Impact of an information booklet on patient satisfaction in anaesthesia

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of adult surgical patients before and after an information booklet concerning anaest hetic techniques and complications, and postoperative management has been p roposed during preanaesthetic visits. Study design: Survey. Method: Three surveys have been performed using an anonymous questionnaire of 25 items with graduated answers (very good, good, bad, very bad, no opin ion) concerning patient satisfaction on structure, physician behavior, info rmation and well being. As the results of the first two surveys were not si gnificantly different, an information booklet was proposed to patients duri ng preanaesthetic visits, then a third survey (<<After>>) was realized. The results of this survey were compared to the combined results of the first two surveys (<<Before>>). Results: In the <<before>> survey, 60 to 76% of the patients were satisfied (very good and good) of the information delivered during preanaesthetic vi sits. the proportion of patients satisfied of the information concerning an aesthetic techniques, transfusion and recovery were significantly higher in the <<after>> survey (P < 0.05). Conclusion: An information booklet on anaesthesia increases patient satisfa ction on information provided during preanaesthetic visits. (C) 2000 Editio ns scientifiques st medicales Elsevier SAS.