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. 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.

Keywords: Patient education; Perioperative anxiety; Preoperative anxiety; Preoperative anxiolytics; Psychiatric anxiety survey; Surgical anxiety intervention.