Korean J Anesthesiol.  2014 Jan;66(1):12-17. 10.4097/kjae.2014.66.1.12.

Public awareness about the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists: a national survey

• Lee JJ
• Lee NH
• Park CM
• Hong SJ
• Kong MH
• Lee KH
• Yon JH
• Song SO

• KMID: 2237237
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2014.66.1.12

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.

Keyword

Anesthesia; Physician's role; Public opinion

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Anesthesiology*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Humans
Operating Rooms
Physician's Role
Public Opinion