Patients' Psychological Preparedness and Anxiety Before Surgery: Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent issue among patients awaiting surgical procedures, significantly impacting their psychological readiness and postoperative outcomes.
Objective: To assess the prevalence and severity of preoperative anxiety among patients in the surgical waiting room and to explore potential correlates of the psychological readiness for the procedure. This study provides an exhaustive literature review of the often-overlooked topic of anxiety among surgical patients and the crucial role of psychological readiness.
Results: Anxiety levels were notably high, particularly among specific demographic groups, highlighting the need for tailored preoperative care and information dissemination strategies. Patients experiencing high levels of anxiety before entering the surgical room are more likely to experience postoperative depression, lower satisfaction with their surgical outcome, and a poorer perceived quality of life following surgery.
Conclusion: The study reveals a significant correlation between patients' psychological readiness, their level of anxiety, and the level of their anxiety before the entry of the surgery room. The findings underscore the importance of addressing both the psychological and informational needs of patients undergoing surgical interventions. The use of informational and behavioral interventions to prepare patients for surgery can improve patient experiences and surgical outcomes.