Patient satisfaction with the perioperative care by anesthesiologists: pilot study at four surgical departments

Abstract

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to measure the outcomes of perioperative care by anesthesiologists and patient satisfaction at four surgical departments. Methods: We designed an original 25-item questionnaire and used it to complete structured interviews of 80 consenting, alert, adult surgical patients during their 1st to 3rd post-operative day. Results: Although >70% were satisfied with the information sharing, 43% patients were unsure or not informed about the possible complications of anesthesia. Similarly, >75% positively rated the anesthesiologists' bedside manner; however 69% were either unsure or sure that an anesthesiologist did not visit them after surgery. Interestingly, this lack of continued care had no overall effect on patient satisfaction. Majority reported receiving immediate post-operative analgesia (65%). The Oncological Surgery patients reported highest (and the Orthopedic patients the lowest) satisfaction with their postoperative nausea and pain management. Majority of responders were overall satisfied with their care. Conclusions: Our data indicate a high level of patient satisfaction with nearly all aspects of perioperative anesthesiology care. However, anesthesiologists need to more thoroughly inform patients about possible complications of anesthesia. A larger survey is needed to fully assess the patient care and satisfaction trends discussed above.