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Anesthesiologists’ perception of patients’ anxiety under regional anesthesia

Authors Jlala H, Bedforth NM, Hardman JG

Published 12 August 2010 Volume 2010:3 Pages 65—71

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/LRA.S11271

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 2



Hatem A Jlala1, Nigel M Bedforth2, Jonathan G Hardman1
1University Department of Anaesthesia, Queens’ Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK

Abstract: The aim of this survey is to report anesthesiologists’ perception of patients’ anxiety under regional anesthesia, its frequency, effects and causes, and the strategies employed to reduce it. Electronic questionnaires were sent to all grades of anesthesiologists in Nottingham, UK. The response rate for the survey was 79%. Over half of the anesthesiologists in our region believe that anxiety during regional anesthesia is not common. Surgery and anesthesia, followed by block failure were reported by anesthesiologists as the most common causes of patients’ anxiety. Frequently employed techniques to manage anxiety were communication or sedation. Most respondents felt that regional anesthesia provides good analgesia and patient satisfaction. However, 20% felt that regional anesthesia is painful or unpleasant for patients, perhaps explaining the reluctance by some anesthesiologists to perform regional anesthesia.

Keywords: regional block, regional anesthesia

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