Awareness About Field of Anaesthesiology and Role of Anaesthetist Among General Population of Ireland

INTRODUCTION:

Anaesthesia is a relatively new specialty as compared to medicine and surgery(1). Lack of public exposure and direct patient interaction have led to limited knowledge regarding anesthesiology among patients (2, 3). Status of anesthesiologist and anesthesiology in the eyes of public has always been a problem. Recent advancement in the field of anesthesiology has led to progress in surgical techniques and procedures, it is not always given its due share in media(2). Although professional bodies around the world are trying to improve awareness about anesthesiology, patient's knowledge about anesthesiology and anesthesiologist is largely inaccurate (4-6).

Studies done in developed countries have shown that patients have limited knowledge about role of anesthesiologist outside the operating room (2, 5, 7 ). A study done in India in 2009 shows that there was a wide spread ignorance about anesthesiology and role of anesthesiologist in general public(6). A survey done in Pakistan in 1999 showed that only 56% patients identified anesthesiologist as a doctor(4). Another study done in 2004 showed that 82% patients knew that anesthesiologist is a doctor but more than fifty percent had no idea about their other responsibilities in the hospital(8).

In recent past there may be an increase in awareness about anesthesiology because of explosive growth in media and internet (3). Whether this reflects on patient's knowledge needs to be determined. This information is important for establishing good patient doctor relationship and further efforts to educate general public about the importance of anesthesiology and role of anesthesiologist in health care.