A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions to specialist anaesthetists within New Zealand. Questions were related to fasting status, anti-aspiration prophylaxis, incidence of aspiration, definition of high risk groups for aspiration pneumonitis, and identification of departmental guidelines. Two-hundred-and-twenty-three replies were received (72% response rate). Most adults, children and infants were fasted for 6 hours for solids, whilst the majority fasted for 2 to 4 hours for liquids. Two-thirds indicated that they would delay emergency surgery (not life/limb threatening) to optimize gastric emptying. Histamine type 2 receptor antagonists, metoclopramide and cricoid pressure were used commonly, more so in the obstetric population compared to non-obstetric surgery. Preinduction nasogastric intubation and suction were used infrequently. Anti-aspiration prophylaxis was deemed important in morbidly obese patients, those in the third trimester of pregnancy and those with a hiatus hernia, whilst diabetes mellitus, sepsis and renal failure were not considered risk factors for aspiration pneumonitis. 71% of respondents had at least one episode of aspiration (range 0-10), with an overall mortality rate of 5%. Half of these cases of aspiration were deemed to be preventable by the respondent.

The formal project has been a requirement for the F.A.N.Z.C.A. diploma for the past few years. A questionnaire was sent to all registrars on a formal program asking questions relating to the formal project, perceived advantages, disadvantages, value of formal research teaching methodology and future career intentions. All years of training were represented. Forty-nine of the fifty-six (86%) respondents replied to the survey. Of these 15% felt the formal project had no value, 54% found it possibly useful whilst 31% perceived is as very useful. Advantages of the formal project included appreciation of research skills and the ability to critically appraise research. Disadvantages included lack of dedicated time, space and funding and production of poor quality research. A majority (63%) favoured formal teaching of research methods for the F.A.N.Z.C.A. diploma, which ideally should be taught before the Primary (30%) or in the Provisional Fellowship year (36%). Few respondents indicated a willingness to undertake a major commitment to research in the future (4%) but 46% wanted some contact with research and teaching as part of their normal work practice. A more structured teaching in research methodology, assessment of published work and presentation skills may be more suited to the longterm goals of the majority of clinical anaesthetists.