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Psychological preparation for surgery: a comparison of methods
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|November 1, 1982
Summary
Cognitive coping techniques significantly improved recovery for hysterectomy patients by managing surgical worries. Information enhanced knowledge, but coping skills bettered post-operative pain and recovery indices.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Medicine
- Surgical Patient Care
Background:
- Psychological preparation can influence surgical patient outcomes.
- Different preparation methods may yield varied effects on recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of different psychological preparation methods on hysterectomy patients.
- To assess the impact of information, cognitive coping, and general ward information on surgical recovery.
Main Methods:
- Sixty hysterectomy patients were randomized into three groups: information, cognitive coping, or general ward information.
- A control group of 10 patients declined psychological preparation.
- Outcomes measured included surgical knowledge, analgesic use, post-discharge pain, and perceived intervention usefulness.
Main Results:
- Information-based preparation increased surgical knowledge and perceived usefulness.
- Cognitive coping demonstrated the most significant positive impact on recovery indices.
- Patients who declined preparation showed poorer immediate post-operative responses but recovered satisfactorily post-discharge.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive coping techniques are effective in managing specific surgical anxieties.
- Psychological preparation, particularly cognitive coping, can positively influence hysterectomy patient recovery.
- Tailoring psychological interventions may optimize patient outcomes following major surgery.