Avaliação da percepção do paciente acerca da anestesia e do papel do anestesiologista em um hospital universitário

Abstract

Background and objectives. The services performed by anesthesiologists are vital in managing the pain of patients who are candidates for surgical procedures, however, there is inadequate knowledge about the role they play in the health system. The objective is to analyze patients' perception of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist's role. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, of patients who were candidates for an elective surgical procedure at the HUGV/UFAM. The research was approved by the UFAM Research Ethics Committee, with CAAE 61358022.5.0000.9167. Results. One hundred patients were evaluated, 68.0% female, 28% between 41 and 50 years old and 50% with high school education. Around 72.0% of the interviewees stated that they had already been submitted to anesthesia, 65% stated that the anesthesiologist is a physician, 31% with an estimated training time of five years, working in various sectors of the hospital; 50% believe that the surgeon ensures their well-being during the operation, 40% that the nurse is responsible for recovery at the end of the procedure and 77.0% believe that the anesthetist should anesthetize and monitor the patient; 64% reported being afraid of waking up during the procedure. Discussion. Although most respondents are aware of anesthesiologists' qualifications, training time was underestimated, which may be associated with a low level of education. Individuals with more formal education seek more information about the procedures to be submitted and recognize the anesthesiologist's role in monitoring and managing coexisting medical conditions, pain relief and stabilization of critically ill patients. Intraoperative awareness was seen as the most important concern, according to literature data. Conclusion. Despite the high risk of complications associated with anesthesia, equally enormous benefits are evident in its management, such as reduced preoperative anxiety and pain, earlier postoperative recovery and greater patient satisfaction.