Pre-Operative concerns of a patient in a Rural setup :RURAL SETUP: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Objective : To identify and appraise the concerns different patients have prior to undergoing surgery in a rural set
up. Method : In this prospective survey, 207 patients completed a questionnaire regarding their concerns prior to
undergoing surgery. Patients responded by answering the questions and sharing their concerns and fears. The
study was conducted over a period of one year (2016 – 2017). Results : Patient population consisted of 207
consenting adults undergoing elective major and minor surgery in a rural setup. Patients included 149 men, 57
women and 1 newborn. The male:female ratio being 2.6:1.0. The age of the patients ranged from 10 years to 75
years. 150 patients were scheduled to undergo urological procedures, and remaining 57 were to undergo gastro
intestinal surgeries. Out of all the concerns listed, 35.27% of the total patients who were also found to be unskilled
laborers had foremost concern regarding the hospital and medical expenses. The female patients had soaring
apprehensions about their family, children and other household works (24.64%). 18.36% patients confirmed
having issues concerning postoperative backaches owing to spinal anesthesia. 7.73% patients were found to
have mixed concerns. And only about 14% of patients said that they had no fear regarding their surgeries.
Conclusion : In a rural setup, preoperative counseling of a patient by the doctor definitely helps in post operative
recovery. In case of female patients, counseling of family members is also equally important. This data provides
information that will be helpful in preoperative patient counseling and in generating awareness for patients
undergoing surgeries and their relatives.