Is anaesthesia a poorly recognised medical speciality
Journal Title: Journal of the Indian Medical Association - Year 2019, Vol 117, Issue 2
Abstract
Anaesthesiology today is an upcoming multimodality specialty in medical science with its spectrum ranging from perioperative patient care to pain management, critical care and palliative care. We talk of newer drugs, equipments, advances in postoperative care and critical care but we tend to ignore that is the general population aware of all this. Are the people aware of the role of anaesthetist as a doctor? The present study was undertaken to assess patients' knowledge of anaesthesia and perioperative care as well as their perception of anaesthetics and their role. After taking permission from hospital authorities, a questionnaire consisting of 12 questions was prepared by a team of qualified anaesthetists. 200 preoperative patients, aged 25-65 years were included in the study. The patients were questioned both preoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively. The questions aimed at assessing perceptions and knowledge of patient of anaesthesia, the role of anaesthetists and surgeons in patient care. Upon asking about the role of the anaesthesiologists in the operation theatre most of the people answered that the anaesthesiologists administers drug once and goes away. The results of this audit show a poor perception of the anaesthetists role both inside and outside the operating room. The patients remember more about their surgeons than their anaesthetist. We found that majority of the people knew the anaesthesiologist as a skilled assistant to surgeon. Thus we conclude that ignorance regarding the anaesthesiologists and anaesthesiology is still prevalent among the general population. Increased efforts are required to inform patients about the roles of anaesthetists in their care. Preoperative instruction has been demonstrated to have benefit with regard to patient anxiety, postoperative pain, and length of hospitalization. Preoperative teaching should therefore be tailored accordingly.
Authors and Affiliations
Shubhra Ray, Ekta Singla, Debasish Jatua, Jaydip Biswas
Keywords
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