Mitchell, MJ 2010, 'Day surgery and general anaesthesia: What makes patients anxious?' , Day Surgery Australia, 9 (2) , pp. 8-16.

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Abstract

For many patients the prospective of undergoing surgery and general anaesthesia is highly anxiety provoking. With the global rise in day surgery and limited nurse/ patient contact, anxiety has become a prominent issue. The aim of the study was to establish the degree of anxiety arising from elective day surgery and general anaesthesia and uncover specific anxiety provoking aspects. Day surgery patients (n=460) completed a questionnaire during recovery at home and return it by post. The majority of patients (85%) were anxious on the day of surgery and 50% desired a detailed level of information. Anaesthetic information provision, catastrophising and imminence of surgery were deemed to be reliable predictors of anxiety. The planned provision of anaesthetic information in advance of the day of surgery, emphasising ‘controlled unconsciousness’, provision of information to help limit catastrophising thoughts and assistance to reduce the impact of ‘waiting’ are recommended for the effective management of anxiety.

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