BRC blog: Improving anaesthetic care for children through research

By Dr Joseph Larvin

As an anaesthetist, I look after people undergoing surgery every week. Many of the choices we make are informed by strong evidence, but in paediatric anaesthesia there are still important gaps in our knowledge.

My research is focussed on how we care for children before, during and after surgery. As with most areas of research, paediatrics is often under-represented in perioperative care. This is due in part to the additional challenges that come with conducting research in this age group.

I am passionate about ensuring that what we do as anaesthetists is based on the best-quality evidence possible. My work has specifically looked at comparing the two types of anaesthetics that are commonly used: intravenous agents and inhaled gases. I’m also interested in the different levels of supplemental oxygen used during anaesthesia.

I have been fortunate enough that the early results from these trials have had recognition at both the national and international level.

Developing research evidence

During my time as an NIHR academic clinical fellow, I worked within the BRC’s Perioperative and Critical Care theme to set up two small, randomised pilot trials at Southampton Children’s Hospital.

These looked at the impact of some of the choices anaesthetists make when anaesthetising children.

Since finishing this fellowship in 2025, I have continued my clinical training in anaesthesia. Currently in my ST5 year, I have been able to complete recruitment to the two trials and begin the analysis phase. The hope is that the manuscripts generated will ultimately form a thesis for submission.

Dr Larvin being presented with second prize for the John J. Downes Resident Research Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2025. Image courtesy of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia.

Learning to lead

When considering how to take my work forward, Dr Andrew Cumpstey, Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University, alerted me to a Research Leaders Scheme run by the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Southampton has a strong history of participants in this programme, including Andy and Professors Denny Levett and Mark Edwards. It is designed to provide training and mentorship to those interested in taking research forward as part of their clinical careers, alongside broadening their research experiences and outlook.

I decided submit an application and, after an interview, I was very pleased to be offered a place. The first in-person meeting will be in November, timed around the Anaesthesia Research 2026 meeting, which is being held in Southampton this year.

Growing through collaboration

In addition to acquiring new technical skills, I very much hope to be able to make the most of the shared problem-solving and peer support elements of the programme to help navigate upcoming challenges. These might include securing funding, developing larger studies and establishing collaborations.

I also hope that I will be able to contribute to the group, through sharing my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned through working with participants who have all been under 3 years old!

As I begin this next stage of my research journey, I look forward to helping build the evidence that will shape the future of anaesthetic care for children.