Perception of Anaesthesia and the Anaesthetist Among Adult Surgical Patients in a Tertiary Facility in Nigeria.

Abstract

The scope of anaesthesia has broadened beyond the intraoperative care of surgical patients to include pain management, resuscitation and intensive care. Despite the key role anaesthesia plays in patient management, many misconceptions are still entertained by patients concerning the speciality.This prospective, descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, to determine the perception of surgical patients concerning the anaesthetist as a specialist and anaesthesia as a speciality. The hospital is a tertiary, multispecialty health institution located in the north central region of Nigeria.A questionnaire was administered to the patients to assess the patients' demographic data, type of surgery and the knowledge of the patient concerning the existence of the speciality of anaesthesia. The patients knowledge on the qualification of an anaesthetist and the patient's ability to recognise an anaesthetist in a picture were also assessed. Only ASA I and II patients scheduled for surgical procedures under general anaesthesia were recruited into the study.Sixty-five percent of respondents had no previous knowledge of anaesthesia before the index admission. One hundred and thirty-three (53.3%) respondents were not able to identify the healthcare personnel that would administer anaesthesia for their surgery. Only 40.6% patients realised that an anaesthetist was a medical doctor while 39.6% patients responded that the anaesthetist was a specialist in his field. Perception of anaesthesia was better of respondents who had been educated to tertiary level and those who had previous knowledge of anaesthesia.We conclude that surgical patients demonstrated inadequate knowledge concerning the field of anaesthesia and the anaesthetist as a specialist.

Patients’ knowledge and perception of anesthesia and the anesthetists: Cross-sectional study

“…It's surprising that in the present study there was no statistically significant association between the level of knowledge and educational status of participants. This is in contrast with most research findings around the world but a cross-sectional study done in Nigeria supports our finding in which education level had no impact on their level of knowledge about anesthesia and anesthetists [ 11 ].…”

“…It is well known that there is tremendous health care awareness, especially in developed countries but, there still is limited knowledge about the structure of the medical services and practices especially relating to the operating room services, moreover relating to anesthetic management and the role played by anesthetists. Another group of people that don't know the current depth of anesthetic practice and the teaching potential of the anesthetist are the paramedical and academic staff [ [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] ].…”

“…This Nigerian study reported that the perception was found to be poorer in males, older patients, and patients in the lower socio-economic groups. But, fortunately, it was reported that the attitude of medical students towards anesthesia is changed with an increase in the desire to specialize in anesthesia after their perception of anesthesia was altered during their anesthesia rotation [ 11 ].…”

Patients' Perception and Understanding Towards Anesthesia and Anesthetists at Tertiary Care Hospitals of District Mardan: A Cross-Sectional Study from Mardan KP

“…This discrepancy was highlighted in a 2011 Brazilian survey, where 79% of patients recognized anesthesiologists as specialists, challenging the assumption that awareness is universally low (8,(11)(12)(13)(14). However, in countries like Nigeria and Ethiopia, challenges such as a shortage of anesthesia providers and limited resources further exacerbate the gaps in patient education and satisfaction with healthcare services (7,15). The rationale of this study was to enhance patient comprehension and perceptions of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist's role.…”