Abstract: Objective To identify and fill the communication gaps among anesthesiologists in key peri-operative scenarios through a questionnaire survey conducted in multiple tertiary teaching hospitals in China in order to provide evidence for targeted training and safety culture improvement. Methods A cross-section questionnaire survey was conducted among active anesthesiologists of varying professional titles and educational backgrounds from institutions affiliated with the Committee of Anesthesiology of the Chinese Medical Association. Participation was anonymous. The survey focused on four key scenarios: preoperative assessment and preparation, intra-operative adverse events, collecting patient complaints, and peri-operative communication gaps between anesthesiologists and surgeons. Results A total of 356 valid questionnaires were collected (98.07% response rate). Analysis of single-choice and multiple-choice question data showed similarities and differences in communication capabilities between different subgroups of anesthesiologists and surgeons. The results indicated that communication effectiveness was influenced not only by individual skills and seniority but also by the combined effects of team psychological safety, organizational power structures, and institutional support. Conclusions Significant gaps remain in the cultivation of non-technical skills. It is recommended that hospitals improve the quality between anesthesiologist and surgeon communication by establishing interdisciplinary accountability mechanisms, adverse event analysis systems and by fostering a non-punitive safety culture.

Key words: interdisciplinary communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, perioperative period, anesthesiologist, surgeon