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Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie 3/2023

28-12-2022 | Propofol | Review Article/brief Review

Propofol misuse in medical professions: a scoping review

Authors: Garrett W. Burnett, MD, Amir Taree, MD, Lily Martin, MLIS, Ethan O. Bryson, MD

Published in: Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie | Issue 3/2023

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Abstract

Purpose

We aimed to describe the current literature concerning propofol misuse in medical professionals, specifically relating to the individual demographics of those misusing propofol and the outcomes of propofol misuse.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective scoping review of the literature using a modified PRISMA approach. We used MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases to identify relevant studies based on search terms. Studies describing individual medical professionals misusing propofol were included.

Results

Twenty-four articles describing 88 individual cases of propofol misuse were included for data charting and analysis. Anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists were most commonly identified. Death was a common method of identification of misuse, while rehabilitation and death were common final outcomes associated with propofol misuse.

Conclusions

Despite knowledge of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of propofol by those misusing this medication, death was a common outcome reported in the literature. Data related to long-term outcomes including re-entry to clinical practice or success of rehabilitation were limited.
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Metadata
Title
Propofol misuse in medical professions: a scoping review
Authors
Garrett W. Burnett, MD
Amir Taree, MD
Lily Martin, MLIS
Ethan O. Bryson, MD
Publication date
28-12-2022
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Keyword
Propofol
Published in
Canadian Journal of Anesthesia/Journal canadien d'anesthésie / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 0832-610X
Electronic ISSN: 1496-8975
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12630-022-02382-2

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