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Assessing patient knowledge and concerns about peripheral nerve blocks: Implications for preoperative education
Deborah Choe1, Kelly Lin1, Mahsa Babaei1
1Department of Anesthesiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Most patients undergoing outpatient orthopedic surgery have limited knowledge of peripheral nerve blocks. Educational initiatives are needed to improve patient understanding and informed decision-making for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Patient Education
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Peripheral nerve blocks offer significant benefits like reduced pain and opioid use.
- Patient comprehension of peripheral nerve blocks is not well understood.
- Outpatient orthopedic surgery patients often lack adequate knowledge regarding nerve blocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient knowledge of peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs).
- To identify knowledge gaps in patients undergoing outpatient orthopedic surgery.
- To evaluate patient concerns regarding PNB complications.
Main Methods:
- A survey study was conducted with adult patients undergoing outpatient orthopedic surgery.
- Participants completed a 10-item true/false survey on PNBs.
- Patient concerns about PNB complications were ranked.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of patients reported limited prior understanding of PNBs.
- Only 4.0% of patients considered themselves "very knowledgeable."
- Neurological and infectious complications were the most significant patient concerns.
Conclusions:
- Significant knowledge deficits exist regarding PNBs, especially continuous blocks and their comparison to general anesthesia.
- Targeted preoperative educational strategies are essential.
- Improved patient education can enhance informed consent and patient-centered outcomes.
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