Building resilience in perioperative medicine : ensuring safe care for all : a white paper from the European society of anaesthesiology and intensive care (ESAIC)

Abstract

European health systems are facing significant challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic added strain to an already struggling workforce and revealed weaknesses in the supply chain for essential medicines and technical devices. This situation has focused politicians on the need to develop resilient health systems that can prevent, prepare for, and recover from public health threats and crises, while also guaranteeing the continuous delivery of high-quality care for all citizens. Anaesthesiologists significantly contribute to healthcare resilience. They are involved in the care of 60% of patients in hospitals – the most holistic speciality in modern medical practice. They are the guardians of patient safety across all phases of perioperative care; from the moment a person contemplates a surgical or interventional procedure, following them through hospital admission until full recovery even after hospital discharge. They also play a key role in trauma care, obstetrics, intensive care, and pain management. And yet their contribution to medical practice is not sufficiently recognised or reflected within EU policy. This White Paper examines the challenges faced by the anaesthesiology profession and sets out recommendations to EU, national and local policymakers to ensure anaesthesiology plays its part in more resilient, high-quality health systems. Priority actions are required in three main areas: improving working conditions and training across all Member States; protecting the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care; and ensuring a sustainable healthcare environment is maintained across all aspects of perioperative care whilst always striving to the highest standards of patient safety. EU institutions should seize the opportunity to work closely with ESAIC and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen patient safety and perioperative care as a priority. They must proactively involve anaesthesiologists in any discussion that can have an impact on the profession and/or the hospital environment they work in. It is only by working together with all relevant stakeholders that we can make our health systems future proof to deliver safe, high-quality, sustainable and resilient care for all European citizens.