Assessment of French Anesthesiologists' Perceptions of Advance Directives
Survey for French anesthesiologists as part of the launch of a national study to analyze their perceptions and practices regarding the use of advance directives in anesthesia and during the perioperative period.
The perioperative period is a unique phase of patient care, characterized in particular by surgical and anesthetic risks that can lead to significant morbidity. In recent years, advances in surgical and anesthetic techniques have led to an increase in surgical indications, with a patient population that is older, has more comorbidities, and requires medically more complex perioperative care.
In this context, anesthesiologists are increasingly confronted with complex ethical situations, particularly in the event of perioperative complications. Decision-making then relies on an assessment of the expected benefit, the appropriateness of resuscitation, and the patient’s wishes—whether regarding organ support or, more broadly, preferences between survival and comfort. Advance directives can thus serve as a major decision-making tool, but they remain underutilized in clinical practice.
The objective of this study is to better understand the perceived usefulness of advance directives among French anesthesiologists, as well as their relevance. This questionnaire is intended for all French anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians who work at least part-time in anesthesia.