• J G Laffey, M Coleman, and J F Boylan.
• Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2000 Apr 1; 169 (2): 113-8.

BackgroundPatient knowledge of perioperative care, particularly the role of the anaesthetist, appears limited.AimThis study investigated patients' knowledge of common medical terms, of their surgical care, of the role of the anaesthetist, and their preoperative fears and concerns about postoperative pain. We examined the changes in their knowledge base as a result of the pre-anaesthetic visit and their inpatient stay.MethodsThree hundred patients were surveyed on three separate occasions, before a routine pre-anaesthetic visit, two to three hours after this visit and on the day of discharge from hospital.ResultsPatients' knowledge of medical terms, their surgical procedure, and the role of the anaesthetist in their perioperative care were limited. There was little change following either the pre-anaesthetic visit or postoperative convalescence. Misconceptions, about such issues as postoperative pain, appeared to increase by the end of their hospital stay. Male patients, older patients and patients in lower socio-economic groups had poorer knowledge. A significant proportion of patients remained unaware that the anaesthetist was medically qualified.ConclusionsPatients' knowledge of perioperative care is limited, with very little change during hospital stay. Novel educational approaches may be required to increase basic medical knowledge.

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