Preoperative preparation for surgery: an analysis of the effects of relaxation and information provision

Abstract

The two objectives of this study were: (1) to replicate previous findings on the effects of relaxation in the preparation for surgery, and (2) to analyse the interaction effect between type of intervention (i.e., relaxation and information provision) and coping style (i.e., high versus low monitoring) on patients' pain level and the return to normal daily activities.Ninety cholecistectomy patients, who accepted participation in the study, were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Patients in the first group received complete sensory and procedural information. Those in the second group were trained in relaxation, while individuals in the third group acted as an attention control group. All patients were assessed for preferred coping style.The results demonstrated, again, the positive effects of relaxation training in the preparation of low monitoring patients. That is, low monitors trained in relaxation experienced less surgical pain through the recovery process and performed at a higher activity level at followup, compared to low monitor controls. Moreover, individuals who were exposed to any of the interventions experienced, in general, less pain, and reported a higher activity level during leisure time, than control patients. On the other hand, however, no`interaction effect' was observed when the interaction between coping style and type of intervention was studied.

The influence of psychological factors on recovery from hysterectomy

“…9,10 In addition, stress has been linked to the slower healing of wounds through psychoneuroimmunological mechanisms 11 and reducing anxiety has been defined as one of the principles of conducting a pre-anaesthetic consultation. 12 Although preoperative information is available, consideration should be given to including those categories of information which improve recovery.…”

Impact of stress coping capacity on recovery from abdominal hysterectomy in a fast‐track programme: a prospective longitudinal study

“…Although some studies have shown associations between preoperative psychological characteristics and recovery, results are ambiguous. 8,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37] In our study it seemed that mode of anaesthesia played an important role in enabling stress coping capacity to aid recovery.…”

“…By giving the patient thorough and detailed information about the operation and the postoperative period, the fast‐track programme prepares the individual for a faster recovery 7 . Providing accurate information prior to gynaecological surgery and using regional anaesthesia reduces postoperative analgesic requirements, and results in a more rapid return to full health 7,8 …”

“…7 Providing accurate information prior to gynaecological surgery and using regional anaesthesia reduces postoperative analgesic requirements, and results in a more rapid return to full health. 7,8 The connection between stress coping capacity and postoperative recovery in fast-track programmes has not been evaluated, however. As the recovery time after fast-track surgery is shorter than after traditionally conducted surgery, it seems reasonable to assume that the physical burden for the patient will be lower.…”

The Effect of Information Level and Coping Style on Pain and Anxiety in Needle Liver Biopsy

“…Whether patients will benefit from additional information depends on their coping styles described as information-avoiding or information-seeking. Others suggested that providing patients with sensory information before surgical procedures is not advantageous to the changes in anxiety and pain levels (7).…”