Anesthesiologist: the patient's perception

Carolina Sobrinho Ribeiro; Joana Irene de Barros Mourão

doi:10.1016/j.bjane.2014.05.014

Scientific Article

Anesthesiologist: the patient's perception

O anestesiologista: a visão do doente

Carolina Sobrinho Ribeiro; Joana Irene de Barros Mourão

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bjane.2014.05.014 Braz J Anesthesiol, vol.65, n6, p.497-503, 2015

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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Anesthesia is still a major concern for patients, although the anesthetic complications have decreased significantly. Additionally, the role assigned to the anesthesiologist remains inaccurate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concerns with anesthesia and assess the patient's knowledge about the anesthesiologist's duties. METHODS: Prospective study conducted over three months with patients in the preoperative anesthetic visit in a university hospital. Demographic information about the level of education and prior anesthesia was obtained. The knowledge of patients regarding the anesthesiologists' education was evaluated. Patients' concerns and anesthesiologist and surgeon responsibilities were classified with a 5-point scale. The analysis was performed with SPSS 21, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We included 204 patients, and 135 (66.2%) recognized the anesthesiologist as a specialist physician. Not waking up after surgery and postoperative infection were the main concerns compared to all others (p < 0.05). Women expressed more concern than men about not waking up after surgery, nausea and postoperative vomiting, medical problems, and waking up during surgery (p < 0.05). Ensure that patients do not wake up during surgery was the anesthesiologist task most recognized, compared to all other (p < 0.05). The surgeon was more recognized (p < 0.05) than the anesthesiologist in post-operative, antibiotics administration, and blood transfusions pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Patients need to be informed about the current safety of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist's functions. The patient involvement will demystify some fears and reassure the confidence in the health system.

Keywords

Anesthesiology, Doctor-patient relationship, Patient satisfaction

Resumo

JUSTIFICATIVA/OBJETIVOS: A anestesia ainda é uma preocupação importante para os doentes, embora as complicações anestésicas tenham diminuído significativamente. Adicionalmente, o papel atribuído ao anestesiologista permanece impreciso. Avaliar as preocupações com a anestesia e verificar o conhecimento dos doentes acerca das funções do anestesiologista foram os objetivos deste estudo. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospetivo decorrido durante 3 meses em doentes com consulta de anestesia pré-operatória num Hospital Universitário. Foi questionada informação demográfica, nível de educação e anestesia prévia. Foi avaliado o conhecimento dos doentes relativamente à educação do anestesiologista. As preocupações dos doentes, responsabilidades dos anestesiologistas e cirurgiões foram classificadas usando uma escala de 5 pontos. A análise foi realizada com SPSS 21, p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 204 doentes. 135 (66,2%) reconheceram o anestesiologista como médico especialista. Não acordar após a cirurgia e infeção pós-operatória foram as principais preocupações, comparativamente a todas as outras (p < 0,05). As mulheres manifestaram maior preocupação do que os homens com (p < 0,05): não acordar após a cirurgia, náuseas e vómitos pós-operatórios, problemas médicos e acordar durante a cirurgia. Assegurar que os doentes não acordem durante a cirurgia foi a tarefa mais reconhecida no anestesiologista, comparativamente a todas as outras (p < 0,05). O cirurgião foi mais reconhecido (p < 0,05) do que o anestesiologista na gestão da dor pós-operatória, administração de antibióticos e transfusões sanguíneas. CONCLUSÕES: Os doentes necessitam de ser informados acerca da atual segurança da anestesia e sobre as funções do anestesiologista. Envolver o doente irá desmistificar alguns receios e reassegurar a confiança no sistema de saúde.

Palavras-chave

Anestesiologia, Relação médico-doente, Satisfação do doente

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Anesthesiologist: the patient's perception

O anestesiologista: a visão do doente

Carolina Sobrinho Ribeiro; Joana Irene de Barros Mourão

Abstract

Keywords

Resumo

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