JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The preanesthetic consultation (PAC) is not the best moment for the patients to integrate in a limited time the flow of information specific to their perioperative care pathway.

Objective:

The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital companion on patients' knowledge of anesthesia and their satisfaction after real-life implementation.

Methods:

Prospective, monocentric, comparative study using a before/after design. A 9-item self-reported anesthesia knowledge test (Delphi method) was carried out before and after PAC (PAC group) then before and after access to the digital conversational agent MyAnesth prior to PAC (@+PAC group). The satisfaction and representations of the patients were also assessed through a Likert scale and Abric’s method of hierarchized evocation.

Results:

Six hundred tests were distributed; 205 and 98 patients were respectively included in the PAC and @+PAC groups. Demographic characteristics and mean scores on the 9-point pre-information test were similar in the two groups (PAC: 4.2 pts [95%CI: 3.9 - 4.4] vs. @+PAC: 4.3 pts [95%CI: 4 - 4.7], p=0.37). The mean score after information was better in @+PAC group than in PAC group (6.1 pts [95%CI: 5.8-6.4] vs. 5.2 pts [95%CI: 5-5.4] respectively, p<0.0001); with an added value of 0.7 pts (95%CI: 0.3 - 1.1, p=0.0003). Eighty two percent of respondents found the information to be clear and appropriate, and 74% found it easily accessible. Before information, the central core of patient’s representations was focused on the fear of being put to sleep and thereafter on caregiver skills and comfort.

Conclusions:

The implementation of our digital conversational agent in addition to PAC has improved the patient's knowledge on its perioperative care pathway. This innovative audiovisual support seemed clear, adapted, easily accessible and reassuring.