Perceptions of pre-operative education in patients admitted the morning of surgery

This study is one of the first to examine patient perceptions of the importance of dimensions of pre-operative education and preference for timing of instruction when patients are admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery. Data were collected from 116 patients through a paper-pencil survey developed by the investigators. Results indicate that patients believe all five dimensions of pre-operative education are moderately important to receive. Of the five dimensions of pre-operative education, psychosocial support and situational information were rated as the most important dimensions to receive. Patients indicated a preference for receiving education between admission to the hospital and the time of surgery. Information about patient preferences for timing of education and perception of importance of types of teaching will assist health care providers in planning pre-operative patient education programs to best meet the perceived needs of the patient population.