[The patients' perception of the anaesthetist in a Swiss university hospital].

OBJECTIVES: The role or recognition of the anaesthetist as an independent medical specialist has been the subject of many studies. Since most of this work was performed in English speaking countries, only few data are available for Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. The goal of this study was to determine how much knowledge patients had of the training and activities of anaesthetists. The study included patients ( n=685) who underwent elective operations in all surgical subspecialties at the University Hospital of Basel.
METHODS: The data were collected using a questionnaire distributed at the end of the preoperative visit, which included 14 different questions examining the role of the anaesthetist.
RESULTS: Surprisingly, and in contrast to previous studies, almost all patients (99%) knew that the anaesthetist is a qualified physician. In addition, 75% of the patients were aware that the anaesthetist is also engaged in activities outside the operating room; these percentages compare favourably with previous results. However, when asked about the specifics of these activities or about how long it takes to train an anaesthetist, the Swiss patients knew little more than patients from other countries. Only one fifth of all patients estimated the duration of postgraduate training correctly and 45% thought that the anaesthesia team worked under the supervision of the surgical team. Previous anaesthetic experiences as well as additional informational material such as a booklet or videofilm did not improve the patients' knowledge with respect to the training or activities of anaesthetists. DISCUSSION: Since other even more elaborate and expensive methods such as large exhibitions, national anaesthesia days, or increased coverage on radio and television also failed to enhance patients' knowledge, the focus is once again on the relationship between the patient and anaesthetist. If we wish to improve the role and recognition of anaesthetists for patients and/or the public, the anaesthetist must be visible for the patients as a true physician in the pre- and postoperative period. To improve this important patient-anaesthetist relationship, we have begun a training program in communication skills for all physicians in our department.