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What information do anaesthetists provide for patients?
G M M Thoms1, G A McHugh, J A Lack
1Evaluation and Audit Unit, University Department of Anaesthesia, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Patients need clear information about anesthesia plans and risks. Most UK hospitals provide some materials, but many desire centralized resources from The Royal College of Anaesthetists for better patient information.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Patient Information
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Patients and carers require comprehensive information on anesthesia interventions, plans, and risks.
- Existing patient information materials may not fully capture patient contributions or needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey UK anaesthetic departments regarding their provision of written patient information.
- To identify needs and preferences for improving patient information materials.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to UK anaesthetic departments.
- A 66% response rate was achieved, with 177 departments participating.
Main Results:
- 55% of departments provide patient information for planned surgical admissions, primarily on general anesthesia, regional analgesia, and pain.
- Information for pediatric and critical care patients is less common.
- Only 32% sought patient feedback, and 85% desired improvements, favoring centralized resources from The Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Conclusions:
- Current parallel efforts in hospitals do not yield optimal patient information materials.
- There is a clear demand for The Royal College of Anaesthetists to lead the development of centralized patient information resources.
- Collaboration with patients and utilization of existing guidance are crucial but often neglected.