Preliminary effects of a preoperative nursing consultation for patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery: A pre-experimental study

Introduction: A large proportion of patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery experience preoperative anxiety, a predictor of postoperative pain.

Objective: To evaluate the preliminary effects of a preoperative nursing consultation incorporating therapeutic education with relaxation on pre- and postoperative anxiety and postoperative pain in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery.

Method: Pre-experimental study conducted with a single group and several measurement times: before and after the consultation with a nurse; the day before surgery; and during the hospital stay.

Results: A total of 92 people participated in the study. There was a significant and progressive decrease in levels of pain and anxiety. The reduction in anxiety levels before/after the consultation (T0-T1) correlated with anxiety levels the day before surgery (T2), anxiety levels during the hospital stay (T3), and postoperative pain.

Discussion: This preoperative nursing consultation appears to have been effective in reducing levels of pre- and postoperative anxiety, as well as postoperative pain, in the patients studied.

Conclusion: This randomized clinical trial demonstrates the relevance of continuing to study this combined therapeutic approach in the management of pre- and postoperative anxiety and pain.