ABSTRACT

In all its essence, anesthesiology is the art and science of protecting patients

from pain and death – the two most dreaded fears of human beings. Over the years,

anesthesiology has evolved to ensure patient safety. However, among the general lay

community, patients visiting the hospital and even among medical practitioners, the role

of anesthesia and anesthesiologists in medical practice is unclear. Identifying and

determination of the perception of patients among anesthesia and anesthesiologist

guides healthcare professionals in dealing with their fears and anxieties. This cross-

sectional study determined the perception of the role of anesthesia and the role of

anesthesiologists among adults admitted in a tertiary hospital in Iloilo City from August

to October 2021. Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of

156 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 37.26 years old. Respondents

were predominantly females and with a tertiary education. Occupation of respondents

were mostly from “others” and commerce. High awareness of patients was seen overall

but were more apparent in respondents with previous surgical operation, higher

educational attainment, and those who work in the education, health, and commerce

sectors. Major source of information about anesthesia were from their self-exposure and

their anesthesiologist. Significant predictors of high knowledge and awareness from

patients were previous history of surgical procedure, source of information coming from

self-exposure and their anesthesiologists, being explained about their consent for

anesthesia procedure, higher educational attainment, and occupation related to

education, healthcare, and commerce.

Keywords: Perception, anesthesia, adults, fears, anxieties