Perioperative communication practices of anesthesiologists: A need to introspect and change

BACKGROUND: We conducted an audit of various communication practices during perioperative care among anesthesiology resident (R), faculties (F), and private practitioners (PP) in South India. We also documented the level of psycho-social support given to the patient and patient relatives and communication with the surgical colleagues during perioperative care. METHODOLOGY: A 15-point questionnaire based on communication practices was distributed in three major anesthesiology conferences requesting anesthesiologists to answer and drop the forms in the drop box provided. Resident and consultant level anesthesiologists of various Medical Schools in South India and private practitioners were involved in the study. The answers were analyzed to find out the various communication practices in perioperative care. RESULTS: The freelancing private practitioners (PP) were more communicative to patient and relatives especially in complicated cases (Q1 - 45.6%, Q2 - 97.8%, Q4 - 94.4%, Q8 - 98.9%, respectively) in comparison with institutionalized practitioners. The choice of anesthesia and discussion related to the advantages of one mode of anesthesia over other was the most neglected part of communication (R - 14.2%, F - 17.6%, and PP - 5.6%). The PP's (95.6%) are more concerned about intraoperative communication (R - 27.6%, F - 39.2%). The discussion of postoperative pain management plan with the surgeon is not given priority in the communication by postgraduates (7.9%) and teaching faculties (8.8%). CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need to introspect and change the communication practices. We strongly recommend that communications skills should be introduced in anesthesiology resident curriculum.