High-Risk Anaesthesia Symposium: From Optimisation to Recovery

Agenda

• 8:30 am - 9:10 am

  Registration, Refreshments, Networking and Poster Viewings

• 9:10 am - 9:15 am

  Welcome and Introduction

  Event Chair

• 9:15 am - 10:15 am

  Session 1: Frailty, Prehabilitation and Preoperative Optimisation

  Session summary Explore how early identification of frailty and effective preoperative assessment can support high-risk patients. This session will consider physical and psychological preparation, risk assessment and personalised optimisation before surgery. Learning objectives 1) Recognise frailty and other factors that may increase perioperative risk. 2) Explain how prehabilitation and preoperative optimisation can improve patient readiness. 3) Consider how multidisciplinary planning can support safer, more personalised care.

• 10:15 am - 10:45 am

  Refreshments, Networking and Poster Viewing

• 10:45 am - 11:30 am

  Session 2: Anaesthesia for the High-Risk Patient

  Session summary Examine the challenges of delivering anaesthesia for patients with complex comorbidities, including those undergoing bariatric or robotic procedures. The session will explore risk management, GLP-1 receptor medications and shared decision-making throughout the perioperative pathway. Learning objectives 1) Identify key considerations when planning anaesthesia for high-risk patients. 2) Discuss the perioperative implications of complex comorbidities and GLP-1 receptor medications. 3) Explain how shared decision-making supports proportionate, patient-centred care.

• 11:30 am - 12:15 pm

  Session 3: Airway Management in Patients with Obesity

  Session summary Explore the assessment and management of airway challenges in patients with obesity. This session will cover preparation, equipment, positioning and team communication, while maintaining patient dignity and reducing avoidable complications. Learning objectives 1) Anticipate potential airway difficulties in patients with obesity. 2) Plan appropriate positioning, equipment and team support for airway management. 3) Apply approaches that promote patient dignity, safety and effective communication.

• 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

  Lunch, Networking and Poster Viewing

• 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

  Session 4: Recognising and Managing Deterioration in PACU

  Session summary Explore the assessment and management of airway challenges in patients with obesity. This session will cover preparation, equipment, positioning and team communication, while maintaining patient dignity and reducing avoidable complications. Learning objectives 1) Anticipate potential airway difficulties in patients with obesity. 2) Plan appropriate positioning, equipment and team support for airway management. 3) Apply approaches that promote patient dignity, safety and effective communication.

• 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm

  Session 5: When the Unexpected Happens

  Session summary An interactive, case-based session exploring perioperative emergencies such as major haemorrhage, sepsis and trauma. Delegates will examine clinical decision-making, communication, situational awareness and team performance during rapidly evolving situations. Learning objectives 1) Identify priorities when responding to a rapidly evolving perioperative emergency. 2) Apply structured communication and escalation principles during high-pressure situations. 3) Reflect on how human factors, teamwork and situational awareness influence emergency care.

• 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

  Short Refreshment Break

• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  Session 6: What Keeps Me Awake at Night: Lessons from a Consultant Anaesthetist

  Closing Keynote Session

• 4:00 pm - 4:15 pm

  Review, Closing Remarks and Evaluation

  Event Chair