Anaesthesia in Low-Resource Settings: A Concept Analysis

The study analysed the concept of anaesthesia in low-resource settings (ALRS), establish a standardised definition, delineate its defining attributes, and provide conceptual clarity for anaesthesia education, health policy, and global health research. The design involved concept analysis using the eight-step method of Walker and Avant (2005). A systematic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar (2000–2024) using terms including anaesthesia, low-resource settings, task-shifting, nurse anaesthetist, global surgery, and perioperative care. Five defining attributes were identified: (1) context adaptation and resource optimisation, (2) resilience and resourcefulness, (3) task-sharing and expanded scope of practice, (4) prioritisation of essential and robust techniques, and (5) heightened clinical acumen and vigilance. Antecedents include systemic resource scarcity and a critical physician anaesthetist workforce deficit. Consequences encompass enabling life-saving surgical access while simultaneously exposing patients and providers to elevated perioperative risk, occupational burnout, and systemic fragility. Model, borderline, related, and contrary cases illustrate the concept's boundaries and application. ALRS is a distinct, specialised practice domain defined by a unique skill set deployed under conditions of profound systemic constraint. This analysis provides a conceptual foundation for developing targeted curricula, context-appropriate technologies, and supportive policies to strengthen global anaesthesia equity.