Current understanding of the literate versus illiterate patient's knowledge about anesthesiologists: A comparative study

CONTEXT: There is a widespread ignorance among the public about the role of anesthesiologists and their responsibilities inside or outside the operating room both in developed and developing countries. AIMS: The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge of literate and illiterate patient about the role of anesthesiologists and their concerns regarding anesthesiology. SETTING AND DESIGN: This is a prospective study conducted in a preoperative anesthetic clinic of a large tertiary care hospital. The study consisted of a standard preanesthetic interview and questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After obtaining permission from the Ethics committee, patients in the age group 18–75 years of either sex undergoing elective surgery were included. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of their education: Group A: included patient who are illiterate; Group B: included patients who are literate, completed a questionnaire, which was later evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Unpaired t test and correlation r test were used. RESULTS: There was limited knowledge among both literates and illiterates regarding the perioperative role of anesthesiologists. They wanted to be fully explained about the anesthesiology technique and were keen to meet their anesthesiologist both before and after the surgery. CONCLUSION: To eliminate the ignorance among general public regarding the role of anesthesiologists, efforts must be made to educate and generate awareness among the population.