Cross-sectional and Correlational Examination of Patients’ Preoperative Anxiety, Information Need, and Health Literacy in a Presurgical Consultation

Purpose

This study elucidates the preoperative anxiety (PA), information need (IN), and health literacy (HL) levels of an elective preoperative sample in Switzerland and examines the possible associations between PA and the patients’ characteristics. By knowing these patient dimensions, which can influence perioperative outcomes, one can tailor individualized nursing interventions to improve patients’ surgical experience.

Design

This was a cross-sectional and correlational study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 88 patients who underwent a preoperative consultation at a Swiss tertiary hosptial. Patients’ PA and IN were assessed using the Anxiety Preoperative and Information Scale, and their HL was measured using the Functional, Communicative, and Critical Health Literacy Scale. Data on other patient characteristics were collected from the patients, physicians, and electronic patient records. Association tests, as well as univariate regressions, were performed on PA, IN, HL, and patient characteristics.

Findings

Among participants, 40.91%, 78.41%, and 59% reported having PA, IN, and low HL, respectively. Finally, PA was associated with IN, HL, solitary living, and the American Society of Anesthesiology score.

Conclusions

A high proportion of patients scheduled for presurgical consultation were found to be anxious. They presented high IN and low HL. An examination of patients’ PA–associated characteristics can help improve their surgical experience. More studies should examine PA–associated characteristics.