Session Key Points

  • The anaesthesia team is made up of the anaesthetist, anaesthetic assistant, surgeon, theatre sister and theatre nurses
  • The anaesthetist should carry out a thorough preoperative assessment, care for the patient during the operation, and provide a thorough handover to PACU (or ICU/HDU) staff
  • Preoperative assessment is commonly carried out by a specially trained multi-disciplinary team who screen and assess fitness for anaesthesia and surgery
  • All anaesthetists should keep a detailed and accurate anaesthesia record, and keep a personal logbook of all patients anaesthetized
  • Anaesthetists should be aware of the importance of team working, leadership and professionalism in the theatre environment