A survey on public awareness about the role of anesthesiologists

Abstract EN

Introduction Anesthesiologist plays a crucial role in perioperative, intensive care, and pain clinic, but the public awareness about the speciality is limited.

Aim The present study was conducted to assess the public knowledge about the role of anesthesiologist and to educate the public.

Settings and design The study was designed as a cross-sectional observational study.

Patients and methods The study was conducted by Department of Anesthesia at the Health Mela organized by ESIC PGIMSR (Employers State Insurance Co-operation Medical College and Post Graduate Institute Of Medical Science and Research) at Kassia Bhavan, Vijayanagar, Bangalore.

A questionnaire containing 10 questions was distributed among the public in both English and Kannada.

A total of 200 individuals responded for the questionnaire; 65% responded in English and 35% in Kannada.

Their responses were recorded as Yes / No.

The results are expressed as percentage.

Results In all, 82% knew about anesthesia; 75% knew that anesthesiologists are doctors; 74% knew that anesthesia is safe; 73% knew that different anesthesias are required for different surgeries; 77% knew that informed consent is required for surgery; 69% knew that all types of pain are managed by anesthesiologist; 72.5% knew that labor can be painless with labor analgesia; 73% preferred labor analgesia; 81% knew that preoperatively they need to follow anesthesiologist orders; and 92% were benefi ted from visiting the anesthesia stall.

Conclusion Majority of the public who attended the mela knew the role of anesthesiologists, but still further education is required to create awareness on anesthesia speciality.

This can be achieved by conducting health melas, camps, and also through audiovisual and print media.