An educational tool to improve patient perceptions on the roles of an anesthesiologist and the importance of pre-anesthetic evaluation: A quality initiative study

• Main Authors: Smitha Elizabeth George, Grace Rebekah, Anita Shirley Joselyn
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2020-01-01
• Series: The Indian Anaesthetists' Forum
• Subjects: anesthesiologists; patient education as topic; preoperative care; quality improvement
• Online Access: http://www.theiaforum.org/article.asp?issn=2589-7934;year=2020;volume=21;issue=2;spage=92;epage=99;aulast=George

Background: There is a huge deficit in patient knowledge about roles played by an anesthesiologist and about the relevance of a proper preanesthetic evaluation. This study attempted to evaluate if quality improvement strategies could improve it during the preanesthesia clinic (PAC) visit. Materials and Methods: The Plan, Do, Study, Act cycle model of quality control projects was implemented by a prospective audit using a questionnaire, conducted in 170 patients scheduled for elective surgeries in the PAC of a tertiary care hospital, to assess knowledge levels about the relevance of PAC and roles of the anesthesiologist. Educational tools consisting of posters and information on a screen displayed in the PAC waiting area were designed. Another audit in consecutive 170 patients was conducted to assess if educational tools improved the patient's knowledge, and if factors such as patient's gender, language, educational level, and previous anesthetic exposure had any impact on knowledge levels. Results: The initial audit demonstrated a knowledge deficit about preanesthesia checkups and about the roles of the anesthesiologist. Quality improvement steps were taken, and educational tools implemented. Knowledge scores improved from 44.54 ± 17.45 to 52.12 ± 18.8 (P < 0.001, confidence interval −11.45–−3.69). Male gender, higher educational levels, and knowledge of the English language were associated with higher knowledge levels after the intervention. Conclusion: Waiting time at PAC can be utilized to educate patients about the relevance of preanesthesia checkup and about various roles of the anesthesiologist by means of posters and information on a display screen.