Fears and perceptions associated with regional anesthesia: A study from a tertiary care hospital in South India

Abstract

AIMS: To assess the patients' fears and their perception about regional anesthesia and to study the correlation between fears and perception and demographic profile. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional survey on 150 patients scheduled for surgery under regional anesthesia (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The structured questionnaires composed of patients' demographic data and questions regarding patients' fears about RA. Questionnaires along with consent forms were sequentially distributed to patients. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Classes I and II patients aged between 18 and 80 years scheduled for surgery under RA at the preanesthesia clinics were included in the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done by calculating percentages using Chi-square test. RESULTS: = 0.01). Six patients (4%) revealed dissatisfaction and 10 patients were neutral with RA. Ten patients (6.7%) opted for GA in the future and one patient opted for RA with sedation. CONCLUSION: There is a significant prevalence of fear for RA and its procedures which can affect the patients' decision and postoperative anxiety. The study replicated the high prevalence of anxiety and fear and has clinical implication of improving the education and specifically targeting the fears and anxiety to help the patients' better cope during and after the surgical procedure.