<strong>Anaesthesia</strong> <strong>News</strong> February 2003Spec SocSCATA, first named the Computing In<strong>Anaesthesia</strong> Society, was founded in 1987 byAlastair Lack, Gavin Kenny, Mike Fisher andMalvena Stuart-Taylor. It has gradually expandedto a membership of over 300, and is open toclinical and non-clinical members. Trainees ofall sorts are encouraged.The constitutional aims of the society are to promoteresearch into the use of computing and technology inanaesthesia, the science related thereto, and to disseminatethe useful results of such research. In addition SCATA aims topromote and facilitate education and training in the areas ofhealth IT and health information management.In order to achieve some of these aims there are two scientificmeetings each year. These two or three day meetingsconsist of lectures from invited experts, presentations bymembers, trainees prize papers, demonstrations of equipment,workshops, trade exhibitions, working group meetings,and much informal networking. There is also a crackingconference dinner!SCATA has become well known for the development of thecomputerised trainee logbook and has been associated withthe development of computerised propofol infusions. It hasalso been instrumental in developing agreed clinical termsfor use in anaesthetic information systems at a national level,setting up critical incident reporting systems and the presentationand development of automated anaesthetic recordkeeping systems.Other areas reviewed in depth at SCATA meetings includedepth of anaesthesia monitoring, body simulator trainingsystems, computer based training methods, decision supporttechniques (such as using fuzzy logic), sophisticated dataanalysis techniques (such as neural networks) and new technologiesfor anaesthesia practice (such as robot assistedsurgery and infra red guided cannulation).More recently the focus has moved towards embracingnetworking technologies and distributed computing. Theopportunities offered to by the internet are enormous butneed harnessing to be available to clinicians withoutspecialist knowledge. Improved communications mean thatit is now becoming possible to include patient informationderived during anaesthesia within the context of the wholeElectronic Patient Record.SCATA also has a role in guiding and educating cliniciansabout all information related issues, but including systemsecurity, confidentiality and making the best use of clinicaldatabases. Its members have instigated and run two healthinformation courses and more are planned.In summary SCATA plays a major role, not only in developingand researching new technologies, but also in disseminatingknowledge informally and by educational courses. Itwelcomes new members from all clinical disciplines, especiallytrainees, and also from commercial suppliers. If youare interested in finding out more about SCATA, please takea look at out website www.scata.org.ukRoger TackleyChairman SCATAPipe and Slippers TimeOn my way to the Winter Scientific Meeting (WSM), Ipicked up my application form for a Senior Railcard. Yes,you’ve guessed it, I’ve retired – and not a moment toosoon, some would say. The time off is great but the pay isnot so good. This has led Council to the view that I nowhave plenty of time and this has to be filled with goodcauses. Thus, at the last Advisory meeting in 21 PortlandPlace, I was tasked, I think that’s the word, to find outwhat retired members want of the Association. So, that’sthe question. Do you want anything, if so what, or do youwish to ride off into the sunset and forget it all?It’s too late to start reading <strong>Anaesthesia</strong> but I would like<strong>Anaesthesia</strong> <strong>News</strong>. Non-paying retired members get neither.All retired members get reduced rates for meetingsbut would we prefer to attend social functions?Suggestions so far include a day at 21 Portland Place,with food and wine, and some, few or no formal talks, asocial occasion at the WSM or Annual Scientific Meeting,perhaps as a wine club and the inevitable history day.So, should this Association do more or less or the same?All comments and ideas welcome.Now, where’s that gin and tonic?Bob Buckland10
<strong>Anaesthesia</strong> <strong>News</strong> February 2003Writing for <strong>Anaesthesia</strong> <strong>News</strong><strong>Anaesthesia</strong> <strong>News</strong> is always happy to receive copy of articles, reports, travel stories andopinions. Most will be accepted although some editorial revision or abbreviation may benecessary. Letters to the Editor are particularly welcome. There are several ways of sendingyour work to your <strong>News</strong>letter and it should arrive at least four weeks before the intendedpublication date. A Word file, posted on a disk or sent attached to an email is best,although typescript may be scanned. Please send photographs, of reasonable size and incolour, either as a jpg file attached to an email, or as ‘hard copy’.Our contact details are: 21 Portland Place, London W1B 1PY. Telephone 020 7631 1650.Fax 020 7631 4352. Email anaenews@<strong>aagbi</strong>.org11
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