Survey of Patients’ Attitude About Anaesthesia and Anaesthesiologist- A Preliminary Evaluation in a Rural Hospital of North Bengal

Abstract

BACKGROUNDImage of anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist in the eyes of patients is variedly reported in literature and mostly poor in developing countries. We often realised this underestimation of our risky task, inadequate appreciation and recognition of our effort from patients. Hence, we put an endeavour to explore the existing perception among our patients in this rural region regarding our specialty and anaesthesiologist. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis observational, paper-based questionnaire survey was carried out in the pre-anaesthetic checkup (PAC) clinic involving 101 patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery. The survey was carried out using structured interview based on the open-ended questionnaire consisting of 15 MCQ type questions. Data were mostly categorical data such as number of patients (percentage). Statistical comparison has been done between the favourable response (s) and all other responses taken together as unfavourable response (s). RESULTSAbout 44% of patients knew that anaesthesiologists are qualified doctors. Thirty percent had knowledge that anaesthesiologist has to be present after induction for continuation of the anaesthesia and for monitoring the vitals. About 10% patients are aware about the other roles of anaesthesiologists outside operating room. Regarding the risk related with anaesthesia and surgery, majority of patients (58%) were not informed at all. A considerable proportion of patients (90%) opined that pre-anaesthetic checkup is useful. Among the high literacy group, considerably higher proportions of patients have answered the favourable options. CONCLUSIONThe survey concludes that patients' perception about anaesthesia is poor. The patients also have insufficient knowledge about the exact role of an anaesthesiologist inside or outside the operating room. BACKGROUND Anaesthesiology is one of the rapidly evolving disciplines of medical science that has made immense development in the recent past. Advancement in surgery and anaesthesia are going absolutely parallel to each other. Anaesthesiologists are playing a decisive role in patient management. In the last two decades, the role of anaesthesiologist has extended not only inside but also outside traditional operating room (OR) settings. An anaesthesiologist plays a very crucial role in intensive critical care units, trauma centres, pain clinics and as a member of resuscitation team all over the world. 1 KEYWORDS

Before surgery, what percentage of patients are aware of and fearful of anesthesia and its complications?

“…The majority of study participants (67%) were familiar with the names of various anesthetic procedures. An investigation carried out in Pakistan produced conclusions that were similar [11].…”