teamsanesthesiologists

Team anesthesiologists refers to a collaborative model in which anesthesia care is provided by a coordinated group of anesthesia professionals rather than a single clinician. In many hospitals, the anesthesia department organizes care through teams led by attending anesthesiologists who supervise residents and, in many settings, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) or anesthesia assistants. The goal is to provide continuous coverage, distribute workload, and enhance patient safety and perioperative efficiency.

Core components include preoperative assessment by the team; formulation of anesthesia plan; intraoperative management (induction, maintenance, analgesia, airway management, and hemodynamic control); postoperative care in PACU or ICU; and transition to recovery. Teams rely on standardized protocols, checklists, and formal handoffs such as SBAR to coordinate with surgeons, nursing staff, and recovery personnel.

Training and roles: Attending anesthesiologists complete medical school and residency; CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized anesthesia training; anesthesia assistants provide support in some settings; residents obtain supervision. In ACT models, supervision and responsibility are defined by local regulations and institutional policy.

Benefits and challenges: The team approach can improve access, consistency, and safety, support complex cases, and foster education. Variability in supervision models and scope of practice across regions can pose challenges, requiring clear governance and alignment with professional guidelines from bodies such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists or similar.