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The changing pattern of anesthesia, 1954–2004: a review based on the content of the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia in its first half-century

[La transformation du modèle de l’anesthésie, 1954–2004 : une revue fondée sur le contenu du premier demi-siècle du Journal canadien d’anesthésie]

^* Archivist, Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society

Address correspondence to: Dr. David Shephard, P.O. Box 31222, Greenville, North Carolina 27833, USA. E-mail: acnpei{at}cox.net

Purpose: In order to review changes and progress in anesthesiology in the second half of the 20th century, and to recognize the first half-century of the Journal’s existence.

Source: The content of the Journal from its inauguration in 1954 through 2004 was reviewed.

Results: Although the data base is that of the Canadian Journal, many of the contributions were from other countries, and for this reason the findings will have relevance both in Canada and elsewhere. The review suggests that anesthesiology evolved in two phases in this period: from 1954 to 1978 and from 1979 to 2004. The first was characterized by the introduction of new drugs and adaptation to new surgical techniques; the second, by a greater emphasis on clinical excellence, outcome, quality patient care both in the operating room and elsewhere in the hospital, and research.

Conclusions: Although profound advances in knowledge, techniques, and relationships, have shaped the pattern and practice of anesthesiology in this half-century, the basic concerns of anesthesiologists relating to the practice of anesthesia and to their patients remained unchanged. At the same time, the many advances that have shaped anesthesiology in this half-century have extended the understanding of the phenomenon of anesthesia and enhanced the quality of patient care, which gives rise to the hope that anesthesiologists will continue to fully achieve these twin goals in the next half-century.

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