Celebrating World Anaesthesia Day

The College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland is calling for the wellbeing of anaesthesiologists to be prioritised.

World Anaesthesia Day, celebrated annually on 16 October, marks a watershed moment in the history of surgery and medicine – the first successful public demonstration of ether anaesthesia in 1846. This pivotal event not only revolutionised surgery, but also laid the foundation for modern peri-operative medicine and intensive care medicine. The availability of anaesthesia has allowed for the safe and painless delivery of over 330 million surgical and invasive medical procedures, elevating the overall quality of healthcare Globally. As we celebrate the transformative role of anaesthesia in healthcare, the importance of the wellbeing, or wellness, of the specialists who deliver it – anaesthesiologists – has become clearer. Their contribution to patient care, often behind the scenes, is essential, yet the physical and emotional toll of their work can be significant. On this World Anaesthesia Day, the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI) is calling for the healthcare community to not only recognise the advancements in anaesthesiology, but also to take account of the wellness of anaesthesiologists and all clinicians whose dedication is paramount to patient safety and medical progress. 

The challenges anaesthesiologists face

Anaesthesiologists work in high-pressure, high-stakes environments that demand sound clinical judgement, wide-ranging knowledge of biomedical sciences, applied physiology and pharmacology. This is in addition to their work in the acute clinical setting in operating theatres, intensive care units and pain clinics, their psychomotor skills, and high-level non-technical skills. The latter include quick decision-making, teamworking, situation awareness, and endurance, which are essential for patient care. From surgical theatres and intensive care units to emergency situations, they often operate under immense Pressure. A 2023 survey of anaesthesiologists revealed that nearly half of the respondents reported that they experienced symptoms of burnout, including emotional exhaustion, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment.

 Some of the most pressing challenges anaesthesiologists face include: 

▶ Irregular working hours: Long shifts, night duties, and the urgent nature of call outs and busy on call rotas disrupt regular sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation and related health issues. 

▶ Emotional strain: Managing critically ill patients, making life or death decisions, and communicating with families during crises adds significant emotional stress. 

▶ Work-life balance: The demanding nature of the profession makes it difficult to maintain a balance between professional and personal responsibilities, impacting relationships, and overall wellbeing. Given these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the need for systemic initiatives that focus on enhancing the mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing of our anaesthesiologists in Ireland. 

Prioritising wellness: Initiatives for change The College is committed to promoting the wellbeing of anaesthesiologists through a series of initiatives designed to enhance their quality-of-life. These efforts are currently led by Dr Therese O’Connor, Chair of the CAI wellness committee. A growing wealth of evidence-based medicine indicates that wellness initiatives not only benefit anaesthesiologists themselves, but also improve patient care, because a healthy and well-supported workforce is essential for the effective functioning of any healthcare system.

A 2023 survey of anaesthesiologists revealed that nearly half of the respondents reported that they experienced symptoms of burnout

1. Mental health support 

Mental health support is a critical component of overall wellbeing, especially in high-stress professions such as anaesthesiology. The College has arranged a network of wellness leads in each training hospital. These are clinicians who are willing to be a focal point of support for individual colleagues and who organise departmental activities, which promote a sense of belonging and teamworking. The College encourages accredited clinical training site hospitals to provide access to confidential counselling services and mental health resources. Peer support networks and training in reflective practice also serve as invaluable spaces where anaesthesiologists can share experiences and challenges in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Recognising the early signs of mental health strain and taking proactive measures can prevent burnout, ultimately ensuring a more sustainable and rewarding career for these essential clinicians. The College recently held a national ‘wellness breakfast’ webinar led by Dr Mark Rowe, TEDx speaker, podcaster, and author with a special interest in the wellness of clinicians, in collaboration with 35 hospitals accredited for training. 

2. Burnout prevention 

Burnout is a significant concern in the field of anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine, given the emotional and physical demands of the job. To combat this, the College has introduced several initiatives aimed at preventing burnout before it reaches a critical point. It has been working closely with the HSE, the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies, and the Department of Health NCHD taskforce to develop minimum wellness standards for clinical sites. These standards, which include commitments to ensure reasonable workload management, access to emotional support, and encouragement of personal time, will soon be integrated into the anaesthesiology training site accreditation process. 

3. Promoting work-life balance 

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for longterm success and wellbeing. To help anaesthesiologists manage their professional and personal lives, the College advocates for flexible scheduling and adequate time off. Encouraging time for rest, family, and personal interests is a crucial step in preventing burnout and ensuring that anaesthesiologists can continue to perform at their best. 

4. Physical wellness initiatives 

Physical health plays a vital role in the overall wellbeing of anaesthesiologists. Long hours in operating rooms can be physically taxing, making it important to promote a healthy lifestyle. The College supports initiatives that encourage exercise, proper nutrition, and the creation of ergonomic workspaces. Hospitals are encouraged to offer healthy meal options and design environments that reduce physical strain during long shifts. The committee of anaesthesiology trainees, currently led by Dr Paul Ryan, organise a series of fun runs, cycle events, and social events aimed at promoting wellbeing. 

5. Professional development, reflection, and mentorship 

Continued learning and professional growth are essential for maintaining high standards of care and job satisfaction. The College offers a range of continuing professional development programmes, workshops, and mentorship opportunities aimed at helping anaesthesiologists to thrive in their careers. These programmes not only help them stay updated with the latest advancements in the field, but also equip them with skills to manage stress and navigate the emotional challenges of the profession. The College has recently developed training in reflective practice, a process that encourages deconstruction and analysis of personal or professional experiences to better understand the different assumptions, relationships and influences embedded within those experiences, and enabling the development of new techniques to deal with future similar events. Our national tutor network plays a vital role in fostering both knowledge and wellbeing, guiding trainees through challenges while nurturing their personal growth and resilience. 

Celebrating progress, prioritising people 

Anaesthesiologists are vital to the safety and success of surgical and medical procedures, resuscitation, care of the critically ill and the management of acute and chronic pain – but these contributions too often are not sufficiently recognised. As Prof Donal Buggy, CAI President, stated: “On this World Anaesthesia Day, we not only celebrate the history of anaesthesia, but also the remarkable dedication of our anaesthesiologists. 

Their wellness is critical to the quality-of-care they provide. By supporting their mental and physical health, we invest in the future of safe and effective patient care.” Moreover, the call for resources to support these initiatives is loud and clear. Mr Martin McCormack, CAI CEO, emphasised: “We urge the health service to properly resource and implement the minimum wellbeing standards that have been developed and approved by the Forum of Irish Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies. These standards are essential for ensuring that our anaesthesiologists and all healthcare professionals can continue to provide the highest levels of patient care, while also safeguarding their own health and wellbeing. It’s critical to support those who support us all.”

Authors:

Mr Martin Mccormack, CEO, College Of Anaesthesiologists (Cai);

Prof Donal Buggy, President, Cai; And

Dr Therese O’connor, Chair, Cai Wellness Committee