The long and winding road: a longitudinal study of UK anaesthetists in training

The article presents results from a longitudinal study of the 2024 cohort of British anaesthetists, tracking their development throughout their training period. While cross-sectional surveys provide only a snapshot of the workforce, this study enables monitoring of how pressure accumulates and when trainee disengagement begins. The British anaesthesia community has historically faced a seven-year gap in data between entry into training and specialist practice. The study results show that the current generation of trainees is more diverse and more open to discussing health conditions than previous generations. However, this generation also experiences higher levels of stress. The study thus provides important insights into the development of the anaesthesia workforce over an extended period.