Family Practice Anesthetists Network

Throughout 2020–2021, the FPA Network continued to function as an excellent communication tool for FPAs in numerous rural and remote areas of BC. It also continued increasing the number of Network members, which now totals over 100.

The Network was invaluable in enabling FPAs to connect regarding COVID-19 this past year. It hosted several urgent educational sessions around the management of COVID-19 patients. The Network also allowed for information dissemination and discussion about many clinical practice guidelines for appropriate personal protective equipment, modifications to cardiac arrest management, ventilation strategies for intubated COVID-19 patients, and other treatments for this novel pathogen.

The Network was also instrumental in promoting its annual Refresher Course for Family Physician Anesthetists in November 2020, which was developed and hosted by University of British Columbia Continuing Professional Development (UBC CPD). Lectures and workshops covered a range of topics for anesthesia practice in smaller rural communities. Other UBC CPD courses were also promoted to FPAs through the Network.

Finally, the Network was used as a forum to discuss its virtual regional anesthesia coaching program. Members promoted the program and collected data at numerous rural sites. These efforts resulted in many rural sites expressing interest in participating in a similar continuing medical education program.

In the coming year, the FPA Network will continue connecting FPAs and disseminating critical information to them. It will act as a space where FPAs can share ideas and discuss issues relevant to their practices.