Premedication and preoperative information reduces pain intensity and increases satisfaction in patients undergoing ablation for atrial fibrillation. A randomised controlled study

Abstract

Background: Pain and discomfort are common during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for atrial fibrillation.

Aims: To compare and evaluate the effect of premedication, standardised preoperative information and preoperative anxiety on pain intensity, drug consumption and patients' satisfaction.

Methods: Preoperative anxiety at baseline, pain intensity during RFA, and patient satisfaction after the procedure were measured in 3 random groups. Group A (n=20) received standard pain management, group B (n=20) received premedication and group C (n=20) received premedication and standardised preoperative information.

Results: Patients in groups B and C experienced less pain intensity (p<0.001) and needed fewer anxiolytics (p=0.023) and analgesics (p=0.031) compared to group A. Patient satisfaction was higher in group C (p=0.005) compared to group A. Increased preoperative anxiety is related to elevated drug demand (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Premedication alone or combined with preoperative information reduces and higher preoperative anxiety increases pain intensity and drug consumption during RFA. Preoperative information improves patient satisfaction.

Keywords: Anxiety; Atrial fibrillation; Catheter ablation; Nursing intervention; Pain management; Patient satisfaction.