Degree of Knowledge About Anaesthesiology and Anaesthesiologists Among Patients in Tertiary Care Hospital of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION:

Anaesthesiology is still an emerging specialty in comparison to medicine and the field of surgery. Unawareness, infrequent exposure, and limited direct patient interaction have resulted in into least knowledge regarding the field of anaesthesiology among patients get admission to the hospital. The role, status of the anaesthesiologist and the awareness about the specialty of anaesthesiology has always been an active issue in the general population of most of the countries. Ongoing advancement in the field of anaesthesiology has facilitated complex surgical procedures, but it has never been acknowledged anywhere in media. Several studies done on the same subject is a reflection of efforts of professional bodies around the world towards improvement in the spread of awareness about the field of anaesthesiology and role of anaesthesiologist but these are still largely inaccurate.

A survey done even in developed countries outside the operating rooms depicted that the patients have limited awareness about the role of anaesthesiologists. A survey was done in India in 2018 showed that there was widespread ignorance about the anaesthesiology and role of anaesthesiologist in patients attending rural healthcare facilities. A 2009 survey in government busy setting of India showed that only 56% of patients knew that anaesthesiologist is a doctor. A survey done in the year 2004 revealed a high number of around 80% of patients visiting hospital recognized anaesthesiologist as a doctor but were unaware of their responsibilities in the hospital.

In the era of the rise in media and the Internet, an enhancement can be seen in awareness about anaesthesiology. Awareness about anaesthesiology and anaesthesiologists is an important better relationship between patient and doctor.

Methodology: