Abstract

PATIENTS' KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF ANESTHESIA AND THE ANESTHETISTS AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE FACILITY, GMC SRINAGAR- A CROSS SECTIONAL AND PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Dr. Sana Khan*, Dr. Mudasir Amin and Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb

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Abstract

Background: The anaesthetists have a very limited interaction with the patients. Most of the time that the anaesthetist spends with their patients is when they are unconscious or sedated. Hence the patients are not well aware about the multiple tasks that an anesthetist performs and their knowledge regarding anesthetists' commitments within and outside the operation room is very poor. The present study was conducted to know about the patient's knowledge and perception of anesthesia and the anesthetists at a tertiary health care facility. Methodology: Institutionbased, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2022 to December 2022, at Government Medical College Srinagar and its associated hospitals. After informed written consent, 1000 patients were asked to answer a standard questionnaire during the pre anaesthetic checkup to assess their knowledge and perception about anesthesia and the role of anaesthetist in the hospital. Result: “Anaesthetists are the essential oil in the machinery of the the hospital, but their work is often not recognised by patients and sometimes by doctors too. The general perception of the public regarding anaesthetist‟s varied roles in perioperative period including the resuscitationin emergency services, critical care, management of chronic pain, and palliative care remains limited. Conclusion: Anaesthetists have a poor image among the public, many of whom do not even realise that they are doctors. Hence anaesthetists need to interact with the patients and educate them about the important role that they play in patient management and well being.

Keywords: Anaesthetists, Anaesthesia, Operation room, Knowledge, Limited.