Effect of Postoperative Anesthesiologists' Single Visit on Patient Satisfaction: A Hospital-Based Non-Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Patient Care

Background:

• Continuity of care by anesthesiologists is vital for patient satisfaction.
• Postoperative visits by anesthesiologists are infrequent, disrupting care continuity.
• The impact of routine postoperative visits on patient satisfaction in India is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a single postoperative visit by the same anesthesiologist on patient satisfaction.
• To compare patient satisfaction between visits by the same anesthesiologist, another anesthesiologist, and no visit.

Main Methods:

• 276 elective surgical inpatients (ASA PS I-II, >16 years) were divided into three groups: same anesthesiologist visit, another anesthesiologist visit, or no visit.
• Patient satisfaction was assessed using a pretested questionnaire.
• Statistical analysis included Chi-Square and ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered significant.

Main Results:

• Overall patient satisfaction was highest in the 'same anesthesiologist' group (61.47%), followed by 'another anesthesiologist' (51.52%), and 'no visit' (38.5%).
• Satisfaction with 'continuity of personal care' was significantly higher when the same anesthesiologist conducted the postoperative visit (69.35%).
• The 'no visit' group reported the lowest satisfaction and fulfillment of expectations.

Conclusions:

• Continuity of anesthesia care, including routine postoperative visits, positively impacts patient satisfaction.
• Even a single postoperative visit by the anesthesiologist significantly enhances patient satisfaction and perceived continuity of care.