Psychological factors in surgical stress: Implications for management

Psychological preparation for patients undergoing day surgery

“…Anxiety may therefore be a reflection of the stress associated with the thoughts of undergoing surgery combined with the stress of the physical trauma, as reported in a review of the literature concerning psychological factors in surgical stress by Salmon (1992b). Several other studies concerning preoperative preparation also support the notion of both physical and psychological stressors.…”

“…(p. 244). Salmon (1992b) also recognised the positive influence of increased social support for both males and females. He suggested focusing too much upon the patient pre-operatively could become a very difficult task and therefore the environment should be the main focus of attention i.e.…”

“…In a review of the literature by Salmon (1992b) it is suggested that to focus purely on the patient may be very difficult. Therefore, the focus may have to change to the ward environment as a potential mediator of stress i.e.…”

“…A number of studies have advocated relaxation programmes to be a more beneficial form of anxiety management (Goldmann et al 1988, Caunt 1992, Salmon 1992b, Markland and Hardy 1993, Schwartz-Barcott et al 1994.…”

Short-Term Recovery From Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

“…These are known to be important in recovery from other forms of surgery (Salmon 1992). A recent study of the impact of hip arthroplasty reported psychological improvement by two months (Petrie, Chamberlain and Azariah 1994), but life satisfaction and subjective health were measured by single questions; there was no parallel measurement of function, and pain was assessed only at three days after operation.…”