A survey of patients' knowledge of anaesthesia and perioperative care

The present study was undertaken to assess patients' knowledge of anaesthesia and perioperative care as well as their perception of anaesthetics and their role.

A questionnaire survey of 23 items was developed and completed pre-operatively by 132 patients. Included in this study were 45 men and 87 women; 80% with at least secondary education with a mean age of 39.9 and 35.6 years, respectively.

Results indicated that only 56.8% of patients understood that anaesthetists are doctors. There were significant misconceptions though in general, knowledge was good. Although all patients realised the importance of fasting, however only 74.2% of patients realised it meant limitation of both solids and liquids from a specified time. Pain was the major concern among the patients surveyed (39.4%), followed by fear of not waking up after surgery (18.9%). Twenty-one per cent of patients believed that postoperative pain was a necessary part of the healing process and 28% thought that pain was something that they had to put up with in the postoperative period. Only 23.5% correctly identified the anaesthetist as being responsible for analgesia in the recovery period. A majority (75.8%) wished to have more information about anaesthesia.

When forthcoming surgery and anaesthesia are discussed, it is important that patients realise that they are being cared for by anaesthetists who are doctors and efforts must be taken to educate the profession and public on the anaesthetists' role in perioperative care. This should enhance the professional image of anaesthesia and more importantly, improve patient confidence and quality of care.