May the decision making of anaesthesia choice be directed

This study which is planned to show how the factors that effect anaesthesia method choice, the importance of giving information and information about the anaesthetic methods effect the decision making is done at 358 patients, age between 18-80, who can take elective regional anaesthesia between 26.11.2008-26.05.2009.The demographic data of patients were recerded. The anaesthetic choices of patients were asked and recorded as T1. A 9 questions of questionaire that evaluates the information that can be effect the choices is given to be answered ? Yes- no" informations about regional anaesthesia were readen to both group and the choices are asked and recorded as T2. After verbal information and visual materials that shows the anaesthesia methods; final the choices were recrded as T3.While the knowledge of patients about anaesthetic methods increase the choice was usually regional (p<0,001). Men and older patients choice regional anaesthesia more than women (p= 0,023) and younger patients (p< 0,001). Education, type of operation and Money do not effect the choice. We found that the knowledge of patients about the anaesthesia method was effected by their past experiences, what they heard bad or good, about it the surgeons? information, anaesthesiologists and surgeons orders and if they want to be awake during the operation (p< 0,001). Between these; the situation to be awake and the experiences ( that they or their relatives lived) most effected the choice.We think that education of patients about choosing the anaesthetic method will increase to choose regional anaesthesia and the education of surgens is needed. For patients to know the results of the facts that they pay attention helps the anaesthesiologist and improves the quality of work.Key words: Regional anaesthesia, patient choice, decision-making, knowledge.Correspondence to: bakiler@yahoo.com