Effects of preoperative information team on postoperative pain and patient satisfaction

Objective: Management of patient anxiety and postoperative pain are essential for patient satisfaction after surgery. Therefore, we examined the effect of information team on post-operative patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 100 patients who underwent urologic surgery. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, one in which the patients received of all information from the anesthesiologist (Group 1) and another in which patients received all of their information from the surgeon (Group 2). All of the patients were asked preoperatively to complete a Visual Analog Score and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form. They reported Visual Analog Scores immediately following surgery and at 30 minutes, 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. The patients also completed satisfaction forms 24 hours after surgery.

Results: No difference was apparent between the groups concerning the patients’ demographic data or type of urologic operation. The two groups reported similar Visual Analog Scores and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores preoperatively (p>.05 for all). However, Group 1 had lower postoperative Visual Analog Score scores (p>.05 for all durations) than did Group 2. The Group 1 patients reported higher patient satisfaction scores (p=.1).

Conclusion: Preoperative knowledge about the surgical process must be given by the anesthesiologist or a member of the preoperative team.