Anesthesia technology students' perspectives on multidisciplinary preoperative education: Implications for...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesia Technology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Multidisciplinary preoperative education improves patient understanding, reduces anxiety, and enhances safety.
• Anesthesia technology students' preparedness for collaborative preoperative roles is not well understood.
• This study explores student perceptions of teamwork in preoperative education and curriculum readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess anesthesia technology students' perceptions of multidisciplinary collaboration in preoperative education.
• To evaluate students' perceived readiness based on their current curriculum.
• To identify areas for curricular improvement in anesthesia technology programs.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at Gulf Medical University.
• A structured questionnaire was electronically distributed to 120 anesthesia technology students.
• Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analysis (n=100, response rate 83.3%).

Main Results:

• 93% of students deemed multidisciplinary teamwork essential, but only 17% witnessed consistent collaboration.
• 37% felt confident in contributing to multidisciplinary education; 35% found the curriculum adequate.
• Students requested more simulation, interprofessional opportunities, clearer roles, digital tools, and solutions for language barriers.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesia technology students recognize the importance of collaboration but experience insufficient training and confidence.
• Curricular enhancements, focusing on simulation and structured interprofessional education, are vital.
• Integrating communication and teamwork skills is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and interprofessional collaboration.