Evaluation of patients’ satisfaction with anesthesia in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in Iran

AIM The purpose of this study was to assess satisfaction level and related factors among patients who had an anesthesia during endoscopic procedures; and also validate a questionnaire for evaluating satisfaction with anesthesia. BACKGROUND The level of patient satisfaction with GI endoscopic procedure is an important criterion to indicate the level of expertise in endoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a prospective descriptive study at Resalat Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Three hundred seventy nine elective patients undergoing anesthesia for GI endoscopy procedure in 2010 were recruited. A 20-item questionnaire was used to evaluate the satisfaction with the anesthesia. The questionnaire was answered within 72 hours after the procedure. The satisfaction was graded into four major groups: anesthesia delivery, procedural recall, side effects and global satisfaction. RESULTS The level of satisfaction with anesthesia and its related factors were determined. The mean score of satisfaction with anesthesia delivery, procedural recall, side effects, global satisfaction, and total satisfaction (question 1-16) were 6.15 ± 1.23, 5.65± 1.48, 5.24± 1.16, 5.01± 1.29, and 5.46± 1.14, respectively. There was a significant difference in patients' satisfaction level between different jobs (p=0.02) as well as different levels of education (p=0.01). CONCLUSION Higher educational level was accompanied with greater satisfaction. The highest satisfaction score was seen among retired patients and the lowest level was found in housekeepers.