PREOPERATIVE ANESTHESIA ASSESMENT OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN PARACHINAR

Abstract

Background:  The preoperative anesthesia evaluation is an essential part of perioperative care that guarantees patient safety and enhances surgical results. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's health status, recognition of risk factors, and appropriate planning for anesthesia administration. Variations in healthcare resources and infrastructure might affect the quality of this evaluation between private and public hospitals.

Aims:  To analyze the quality, thoroughness, and patient-focused results of preoperative anesthesia evaluations in public versus private hospitals in Parachinar.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed involving 50 patients receiving elective surgery with general anesthesia, comprising 25 patients from public hospitals and 25 from private hospitals. A sampling method that prioritizes convenience was employed. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire, a medical record checklist, and a pre-anesthesia evaluation checklist. Statistical analysis utilized mean values, percentage and frequency to compare various assessment elements.

Result:  The results indicated that private hospitals exhibited a more thorough preoperative anesthesia evaluation than public hospitals. Private hospitals recorded higher mean scores for taking medical histories, conducting physical examinations, and providing patient counseling. Patients in private hospitals demonstrated improved comprehension of anesthesia methods and reported a more significant decrease in anxiety. Additionally, patient satisfaction rates were marginally greater in private hospitals. Conversely, public hospitals showed relatively poorer performance in these aspects, potentially due to increased patient volumes, time limitations, and resource constraints.

Conclusion:  While public and private hospitals carry out crucial preoperative anesthesia assessments, private hospitals generally offer more comprehensive and organized evaluations. Enhancements in communication, resource distribution, and uniform assessment methods are suggested for public hospitals to improve the overall quality of care.