Effect of verbal versus visual guidance on patient positioning for spinal anaesthesia: A comparative observational study
Kaveri Madhu Chavan, Nagendra BV, Aparnna Baburaj, Rashmitha BalloorObjective:
The objective is to compare the effectiveness of verbal instructions alone versus verbal instructions combined with visual guidance in achieving optimal patient positioning for spinal anaesthesia.
Methods:
A comparative observational study was conducted among 70 adult patients undergoing elective surgery under spinal anaesthesia in the lateral decubitus position. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received verbal instructions alone, while Group B received verbal instructions with visual guidance. Outcomes assessed included time taken for positioning, time for needle placement, number of attempts, first-pass success, and anaesthetist satisfaction.
Results:
Visual guidance improved patient positioning, reduced procedure time, decreased number of attempts, and increased first-pass success. Anaesthetist satisfaction was higher in the visual guidance group.
Conclusion:
Visual guidance is a simple and effective adjunct to verbal instructions, improving positioning and procedural efficiency in spinal anaesthesia.