Survey on maternal satisfaction in receiving spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section

This study was undertaken to evaluate patient satisfaction after spinal anaesthesia, which is the most frequently administered anaesthesia in obstetric patients.

A cross-sectional study of patients who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia in the operating rooms of Hospital Teluk Intan was conducted. Post-operative survey of patients on the day after surgery was conducted by collecting pre-operative and intra-operative data on a constructed questionnaire. Post-operative data, including satisfaction and understanding the anaesthetist's explanation regarding anaesthesia, satisfaction in receiving spinal anaesthesia and adverse effects, and willingness to accept or refuse spinal anaesthesia for a similar surgery again, were inquired by trained anaesthesia personnel.

A total of 200 pregnant patients, with age ranging from 17 to 45 years, were surveyed: 64.5% Malay, 17% Indian, 14% Chinese and 4.5% others. All (100%) the patients were satisfied with the explanation provided regarding the choices of anaesthesia, but 2% could not concentrate on the explanation because of labour pain. Overall, the average satisfaction with spinal anaesthesia administration was divided into 194 (97%) satisfied patients and 6 (3%) dissatisfied patients. Factors associated with dissatisfaction were inadequate analgesia during surgery and failed spinal anaesthesia. Post-operative complications included spinal headache 5 (2.5%), post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) 1 (0.5%), pain at the surgical site 2 (1%) and backache 2 (1%). Furthermore, 177 (88.5%) patients would opt for spinal anaesthesia in future for similar surgery, if required; 16 (8%) would not; and 7 (3.5%) were not sure. The reasons for refusal to receive spinal anaesthesia were as follows: awareness and failed regional anaesthesia.

The patients receiving spinal anaesthesia demonstrated a high rate of patient satisfaction. Ensuring the quality of spinal anaesthesia, improving clinical skill of the anaesthesiologists, and prevention of side effects might improve patient satisfaction.