Necessary considerations for surgery preparation: age and previous experience

While the number of hospitals incorporating psychologic preparation for surgery is increasing, little research has been done to determine whether providing information, the most common preparation, is uniformly beneficial. This study compared the effects of presenting hospital-relevant and irrelevant information on information acquisition, physiologic responsivity (heart rate, palmar sweating), self-report of medical concern, and observed anxiety, considering the factors of age and experience. Fifty-eight children between the ages of 4 and 17 scheduled for elective surgery were shown either a hospital-relevant slide tape information package or an unrelated film the night prior to surgery. Results support the effectiveness of hospital-relevant information as improving the children's experience and recovery from hospitalization for surgery. However, age and previous experience also affect the amount of information acquired, with older and experienced children having more information. Children under the age of 8 who had at least one previous surgery experience reported increased medical concerns if they viewed the hospital-relevant presentation. The findings suggest that the provision of information can be helpful, but is contraindicated for young, experienced children who might be better prepared utilizing alternative strategies.