Patients' knowledge of perioperative care

Background Patient knowledge of perioperative care, particularly the role o f the anaesthetist, appears limited. Aim This study investigated patients' knowledge of common medical terms, of their surgical care, of the role of the anaesthetist, and their preoperati ve fears and concerns about postoperative pain. We examined the changes in their knowledge base as a result of the pre-anaesthetic visit and their inp atient stay. Methods Three hundred patients were surveyed on three separate occasions, b efore a routine pre-anaesthetic visit, two to three hours after this visit and on the day of discharge from hospital. Results Patients' knowledge of medical terms, their surgical procedure, and the role of the anaesthetist in their perioperative care were limited. The re was little change following either the pre-anaesthetic visit or postoper ative convalescence. Misconceptions, about such issues as postoperative pai n, appeared to increase by the end of their hospital stay. Male patients, o lder patients and patients in lower socio-economic groups had poorer knowle dge. A significant proportion of patients remained unaware that the anaesth etist was medically qualified. Conclusions Patients' knowledge of perioperative care is limited, with very little change during hospital stay. Novel educational approaches may be re quired to increase basic medical knowledge.