A survey of elective surgical patients' attitudes toward anesthesia in PUMC hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patients' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding anesthetic management.

METHOD

A survey of 55 items was developed and administered preoperatively to 500 patients including 190 men and 310 women in our hospital. Patients were interviewed on their knowledge of the role of anesthesiologists, their preferences regarding anesthetic management, and also their concern about potential anesthetic complications.

RESULTS

Patients' perceptions of anesthesiologists' training and role have reached a certain level. Most significant preoperative concerns regarding the anesthesiologists focused on experience, qualifications, and presence or absence during the anesthesia. Patients' concerns also included the possibility of not being waken up following anesthesia, experiencing postoperative pain, and becoming paralyzed. The variations of concerns depended partially on patients' sex, type of anesthesia, and proposed surgical procedure, partially on their education and living environments.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that anesthesiologist address significant patient concerns during the preoperative visit to enhance their effectiveness in patient care. Efforts to educate the public on the anesthesiologists' role in preoperative care would improve patients' confidence.