[Effects of choice of anaesthesia on the patients image of the anaesthesiologist].

Abstract

Background: The social status of physicians has been traditionally high in Poland, over recent years, we have noticed increased patient expectations in relation to the newest technology and the highest possible competence. The patient s image of medical personnel may influence his or her opinion about the quality of the service and of the medical centre. At the same time, we have noticed signs of decreasing trust, and an increased number of legal claims against doctors. The purpose of this study was to compare the image of anaesthesiologists, as perceived by patients who underwent Caesarean section either with general or spinal anaesthesia.

Methods: Five hundred and thirteen parturients were asked to complete a questionnaire about their view of the attending anaesthesiologist, assessing the doctors attitude with 7-degree visual-analogue scale.

Results: Four hundred and twelve valid forms were returned. Women who received spinal anaesthesia rated their anaesthesiologist higher than those who had general anaesthesia. Among the most important factors that influenced their opinion were: competence, calmness, trustfulness, accurate and detailed information, patience and kindness. Feelings of intimacy and privacy were less important, but the length of the preoperative visit was found to be a relevant factor. Anaesthesiologists providing spinal anaesthesia were rated higher, probably because they were spending more time with awake patients than those who had chosen general anaesthesia. The latter may also have been in a hurry, because of co-existing emergencies.

Conclusion: We conclude that patients satisfaction depends mainly on the time spent with their doctors before anaesthesia and during the procedure. Regional anaesthesia may increase the patients trust and satisfaction, when compared with general anaesthesia.