Knowledge and Information Needs About Anaesthesia Among Surgical Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background and objectives: The practice of anaesthesia has been around for almost as long as the practice of surgery. Despite this, it appears that knowledge about the role of anaesthetists and the scope of anaesthesia practice among patients is very limited. Limited and inaccurate information among patients on anaesthesia may lead to undue anxiety among patients. The aim of this study is to ascertain what information surgical patients have on anaesthesia as well as what information they would be interested in obtaining about anaesthesia.

Methods: The study was a prospective descriptive questionnaire based study.

Two hundred consenting adults, with ASA I and II classification, scheduled for elective surgeries were recruited. Participants were interviewed during the routine pre-anaesthesia review a day before their scheduled surgeries using researcher administered questionnaires. The questionnaire assessed what they knew about anaesthesia and what further information they desired.

Results: Ninety-six (48.0%) patients could not identify any of the roles of the anaesthetist. Ninety-eight (49.0%) responded that he puts patients to sleep with less participants aware of pain relief (26%), and even less  of vital signs monitoring (16%). General anaesthesia was the most commonly known anaesthetic technique (57%), followed closely by subarachnoid block (46%). Thirty three percent (33%) of participants had no knowledge of any anaesthetic technique. Ninety eight per cent (98%) of patients desired information about the process of anaesthesia and 89%, on possible complications.

Conclusion: Knowledge on the role of anaesthetists and anaesthesia techniques is low among surgical patients. A large percentage of patients desire to know the process of anaesthesia and the possible complications.