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

Multidisciplinary preoperative education enhances patient comprehension, reduces anxiety, and improves safety outcomes. However, the perspectives of anesthesia technology students regarding their preparedness for such roles remain underexplored. This study assessed anesthesia technology students' perceptions of multidisciplinary collaboration in preoperative education and evaluated perceived curricular readiness.

An institution-based descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE, between March 1^st and May 1^st, 2025. A structured, pilot-tested questionnaire was distributed electronically to students across four academic years. Of 120 eligible students, 100 completed the survey (response rate: 83.3%). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and free-text responses underwent thematic analysis.

Most respondents (93%) recognized multidisciplinary teamwork as essential to effective preoperative education, yet only 17% had observed consistent collaboration in clinical settings. Confidence in contributing to multidisciplinary education was reported by 37%, while 35% believed the curriculum had prepared them adequately. Thematic analysis revealed calls for enhanced simulation-based training, structured interprofessional opportunities, more precise role delineation, digital tools, and strategies to overcome language barriers.

While anesthesia technology students strongly value multidisciplinary collaboration, they report limited confidence and exposure during training. Targeted curricular enhancements, particularly simulation and structured interprofessional education, are needed to strengthen student readiness for preoperative patient education. These findings illustrate the value of integrating comprehensive communication and teamwork skills into anesthesia technology programs to optimize patient outcomes and interprofessional collaboration.