Assessment of Surgery and Anesthesia Services and Patients’ Attitude Towards Informed Consent: The Case of a Specialized and Comprehensive University Hospital in Northern Ethiopia

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare providers need to establish close relationships with patients planning to undergo major elective surgery as this helps produce positive patient outcomes. This study aimed at investigating surgery and anesthesia services and patients’ attitude toward informed consent at Ayder comprehensive specialized university hospital, in Northern Ethiopia. Material and Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the biggest health facility in Northern Ethiopia. Four hundred ten patients with major elective surgery were recruited. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographics, anesthesia and surgery services and the attitude of patients toward informed consent. Descriptive results were presented using frequencies and tables. Regression analysis was accompanied by an odds ratio and a 95% confidence interval was run to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Results: Study participants’ mean age was 36.1+11.7. Around two-thirds (71.7%) and one-fourth (26.6%) of the study participants were informed about their proposed surgical procedure and its possible complications, respectively. Two hundred ninety four (66.8%) and 88 (21.5%) were made aware of the type of anesthesia that was going to be administered and possible complications. About half (50.7%) had expressed a positive attitude towards informed consent. Rural residents have about twice (AOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.06-2.73) higher odds of expressing a positive attitude towards the informed consent than their counterparts. Conclusion: The study revealed that the proportion of patients who were informed about their anesthesia-surgery services was moderate. Besides, patients’ attitude toward informed consent was poor. The residence was a good predictor of positive patients’ attitudes toward informed consent. Thus, healthcare professionals in the surgery department should establish clear and transparent communication with patients about surgery and anesthesia-related services.