04/16/2025
Recent comment by Anesthesia leaders on trends: https://www.beckersasc.com/anesthesia/the-anesthesia-trends-leaders-are-sick-of-hearing-about/?origin=ASCE&utm_source=ASCE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=9585D1285456J9N
Daniel King, CRNA. Board Director of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology: Too much of the current conversation around anesthesia workforce solutions is being dominated by ineffective proposals — whether it’s the introduction of anesthesiologist assistants or the allure of costly, futuristic technology. While innovation has a place for enhancements in our evolving field, nothing can fully replace the clinical judgment, adaptability, safety and trust that CRNAs provide every day.
Anesthesiologist assistants are trained to assist. CRNAs are educated and prepared to autonomously deliver the full spectrum of anesthesia care. Labeling AAs as a “workforce solution” is not only misleading — it’s fiscally irresponsible. Their introduction adds yet another layer of cost to an already overburdened healthcare system without expanding access to care.
Rather than chasing expensive machines or creating new provider roles with limited utility, the real solution lies in removing practice barriers and fully empowering CRNAs to work at the top of their education and license. Let’s stop being distracted by shiny objects and start addressing the systemic issues that affect patient care today.
From the buzz around artificial intelligence to the persistent squeeze on reimbursement, eight leaders joined Becker’s to discuss the trends they’re tired of hearing about. Question: What’s one anesthesia trend you’re sick of hearing about? Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edit...
