ABSTRACT:
Background: Most surgical patients do not recognize the role played by anesthetists in the preoperative period because of poor public knowledge of anesthesia as a medical discipline. This study was conducted to determine patients’ knowledge of anesthesia and the role of anesthetists in patient care. Aims: To assess patients’ knowledge and perception regarding anesthesia and the role of anesthetist in Orrota and Halibert referral Hospitals. Method: A total 84 patients scheduled for various surgeries were interviewed on the basis of a questionnaire at the time of preoperative visit. 24 questions were forwarded to know patients’ knowledge and perception regarding the role of anesthetists, different types of anesthesia, concerns were included. After data was collected, it was inserted in to SPSS (statistics package for social sciences) 20th version at 95% CI and visual analogue scale (VAS) used. Patient’s perception and changes were studied with respect to variables like age, sex, educational level and past exposure to surgery. Results: of the study show a poor overall perception with only 40-50 years old (23.81%) which is maximum and the minimum is between 10-20 years old (7%). 44 (52%) were female patients and 40 (48%) were males. Regarding educational level the 22 (26.19%) which is the highest were illiterate, and the lowest was collage graduate (2.38%) those who operated before were 32 (38.1%) and those who are not operated were 50 (59.52%) knowing that anesthetist is the one who gives anesthesia and 36.904% patients knowing that he is a doctor. Patient awareness about types of anesthesia, the type he was going to receive was also poor. Amongst various factors educational level showed a clear-cut influence on patient perception. Conclusion: Patients have poor knowledge of anesthesia and the role of anesthetists in the care of surgical patients. This knowledge deficit should be addressed and made part of the general preoperative care to enable patients to cope better with a view to improve the outcome of surgical procedure.