Seminal research by Boore (Boore, J., 1978. Prescription for Recovery. RCN, London) and Hayward (Hayward, J., 1975. Information--a Prescription against Pain, RCN, London) demonstrated that pre-operative information reduces post-operative stress, pain and anxiety in general surgical patients. Both studies used experimental designs and the results are frequently cited in the UK nursing literature. However, they are now more than twenty years old and surgical practices, patterns of hospitalisation and nursing as well as patients' knowledge and expectations have changed enormously. Other more recent studies have sought to evaluate the impact of pre-operative education on post-operative recovery. This paper reviews the research published in this field since 1985. It focuses on studies in which an experimental design was used and considers the types of educational intervention employed and the impact on patient outcomes. A sequel paper will evaluate the research methods used in the light of current practice in the design and reporting of randomised controlled clinical trials.