A 2013 Community Attitudes Survey commissioned by the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) found that, despite 96 per cent of people reporting experience of a general anaesthetic (personally or through a close family member):
- Only 50 per cent are aware that all anaesthetists are doctors (of these, 41 per cent know they are doctors with the same training / qualifications as other specialists)
- Nearly one in 10 does not think anaesthetists are doctors and another 49 per cent are unsure.
- 50 per cent don’t feel informed about anaesthesia.
- Just over three in 10 say they would have concerns about undergoing anaesthesia/sedation.
- 30 per cent report TV medical shows as a source of information (personal experience – 72 per cent; family and friends – 50 per cent; the internet – 17 per cent).
- Four in 10 perceive going under anaesthesia/sedation as a moderate to high-risk procedure (six in 10 low/almost no risk).
- Four in 10 are concerned (one in seven very concerned) about waking up during an operation.
So… A quick update! Anaesthetists are doctors who have the same training as other medical specialists, ie.,a full medical degree and at least an additional five years of post-graduate training after this time.
Our role is to look after patients before, during, and after their surgery. Anaesthetists also perform a range of other roles in the hospital system. Anaesthesia in Australia is amongst the safest in the world, and every year many thousands of anaesthetics are given by our anaesthetists utilising their skills and modern equipment and technology in order to keep it this way.
Hopefully our website will provide you with some additional information about anaesthesia. If you’re after more, please visit ANZCA for more information.
