[Information, satisfaction and anxiety in connection with anesthesia. A questionnaire study]

The purpose of the study was to assess the level of information, anxiety and satisfaction with treatment and care among patients undergoing general anaesthesia. A questionnaire was answered by 406 patients. Seventeen criteria comprising various aspects of the total course of anaesthesia were defined to characterise a "satisfactory anaesthetic experience". After the preoperative visit 65% of the nervous patients were less nervous. Only 47% were informed of possible postanaesthetic side effects. Although 86% were "satisfied" with the treatment and care, only 36% met the criteria of satisfaction. The main problems were anxiety (especially fear of not waking up again), nausea and pain after waking up. We conclude that patients are not told enough about anaesthesia and side effects. Many patients, particularly the younger patients and the female patients, are afraid of anaesthesia.