Erfassung des postoperativen patientenbefindens auf der intensivüberwachungsstation mit dem anästhesiologischen nachbefragungsbogen für patienten (ANP)

Objective: The anaesthesiological questionnaire for patients (ANP) is a self-rating method for the assessment of postoperative complaints and patients' satisfaction. The study was conducted to evaluate the applicability of the ANP for patients of an intensive care unit (ICU) and to describe their postoperative complaints. Methods: A sample of 391 patients completed the ANP. Patients were treated in an ICU after surgery. In addition data from anaesthesia quality assurance were collected. Results: The ANP was completed by 59.8% of all patients. Most often reason for non-participation was an insufficient health state. The highest prevalence rates concerning postoperative complaints were reported for dry mouth/thirst (82.5%) and for pain in the area of surgery (59.9%). Using demographic and clinical predictors the explained variance for postoperative dry mouth/thirst is 12% and it is 9% for pain. Women reported more postoperative complaints than men and less satisfaction with convalescence. Discussion: Also for patients in the ICU dry mouth/thirst as well as pain in the area of surgery are the most often postoperative complaints. Differences between men and women in postoperative complaints correspond to data of other clinics. Conclusion: The results demonstrate practicability of the ANP for the assessment of postoperative complaints in an intensive care unit.