Factors predictive of patient satisfaction with anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: In this multicenter prospective study, we identified factors associated with satisfaction with anesthesia in patients staying in hospital at least 24 h after surgery. METHODS: The study was performed in six centers. Inpatients aged more than 18 yr, who underwent a wide range of common surgical procedures, were asked to answer a 10-item instrument to measure patient satisfaction with anesthesia (mean score range, 0-10) and some specific questions, and to rate their perceived health (score, 0-10). Anesthesia staff members were invited to self-compile a Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: The satisfaction evaluation questionnaire was returned by 1290 patients (mean age, 61 +/- 16 yr; males, 54.4%). The mean global satisfaction score was 8.7 (95% CI: 8.7-8.8), being <9 in 632 (49%) and > or =9 in 658 (51%) patients. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was returned by 55 anesthesiologists and 68 nurses. Multivariate regression identified five variables as significant predictors of a mean global satisfaction of >/=9: 1) having been treated in a service with perioperative nurses specifically dedicated only to anesthesia; 2) having been treated where anesthesia information leaflets were provided preoperatively; 3) having received more than two anesthesiologist visits after surgery; 4) having a perceived health score >8.5; and 5) being older that 70 yr. No relationship was found between staff burnout and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient satisfaction can be improved by an organization in which surgical suite nurses are dedicated only to anesthesia, a written anesthesia information leaflet is given during the preoperative visit and postoperative visits are enhanced.

Melatonin does not reduce anxiety more than placebo in the elderly undergoing surgery.

Melatonin has been reported to reduce preoperative anxiety. We performed this study to compare preoperative anxiety in elderly patients receiving melatonin (M) or placebo (P). Anxiety was measured in patients aged >65 yr by a numerical rating scale (range, 0-10). Each patient was randomized to receive M 10 mg or P orally: 71 patients were in group P and 67 in group M. The median (quartiles) anxiety level was 5 (2-8) before and 3 (1-7) 90 min after premedication in group M and 5 (3-6) and 3 (1-5) in group P, respectively. M and P reduce anxiety in elderly patients to a similar degree.