WFSA Presidential Theme 2026-2028: Anaesthesiology Along the Patient Pathway

The WFSA Presidential Theme is a two-year strategic initiative that unites the expertise of WFSA’s Committees to focus on a key aspect of anaesthesiology that influences patient care, strengthens health systems, and shapes the role of anaesthesiologists globally.

For 2026–2028, the WFSA Presidential Theme — Anaesthesiology Along the Patient Pathway — highlights the diverse roles anaesthesiologists play across every stage of the patient journey.

From first contact through recovery and long-term follow-up, patients interact with anaesthesiologists at multiple stages of their care journey. This theme recognises that anaesthesiology care extends across diverse healthcare settings and highlights the need for strong, well-supported anaesthesia services to build resilient, patient-centred health systems.

This theme is clinically led by Dr Vibhavari Naik, who will guide its development and implementation across WFSA’s educational, advocacy, and collaborative activities.

Why This Theme Matters

Anaesthesiologists contribute far beyond the operating room. Their work supports:

• Continuity of care across the patient journey
• Safer, more coordinated care pathways
• Improved communication and teamwork across specialties
• Health system resilience and efficiency

The theme also recognises the leadership role anaesthesiologists often hold, reflecting their unique perspective on both patient care and hospital management.

What WFSA Will Explore in 2026-2028

Over the next two years, the Presidential Theme will explore four key ways in which anaesthesiology contributes to care across different settings and stages, including:

Before the Hospital: Reaching the Patient Early

• Prehospital resuscitation
• Transport of the critically ill
• Prehabilitation

Inside the Hospital: Core services and Care Pathways

• Specialist anaesthesia services
• Leadership, advocacy, and patient safety
• Personalised medicine
• Patient-reported outcomes and experience measures

Beyond the Operating Room: Expanding the Footprint

• Non-operating room anaesthesia (NORA)
• Ambulatory care
• Intensive care and acute pain
• Rapid response and Code Blue teams

After Discharge: Continuity Beyond Cure

• Chronic pain
• Palliative and end-of-life care

How the Theme Will Be Delivered

The Presidential Theme will be explored through a wide range of activities, including:

• Expert-led webinars
• Congress sessions and symposia
• Published educational resources
• Contributions from WFSA committees and partners

Engaging the Wider Care Community

With the patient at its centre, With You Every Step: Anaesthesiologists Along the Patient Pathway offers an opportunity to engage not only the global anaesthesiology community, but also patients and other health professionals involved throughout the care journey.