectivity and interobserver variability. The aim of this study is to analyze the interobserver variability of the scale between anesthesiologists at two Spanish hospitals, in A Coruña and in Ferrol. An observational and descriptive study was carried out in these hospitals, using an anonymous, voluntary and unpaid survey. The survey consisted of 10 fictitious clinical cases. A total of 68 responses were recorded. Data analysis revealed a low level of agreement between evaluators and a median of 50% correct responses, with the highest rate of correct responses on cases category ASA 3. The rate of correct answers was similar to that found in previous studies, although interobserver variability was higher. The clinical cases with the greatest discrepancy in responses were those related to acute pathologies and life-threatening emergencies. The consulted anesthesiologists propose a series of improvements in the definition, such as standardizing the scale by including the patient's current physical condition or frailty scales.

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