Public awareness about the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists: a national survey.
10.4097/kjae.2014.66.1.12
- Author:
Jae Jun LEE
1
;
Nak Hun LEE
;
Chong Min PARK
;
Sung Jin HONG
;
Myoung Hoon KONG
;
Kook Hyun LEE
;
Jun Heum YON
;
Sun Ok SONG
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Hallym University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Anesthesia;
Physician's role;
Public opinion
- MeSH:
Anesthesia;
Anesthesiology*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Humans;
Operating Rooms;
Physician's Role;
Public Opinion
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2014;66(1):12-17
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The aims of this national survey were to determine the views of Korean people regarding the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists and to consider the ways in which individual anesthesiologists and the Korean Society of Anesthesiologists inform the public. METHODS: This off-line national survey was conducted by a professional research organization to obtain exact and reliable data. The questionnaire included structured questions to identify perceptions of the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists inside and outside the operating room, people's desire for explanation of anesthesia by anesthesiologists, and their opinion about the best way to raise awareness about anesthesia and anesthesiologists. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 25.2% did not know that anesthesiologists are in charge of anesthesia during surgery. Furthermore, even respondents who knew that had very little knowledge of anesthesiologists' actual roles inside and outside the operating room. Respondents wanted their anesthesiologist to inform them about their anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The public's awareness regarding the role of anesthesiologists seems to be inadequate. To improve this awareness, in hospitals, each anesthesiologist should provide patients with more exact and detailed information. Simultaneously, the National Society of Anesthesiology should provide systematic information reflecting the public's thoughts.
