Analysis of knowledge about the anesthesiology specialty among a population of medical students

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the knowledge of anesthesiology possessed by a group of medical students representative of medically trained individuals who have not yet worked in a hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Students in their fifth year of medical studies at the University of Valencia were invited to voluntarily and anonymously answer a questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice responses covering general and specific aspects of anesthesiology. The survey also collected personal and epidemiological data. One hundred eighty-five questionnaires were returned. RESULTS: The results obtained were analyzed for correlations with epidemiological and personal data (sex, information received, prior anesthesia); no significant correlations were found between these data and correct response. It was believed by 78.4% that the anesthesiologist's function during surgery does not go beyond warning the surgeon of changes in vital signs. Nevertheless, 76.2% asserted that the anesthesiologist's function is to protect the patient during the perioperative period. CONCLUSION: In comparison with the general population, medical students' training has left them with inadequate understanding of anesthesiology.