Identifying Training Requirements in Perioperative Care for Anaesthetists

Education and training in anaesthesia have traditionally focused on the preparation and delivery of intraoperative anaesthesia but are evolving to incorporate aspects of perioperative medical care. The expansion of continued professional development and postgraduate courses in this field has gathered pace, with the aim of teaching anaesthetists and allied professionals to improve patients' surgical care. We surveyed a population of UK-based anaesthetists to establish their views on professional development within perioperative medicine, their role as perioperative medical experts of the future, and the training and educational needs of this cohort. The majority of anaesthetists acknowledged their evolving role in perioperative patient care and recognised a need to train for the task. Only 50% of the senior anaesthetists surveyed believed they had sufficient knowledge and skills to undertake perioperative care with the majority believing the current training curriculum must advance to support professional development. In line with other international healthcare systems, UK-based anaesthetic practice is adopting a responsibility for perioperative medical practice, and this survey has demonstrated willingness amongst anaesthetists of all grades to embrace change, recognise training needs, and improve the outcome for surgical patients.