Anaesthetic Pre-Operative Assessment in Private Anaesthetic Practice: An Audit
Foate JA, French RA
Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, NZ
Purpose of Study
An audit of patients receiving a pre-operative anaesthetic visit at two private hospitals in Christchurch was conducted. The principal aim was to assess the value attached by the patient to this interaction.
Methods
The audit occurred between August and September 2004.Thirty four anaesthetists each received 20 audit forms (total 680), which were placed in the patient notes in theatre and given to the patients by nursing staff post operatively. Patients were not advised of the audit at the preoperative assessment.
Results
Four hundred and eighty forms were returned (70%). 57% of respondents could recall their anaesthetist's name. 88% identified anaesthetic qualifications as equivalent to surgical. 95% saw their anaesthetist prior to attending theatre, with 93% of these consultations being on the day of surgery. 94% found this contact of value and of these 94% felt they had adequate time with the anaesthetist. 34% would like to receive written information concerning anaesthesia preoperatively. 20% felt attendance at a pre-op clinic would be valuable for any operation and 34% for major surgery only. Cross tabulation of data, with subsequent Chi2 showed a greater desire for written information about anaesthesia amongst those identifying themselves as having concerns about anaesthesia, compared with the rest of the group (48% vs 37% : p=0.03 ). This difference was not found comparing those people identifying themselves as having ongoing health issues with the rest of the group (41% vs 41%). Telephoning the patient preoperatively increased name recall (71% vs 56% : p=0.05).
Conclusion
The patients audited valued the preoperative anaesthetic visit and feel it is of sufficient time despite most consultations occurring on the day of surgery. The provision of written preoperative anaesthetic information is desired by approximately one third of audited patients. This is now being explored with the participating hospitals' admitting administrations.
Note: The authors wish to thank the nursing staff of St George's Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital, Christchurch for their invaluable assistance in this project.Time of Presentation:
- Saturday 7 May 2005 - 1530-1700
