A survey of 800 patients' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding anesthesia

The present study was undertaken to assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding anesthetic management. A survey of 34 items was developed and administered preoperatively to 800 consecutive patients. Included were 303 men and 497 women with a mean age 52 yr and a mean educational level of 12 yr. Patients were interviewed on their knowledge of the role and training of anesthesiologists and on their preferences regarding anesthetic management. Patients also rated the intensity of their concern on 20 written statements expressing potential anesthetic complications. Results indicated that patients' perceptions of the anesthesiologist's training and role were accurate. Most patients preferred (a) general to regional anesthesia and (b) not to select their own anesthesiologist. Most significant preoperative concerns regarding the anesthesiologist focused on experience, qualifications, and presence or absence during the anesthesia. Patient concerns also included the possibility of not waking up postoperatively, experiencing pain, and becoming paralyzed. Intensity of concern was inversely related to age and unrelated to educational level or occupation. Variables related to type of concern included patient's sex, type of anesthesia, and proposed surgical procedure. Issues of least concern included disclosure of personal matters during anesthesia, experiencing impaired judgment postoperatively, and being asleep or bedridden for a prolonged period of time. It is suggested that anesthesiologists address significant patient concerns during the preoperative visit to enhance their effectiveness in patient care. Efforts to educate the public on the anesthesiologist's role in perioperative care should improve patient confidence.