ABSTRACT
Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate patient satisfaction after spinal anaesthesia, which is the most frequently administered anaesthesia in obstetric patients. Method: A cross-sectional study of patients who underwent caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia in the operating rooms of Hospital Teluk Intan was conducted. Post-operative survey of patients on the day after surgery was conducted by collecting pre-operative and intra-operative data on a constructed questionnaire. Post-operative data, including satisfaction and understanding the anaesthetist’s explanation regarding anaesthesia, satisfaction in receiving spinal anaesthesia and adverse effects, and willingness to accept or refuse spinal anaesthesia for a similar surgery again, were inquired by trained anaesthesia personnel. Results: A total of 200 pregnant patients, with age ranging from 17 to 45 years, were surveyed: 64.5% Malay, 17% Indian, 14% Chinese and 4.5% others. All (100%) the patients were satisfied with the explanation provided regarding the choices of anaesthesia, but 2% could not concentrate on the explanation because of labour pain. Overall, the average satisfaction with spinal anaesthesia administration was divided into 194 (97%) satisfied patients and 6 (3%) dissatisfied patients. Factors associated with dissatisfaction were inadequate analgesia during surgery and failed spinal anaesthesia. Post-operative complications included spinal headache 5 (2.5%), post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) 1 (0.5%), pain at the surgical site 2 (1%) and backache 2 (1%). Furthermore, 177 (88.5%) patients would opt for spinal anaesthesia in future for similar surgery, if required; 16 (8%) would not; and 7 (3.5%) were not sure. The reasons for refusal to receive spinal anaesthesia were as follows: awareness and failed regional anaesthesia. Conclusion: The patients receiving spinal anaesthesia demonstrated a high rate of patient satisfaction. Ensuring the quality of spinal anaesthesia, improving clinical skill of the anaesthesiologists, and prevention of side effects might improve patient satisfaction.