Clients' experiences in their first entry to the operating room: a descriptive phenomenological study

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Patient Experience Research
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Patient fear and anxiety are common responses to the unfamiliar operating room environment, anesthesia, and surgical procedures.
• These psychological and physical pressures necessitate a deeper understanding of patient experiences for improved postoperative care.
• This study focuses on the lived experiences of patients during their initial entry into the operating room.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe the subjective experiences of patients undergoing their first surgical procedure.
• To identify key factors contributing to patient anxiety and fear in the perioperative setting.
• To provide insights for enhancing patient care and reducing distress during the surgical journey.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach was employed.
• Seventeen patients with prior elective general anesthesia and first-time operating room experiences were purposefully selected.
• In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using the seven-step Colaizzi method, adhering to Lincoln and Guba's criteria for reliability.

Main Results:

• Analysis of patient interviews yielded 308 codes, 10 sub-themes, 6 primary themes, and 3 general themes.
• Key themes identified include the experience of unpleasant emotions, factors contributing to an unpleasant atmosphere, and the emergence of relaxation and hope.
• Patient narratives highlighted the impact of the unfamiliar environment, personnel, and procedures on their emotional state.

Conclusions:

• Unfamiliarity with the operating room environment, equipment, and staff can lead to significant patient distress if not proactively managed.
• Effective communication and interaction between the surgical team and patients are crucial for mitigating stress and associated complications.
• Addressing patient fears and environmental stressors can transform the perioperative experience from negative to positive.