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Do patient information booklets increase perioperative anxiety?
1Greenwich District Hospital, Vanbrugh Hill, Greenwich, UK.
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|September 13, 2001
Summary
Most patients find pre-anesthesia information leaflets helpful, but a significant portion experience increased preoperative anxiety. Careful consideration of information format is crucial to avoid unintended distress.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Patient Education
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Patient engagement with medical information is evolving.
- Pre-admission clinics are standard for day-case surgery protocols.
- Information leaflets are commonly provided to patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit patient attitudes towards a pre-admission information leaflet.
- To assess the helpfulness and impact of the leaflet on preoperative anxiety.
- To understand patient information-seeking behaviors regarding anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 103 patients was conducted using anonymous questionnaires.
- The audit focused on patients attending the pre-admission clinic.
- Data was collected over a 2-month period before surgery.
Main Results:
- 96% of patients read the provided leaflet.
- 99% found the leaflet helpful to some degree.
- 35% reported increased worry, and only 3% discussed it with an anesthesiologist.
Conclusions:
- Patients value information about anesthesia.
- Leaflet format may inadvertently increase preoperative anxiety.
- Optimizing information delivery is essential for patient well-being.