The definition and aims of Anesthesia: a Delphi-based consensus statement
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anaesthesia is crucial in ensuring patient comfort and safety during surgical procedures by inducing a temporary loss of sensation, memory, and consciousness. However, its multifaceted nature presents challenges in defining its aims and expected outcomes. This study aimed to establish a consensus on anaesthesia's definition and core aims using a structured Delphi process. METHODS: We conducted a modified three-round eDelphi method involving 23 international experts. Participants engaged in iterative online surveys to refine a consensus definition and aims. Consensus was predefined as achieving ≥80% agreement. The process included external expert reviews to enhance objectivity and validity. Statistical analyses included median, interquartile range (IQR), and agreement percentages. RESULTS: The Delphi process resulted in consensus on 49 aims and a refined definition of anaesthesia. The final definition emphasises safe, effective, individualised, patient-centred, and empathetic care, ensuring optimal surgical conditions while enhancing patient outcomes. Key aims included preoperative optimisation, stress and pain reduction, organ function preservation, prompt emergence and recovery, interdisciplinary teamwork, continuous outcome assessment, and sustainability in anaesthesia practices. The final agreement rate for the updated definition was 82.6% (median: 10, IQR: 9-10). Additionally, environmental sustainability was recognised as an integral aim. CONCLUSION: The consensus developed in this study provides a structured framework for defining anaesthesia's objectives, improving patient-centred care, guiding clinical practice, and fostering research. By incorporating sustainability and long-term patient outcomes, the consensus supports the evolution of precision anaesthesia. Future research will validate these defined aims in various perioperative settings and refine the consensus based on real-world applications.
Authors: Joana Berger-Estilita, Basak Ceyda Meco, Edoardo DeRobertis, Wolfgang Buhre, Peter Kirkegard, Karina Jakobsen, Martin Soehle, Federico Bilotta, Falk von Dincklage, Idit Matot, Yotam Weiss, Vincent Bonhomme, Lian Kah Ti, Ivan Rimstad, Clifford Shelton, Bartosz Kozlowski, Sarah Saxena, Paul McConnell, Anil Hormis, Ahed Zeidan, Jan Mulier, Lisbeth Evered, Paola Aceto, Daniel Shmukler, Patrice Forget, Claudia Marquez Simoes, Luiz Fernando Falcao, Maria Wittman, Ismail Gönegur, Finn Michael Radtke
Institutions: University of Bern, Hirslanden Salem-Spital, Ankara University, University of Perugia, University Medical Center Utrecht, University of Copenhagen, University of Minnesota, Sjællands Universitetshospital, Nykøbing F., University of Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Sapienza University of Rome, Universitätsmedizin Greifswald, Tel Aviv University, University of Liège, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Oslo University Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Wythenshawe Hospital, Lancaster University, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, University of Mons, Royal Alexandra Hospital, The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, Lebanese University, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Weill Cornell Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, South African Society of Anaesthesiologists, University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian, Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Zealand University Hospital, Zealand University Hospital Køge
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,050
OpenAlex ID: W4414568544