Patient knowledge of anaesthesia and peri-operative care.
One hundred and sixty six patients were questioned by means of a multiple choice questionnaire, to determine their knowledge of peri-operative care, anaesthesia and the rôle of anaesthetists. In general, knowledge was good, but there were some important misconceptions; in particular, 28.3% of respondents thought that fasting referred to food only, and not to fluid intake. In addition, 47.6% of respondents considered pain to be a necessary part of the healing process and 38.6% believed that it was something that just had to be endured. When forthcoming anaesthesia is discussed, anaesthetists need to ascertain that patients really do understand the language used.
Hume
M A
MA
Department of Anaesthetics, Western Infirmary, Glasgow.
Kennedy
B
B
Asbury
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia; D005215:Fasting; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010819:Physician's Role; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012606:Scotland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic