Difficult Airway Alert Card for Difficult Airways in Anaesthesia: Is It Really Helpful or the Need of the Hour? A Review of Current Guidelines, Best Practices, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The management of difficult airways remains one of the most critical challenges in anaesthesia, with unanticipated difficulties contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. This review examines the utility of the Difficult Airway Alert Card, focusing on its role in improving patient safety, facilitating communication across diverse healthcare settings, and reducing airway-related complications. Current guidelines from leading organizations such as the ASA and DAS emphasize the importance of documentation and patient communication following difficult airway encounters. The design and implementation of effective alert card systems, including integration with electronic health records and patient education, are explored. Challenges such as data privacy, medico-legal implications, and evolving airway anatomy are discussed. Future innovations, including AI-driven predictive analytics, wearable devices, and global airway registries, are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of these systems. The review concludes that while challenges exist, the Difficult Airway Alert Card is an essential tool in advancing perioperative safety and continuity of care.

Keywords: Difficult airway, airway management, alert card, patient safety, ASA guidelines, DAS guidelines, electronic health records, artificial intelligence, airway registries, perioperative care.