Public awareness about anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist: a survey

ABSTRACT

Anaesthesiologists are playing a decisive role in patient management. Present day anaesthesio-logy is based on the use of newer and safer drugs, better patient monitoring, pain management and critical care. General public knows little of these developments. An awareness programme for general public and medical students was conducted on "Public awareness regarding Anaesthesia and Anaesthesiologist" in September 2009 at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College Karachi. Audience of this well attended programme was provided with the questionnaire to conduct this survey. Study was conducted on 100 individuals between the ages of 20 - 70 years. They were divided into three groups according to their educational status and age. According to education level 39% were group 1 [Matric and above], 54% were group 2 [graduates] and 7% were group 3 [medical undergraduates]. It was revealed that educational level showed a clear cut influence in their response. People were more concerned about the immediate postoperative problems. 70% of the population evaluated had exposure of surgery for themselves or their relatives and friends and therefore had knowledge about anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist. This study proves that awareness programme is one of the ways to improve public knowledge regarding anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist