Patient Satisfaction and Its Predictors With Perioperative Anesthesia Care at Two General Hospitals in Southwestern...

Introduction  Patient satisfaction is one of the most crucial quality assessment and improvement indicators in anesthesia. Different factors reflect satisfaction such as postoperative pain, procedure duration, patient-physician relationship, inpatient services, and waiting time. A high level of satisfaction can lead to better outcomes in many ways, such as decreasing future surgeries fear and strengthening the healthcare system trust among the population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the satisfaction level and its predictors with perioperative anesthesia care among patients subjected to different surgeries in two general hospitals in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Methodology  A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients admitted to different surgical specialties at two general hospitals in Al-Qunfudhah governorate in October 2022. Data were collected through interviews with postoperative patients and checking their medical data from the patient's medical reports. However, all surgical patients aged more than 18 consider as inclusion. In contrast, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, local anesthesia, refusal to participate, and cognitive and communication impairment are the exclusion. Perioperative patient satisfaction was assessed using the Leiden Perioperative Care Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (LPPSq). Results Eighty-three of 201 patients were included in the final analysis. The overall level of patient satisfaction concerning perioperative anesthetic care was calculated to be 73.5%. Hospital setting, admission type, BMI, and smoking were statistically associated with perioperative anesthesia patient satisfaction. Additionally, the most frequently reported unpleasant anesthetic side effect was shivering, followed by postoperative pain at a frequency of 42 (50.6%) and 37 (44.6%), respectively. Conclusion A moderate level of patient satisfaction concerning perioperative anesthetic care was detected. Smoking, BMI, admission type, and hospital setting were significantly associated predictors for patients' satisfaction. In order to present a complete picture, we recommend that future research concentrate on additional elements of patient satisfaction, particularly operating room turnover and standards for discharge. Additionally, we propose a routine evaluation before patients' discharge when patients are altering and oriented. Periodic evaluation and enhancement of patient satisfaction with perioperative anesthetic care should be employed and promoted.