Key result
Patients awaiting upper limb trauma surgery demonstrated a significant knowledge deficit regarding anaesthesia, with 71% expecting general anaesthesia and 53% unaware of their planned anaesthetic technique.
Cross-Sectional (n=192)
No
Patients presenting for upper limb trauma surgery have a significant knowledge deficit regarding anaesthesia modalities, but providing information on the benefits of regional anaesthesia strongly influences their willingness to accept it.
Knowledge deficits may warrant preoperative education in upper limb trauma; hypothesis-generating for effects on regional anaesthesia acceptance.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known regarding patients' anaesthesia-related expectations when presenting for upper limb trauma surgery. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional survey exploring prior anaesthetic experience, anaesthesia-related knowledge, anaesthesia expectations, the preoperative visit and factors likely to influence anaesthesia choice. The survey was completed by 192 patients. RESULTS: Anaesthetists were identified as doctors by 52%; 53% were unaware of their planned anaesthesia; 58% indicated likely acceptance of regional anaesthesia. Information regarding anaesthesia originated mostly from surgeons (65%); 93% had not seen an anaesthetist at the time of the survey. Most believed anaesthesia involved 'going to sleep' (82%) and 71% expected to receive general anaesthesia. The preoperative anaesthesia visit was rated as important by 65% of patients. 78% indicated that provision of information would increase the likelihood of accepting regional anaesthesia. Reducing postoperative pain and nausea would influence 80% in choosing a regional technique. CONCLUSION: A knowledge deficit exists regarding anaesthesia modalities for upper limb trauma surgery.
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OʼDonnell et al. (2017) conducted a cross-sectional in Upper limb trauma requiring operative repair (n=192). Preoperative anaesthesia knowledge and expectations was evaluated on Patient expectation and knowledge regarding anaesthetists, anaesthesia, and analgesia. Patients awaiting upper limb trauma surgery demonstrated a significant knowledge deficit regarding anaesthesia, with 71% expecting general anaesthesia and 53% unaware of their planned anaesthetic technique.
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