Impact of an information booklet on patient satisfaction in anesthesia

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction of adult surgical patients before and after an information booklet concerning anaesthetic techniques and complications, and postoperative management has been proposed during preanaesthetic visits. STUDY DESIGN: Survey. METHOD: Three surveys have been performed using an anonymous questionnaire of 25 items with graduated answers (very good, good, bad, very bad, no opinion) concerning patient satisfaction on structure, physician behavior, information and well being. As the results of the first two surveys were not significantly different, an information booklet was proposed to patients during preanaesthetic visits, then a third survey ("After") was realized. The results of this survey were compared to the combined results of the first two surveys ("Before"). RESULTS: In the "before" survey, 60 to 76% of the patients were satisfied (very good and good) of the information delivered during preanaesthetic visits. The proportion of patients satisfied of the information concerning anaesthetic techniques, transfusion and recovery were significantly higher in the "after" survey (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An information booklet on anaesthesia increases patient satisfaction on information provided during preanaesthetic visits.