Surgical technology
Changes to surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive surgery and laparoscopic work, affect the demand for anaesthetists. Although the surgery can take longer, recovery time is quicker and less prone to complications, leading to a shorter length of stay. This places less demand on anaesthetists. However, minimally invasive surgery can be a suitable treatment for patients who cannot have traditional surgery, therefore requiring more service from anaesthetists.
Proposed workforce impact
- There may be a change in requirements of anaesthetists.
Sources or references
- www.brl.ac.uk/researchthemes/medicalrobotics/roboticsurgeryinstruments.aspx
- bjcardio.co.uk/2011/02/impact-of-the-ageing-population-on-cardiac-surgery-in-the-uk/
Additional research questions
- Are new surgical technologies affordable in the 20-year timescale of this review?
Some of the information in this section is provided by stakeholders and expert groups, and does not necessarily represent the views of the CfWI.
