Survey on anaesthesia associates

Earlier this year we set out our plans to conduct a survey of members’ views and experiences in relation to anaesthesia associates (AAs). The survey has been developed by the College and is being conducted on our behalf by Research by Design, an independent research company.  

The survey is anonymous and open to all members who are currently working as anaesthetists – including those in training – in the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales, or in HSC in Northern Ireland. You do not need to have worked with AAs to complete the survey – all responses are important and I hope that you will participate.

All eligible members will receive an email from Research by Design with a link to the survey by Thursday 24 August. If you do not receive an email by 24 August and you have checked your junk/spam folder then please email engage@rcoa.ac.uk with your name and College Reference Number (CRN).

While AAs have been working in the UK for over 20 years, there is relatively limited published evidence in relation to the role. The aim of this survey is to help strengthen the evidence base by obtaining a large and representative sample of our members’ views and experiences. We want to ensure that our approach is informed by evidence, particularly the views of our members. 

The survey covers areas that members have raised as important, including the relationship between the role of anaesthesia associates and factors such as postgraduate anaesthetic training, patient safety, working hours, job satisfaction and perceived value for money. It also asks for your views about proposals in NHS England’s Long Term Workforce Plan to increase the number of anaesthesia associates over the next 15 years.

Research by Design will undertake analysis of the results and provide a report to the College, which we will publish and share with members. The report may include anonymised examples of free text responses provided by participants.  

In addition to the survey, we will commission an independent academic review of the international evidence about anaesthesia associates and their overseas equivalents. The findings from both will form the basis for further consultation with members and patient groups – enabling us to explore and discuss the themes that arise.  

The College Council and Board of Trustees will use this evidence to develop proposals and ensure members are involved in the decision-making on the College’s position in relation to anaesthesia associates.   

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Dr Fiona Donald
President

About Research by Design

Research by Design is an independent market research company. It operates under the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, which ensures that all participants remain anonymous and information provided is strictly confidential.