The therapeutic relationship in anaesthesia

The therapeutic relationship is a relational support in the medical care, which enables establishing a strong cooperation with the patients for the success of their cares. It constitutes the basis for a therapeutic contract and a strong relationship of trust between the practitioner and his patient. Today, the therapeutic relationship is no longer limited for the patient to the only practitioner seen during the anaesthesia consultation. Moreover, the transversality of our specialisation, the diversity of operative sites and the overnight work do not allow to have a single anaesthetist interlocutor. In fact, the patient is managed by an anaesthetic team with several practitioners. This team will play a central role to ensure homogeneity, consistency of care and maintain patient confidence. Regardless of the care structure, it is important to reflect on this notion of therapeutic relationship that must be maintained across the continuum of care.