Anesthesia is rapidly evolving as technology, policy and patient expectations reshape perioperative care. From artificial intelligence to nonopioid pain management, ASC leaders anticipate major advances in how anesthesia is delivered and supported over the next five years.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: Where do you see the biggest anesthesia innovation in the next five years?
Here is what several leaders shared with Becker’s:
Rebecca Bernstein. CEO and Founder of Innovative Healthcare Advisors (Vancouver, Wash.): AI-assisted systems will transform anesthesia by personalizing preoperative risk assessment and supporting intraoperative decision-making in real time. Trained on EHR and physiologic data, these tools could outperform traditional risk scores, anticipate complications like hypotension, and recommend timely interventions. The key will be ensuring data quality, intuitive interfaces and clear regulation. AI will not replace anesthesiologists but amplify their judgment where it matters most.
Geoffrey Hibbert, RN, BSN. Clinical Coordinator at Bon Secours Health System (Marriottsville, Md.): One trend I’m seeing in ASCs is a move away from anesthesia entirely in some centers. A few eye centers, for example, are no longer using anesthesiologists or CRNAs.
John Prunskis, MD. Medical Director and Principal at DxTx Pain and Spine (Chicago): The most significant advances will come in interventional pain management. Rapid progress in data-driven care and technology is improving diagnosis and treatment of the root causes of painful conditions. At the same time, artificial intelligence will help reduce EHR burdens, freeing physicians to spend more meaningful time with patients.
Allen Zeitlin, MD. Medical Director at Oregon Outpatient Surgery Center (Portland): The 2025 NOPAIN Act will accelerate innovation by financially incentivizing multimodal analgesia and non-opioid pain management strategies. By expanding access to non-opioid relief and spurring research into novel drugs and techniques, it will improve outcomes and reduce reliance on opioids.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.