Anesthesia workforce capacity in Thailand: A multicenter study
Phuping Akavipat1, Suwannee Suraseranivongse2, Patcharee Yimrattanabowon3
1Anesthesiology Department, Neurological Institute of Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand.
WHO South-East Asia Journal of Public Health
|January 20, 2022
Summary
Anesthesia workforce data in Thailand is scarce. This study analyzed anesthesia staffing and workload across Thai hospitals, revealing service units exceeded operating theater capacity and disproportionate staff responsibilities.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Anesthesiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Effective workforce management is vital for anesthesia service quality.
- Limited data exists on anesthesia workforce and workload dynamics.
- This study addresses the data gap by analyzing these factors in Thai hospitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze anesthesia workforce and workload in Thailand.
- To compare workforce and workload across different hospital clusters.
- To identify disparities in anesthesia personnel distribution and responsibilities.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in multilevel Thai hospitals.
- Hospitals were stratified by location, patient population, and physician categorization.
- Anesthesia staff profiles, capabilities, and service ratios were analyzed over a defined period.
Main Results:
- 18 hospitals participated, from secondary to super-tertiary referral centers.
- Significant variation in anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist numbers across clusters.
- Anesthesia service units exceeded operating theater capacity, with no significant difference in personnel-to-theater ratios.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesia service units surpassed operating theater capacity in Thai hospitals.
- Average ratios of anesthesiologists (0.8-1.3) and nurse anesthetists (2.4-6.5) per 100,000 people were observed.
- A disproportionate workload was identified for anesthesia personnel relative to service units.
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