Caring for the surgically anxious patient: a review of the interventions and a guide to optimizing surgical outcomes

Abstract Background Preoperative surgical anxiety is an unpleasant and common reaction exhibited by patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures. Beyond emotional effects on the patient, it can also have negative repercussions on the surgery including longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal of surgery 2016-07, Vol.212 (1), p.151-159
Main Authors: Wilson, Craig J., B.A, Mitchelson, Andrew J., B.Sc, Tzeng, Tony H., B.Sc, El-Othmani, Mouhanad M., M.D, Saleh, Jasmine, M.D, Vasdev, Sonia, M.D., M.P.A., M.P.H, LaMontagne, Hillary J., L.C.P.C., C.A.D.C, Saleh, Khaled J., B.Sc., M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.S.(C), M.H.C.M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anxiety
Anxiety - prevention & control
Anxiety - therapy
Cognitive Therapy - methods
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Hospitals
Humans
Inventory
Male
Patient education
Patient Education as Topic - methods
Patient satisfaction
Patients
Perioperative anxiety
Physiology
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Preoperative anxiety
Preoperative anxiolytics
Preoperative Care - methods
Preoperative Care - psychology
Preoperative Period
Psychiatric anxiety survey
Psychotropic Drugs - administration & dosage
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
Risk Assessment
Risk factors
Severity of Illness Index
Studies
Surgery
Surgical anxiety intervention
Surgical outcomes
Surgical Procedures, Operative - psychology
Treatment Outcome
United States
Validity
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Summary:Abstract Background Preoperative surgical anxiety is an unpleasant and common reaction exhibited by patients who are scheduled for surgical procedures. Beyond emotional effects on the patient, it can also have negative repercussions on the surgery including longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes. Given the widespread impacts of preoperative anxiety, it is critical for surgeons to gain a better understanding of how to identify and reduce surgical anxiety in their patients. Data Sources This study used the PubMed database to review the current literature to evaluate screening tools and interventions for surgically anxious patients. Conclusions Psychiatric anxiety surveys are currently the most appropriate form of assessment for surgical anxiety. Patient education is important for preventing and reducing anxiety levels in patients. Both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing patient anxiety and treatment should be based on patient preference, resources available, and the surgeon’s experience.
ISSN:0002-9610
1879-1883
DOI:10.1016/j.amjsurg.2015.03.023