Recommendations for standards of monitoring during anaesthesia and recovery 2021 Guideline from the Association of Anaesthetists

This guideline updates and replaces the 5th edition of the Standards of Monitoring published in 2015. The aim of this document is to provide guidance on the minimum standards for monitoring of any patient undergoing anaesthesia or sedation under the care of an anaesthetist. The recommendations are primarily aimed at anaesthetists practising in the UK and Ireland, but it is recognised that these guidelines may also be of use in other areas of the world. Minimum standards for monitoring patients during anaesthesia and in the recovery phase are included. There is also guidance on monitoring patients undergoing sedation and during transfer. There are new sections specifically discussing capnography, sedation and regional anaesthesia. In addition, the indications for processed electroencephalogram and neuromuscular monitoring have been updated.

Automated summary

This guideline updates and replaces the 5th edition of the Standards of Monitoring published in 2015, providing guidance on minimum monitoring standards for patients undergoing anaesthesia or sedation. It includes standards for monitoring patients during anaesthesia and in the recovery phase, as well as guidance on monitoring patients undergoing sedation and during transfer. New sections on capnography, sedation, and regional anaesthesia have been added, along with updated indications for processed electroencephalogram and neuromuscular monitoring.