[Preoperative interviewing: the possibility of a nurse anesthetist to provide emotional support to patient concerning surgery].

Abstract

This study illustrates conversation strategies that a nurse anaesthetist uses to promote feelings of comfort among patients. The study concentrates on strategies that encourage patients to talk about their anxiety and fears and to ask for information about an impending surgery. In this article one videotaped nurse-patient preoperative interviewing session in a hospital was transcribed verbatim. Interview of the nurse conducted by the investigator after their conversation was also transcribed. The data coding and analysis were completed using adapted conversation analysis and reported as a case study. The conversation strategies the nurse used were: inviting opening of the interview, tactful probing for patient's fears and knowledge of the impeding surgery and building up a positive future image for the patient, which can also be seen realising the mental health perspective of health education. The study shows us how to provide patients with information they need and help them deal with anxiety caused by the surgery. The findings indicate that it is possible to carry out preoperative interviewing as a conversation with patient actively participating.