Clinician perspectives on the perioperative roles and responsibilities of anesthesia, surgery, and primary care

Abstract

Background

Although high-risk older patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care, the specific roles and responsibilities of the clinicians involved have yet to be adequately characterized.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with four anesthesia preoperative clinic providers, seven surgeons, and nine primary care providers in northern New England.

Results

The analysis revealed both distinct and overlapping roles and responsibilities. Anesthesia providers were described as a “safety net” and surgeons as “captain of the ship”, in charge of getting “all the ducks in a row” to avoid surgery delays and cancellations. Primary care providers saw themselves as the “quarterback”, ensuring care continuity and consideration of patient psychosocial factors.

Conclusions

While all have a shared responsibility for facilitating patient-centered decision-making and a safe perioperative course, each discipline has different areas of focus and expertise. Role clarification can help optimize the distribution of responsibilities and enhance perioperative communication and collaboration.