Current understanding and perception of pre anaesthesia check-up among patients. A prospective observational study.

Abstract

Background and Aims: Pre  anaesthesia  evaluation  and  optimisation  varies  from patient to patient, depending on the type of surgery. Therefore each and every patient should  be  questioned   in  order  to   understand  their   knowledge  and   perception regarding    preanaesthesia   check-up    and   anaesthesiologists.   An    incomplete preanaesthesia    check-up    shows    incomplete    history    and    general    physical examination,  affecting  patient  care.  This  study  explores  the  understanding  and knowledge among patients undergoing elective surgeries.The primary objective is to assess the patient perception regarding pre anaesthesia check-up and role of anaesthesiologists. The  secondary  objective  is  to  assess  the  factors  contributing  towards  lack  of perception. Methods:  This observational study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, in 320 patients, between the age group of 18-60 years, posted for elective surgical procedures over a period of two years. Patients were asked to fill a questionnaire consisting  of  multiple  choice  pattern,  in  which  patient  had  to  choose  the  most appropriate   to   him/her.   Quantitative   variables   were   expressed   in   terms   of percentage, or in terms of mean and standard deviation. Correlation studies were performed by one way ANOVA test. All analysis was two tailed and the significance level was set as 0.05. The data was collected, compiled and analyzed using EPI info (version 7.2). Results: Only 14.06% of patients knew that they had come to preanaesthesia clinic for  preanaesthesia  assessment.  Similarly,  only  38.75%  of  patients  knew  that, anaesthesiologists perform preanaesthesia examination. Conclusion: Patients had insufficient knowledge about preanaesthesia check-up and the  role  of  anaesthesiologists.  Educated  and  employed  patients  showed  better awareness.