Impact of Bedside Ultrasound on Patient Anxiety in Acute Cholecystitis: A Comparative Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Acute cholecystitis is a common condition requiring prompt diagnosis and management in emergency settings. Traditional diagnostic pathways often involve patient transfer for imaging, potentially increasing anxiety and discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of bedside ultrasound compared with standard ultrasound on anxiety and pain levels in patients with suspected acute cholecystitis in the emergency department.

Methods: A comparative observational study was conducted enrolling 100 adult patients with suspected acute cholecystitis. Patients were assigned to either bedside ultrasound at point-of-care (bedside ultrasound group, n = 50) or standard ultrasound requiring transport to the radiology department (standard care group, n = 50). Anxiety was assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory state anxiety subscale, and pain was measured using a visual analog scale. Assessments were performed before and after ultrasound examination.

Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups. After the intervention, the bedside ultrasound group demonstrated significantly lower anxiety levels (mean state-trait anxiety inventory state anxiety subscale, 42.21 vs 48.74; P = .0087) and reduced pain scores (median visual analog scale, 5.00 vs 6.50; P = .0003) compared with the standard care group. The proportion of patients with high anxiety decreased substantially in the bedside ultrasound group (from 60% to 24%), whereas it remained relatively unchanged in the standard care group.

Discussion: Bedside ultrasound in emergency settings significantly reduces anxiety and pain in patients with suspected acute cholecystitis compared with standard ultrasound protocols. Implementation of point-of-care ultrasound may improve patient experience and potentially enhance clinical outcomes in the management of acute cholecystitis.

Keywords: Acute cholecystitis; Bedside ultrasound; Patient anxiety; State-trait anxiety inventory; Visual analog scale.