The definition and aims of Anesthesia: a Delphi-based consensus statement.
Joana Berger-Estilita1, Basak Ceyda Meco2, Edoardo DeRobertis3
1Institute of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Salem Spital, Hirslanden Hospital Group, Bern, Switzerland; Institute for Medical Education, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Medicine
|September 29, 2025
Summary
This study established a consensus on the definition and aims of anaesthesia, emphasizing patient-centered, sustainable care. The refined definition and 49 aims will guide clinical practice and future research in anaesthesiology.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
- Medical Consensus and Delphi Methodology
- Patient Safety and Outcomes Research
Background:
- Anaesthesia is vital for patient comfort and safety during surgery, yet its definition and aims are complex.
- Defining anaesthesia's objectives is challenging due to its multifaceted nature.
- A structured Delphi process was employed to achieve expert consensus on anaesthesia's definition and core aims.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an international expert consensus on the definition of anaesthesia.
- To identify and agree upon the core aims and objectives of anaesthesia.
- To refine the understanding of anaesthesia's role in patient care and surgical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A modified three-round eDelphi method was utilized with 23 international anaesthesia experts.
- Iterative online surveys facilitated the refinement of the anaesthesia definition and aims.
- Consensus was defined as achieving at least 80% agreement, with external reviews enhancing validity.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on a refined definition of anaesthesia and 49 specific aims.
- The updated definition emphasizes safe, effective, individualized, patient-centered, and empathetic care.
- Key aims include preoperative optimization, pain reduction, organ preservation, rapid recovery, teamwork, outcome assessment, and environmental sustainability.
Conclusions:
- The established consensus provides a framework for anaesthesia objectives, enhancing patient-centered care and clinical practice.
- Incorporating sustainability and long-term outcomes supports the evolution towards precision anaesthesia.
- Future research should validate these aims across perioperative settings and refine them based on real-world application.
Keywords:
Anesthesia definitionDelphi consensusPatient-centred carePerioperative outcomesPrecision anesthesiaMore Related Videos
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