Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Effect of Structured Pre-anesthetic Communication on Preoperative Patient Anxiety

Sandra M M Jadin, Wolf Langewitz, Deborah R Vogt and Albert Urwyler

Background: The preanesthetic visit influences patient satisfaction and medical outcome. Providing relevant information may reduce anxiety. This study aimed to evaluate whether training for a structured interview technique improves communication skills, resulting in increased patient satisfaction and reduced patient’s anxiety and fear of anesthesia.

Methods: Randomized controlled observational study, comparing patients (n=47) interviewed by anesthesiologists having obtained training to optimize structured communication (TA) or by anesthesiologists without such training (CA). Patient anxiety and fear was recorded before and after the preoperative interview. Interview duration and satisfaction with the anesthesiologist were also recorded. Data were analysed to test for superiority of the structured interview approach.

Results: Mean preoperative anxiety was 1.2 VAS points lower in TA vs. CA group (95% CI-2.39; -0.03, P=0.082). Structured interviews significantly reduced preoperative anxiety in younger (<47 years) but not in older patients (≥ 47 years; interaction P=0.045). Patients’ fear of anesthesia was strongly reduced after the interview (median VAS: 8.0); reduction was stronger in the group with structured interview technique versus control group (difference in VAS: 1.86 [0.59; 3.12], P=0.006). Duration of the interview was statistically not significantly shorter using structured interview technique (P=0.142).

Conclusion and recommendation: Compared to standard interview techniques, a structured interview approach reduces anxiety and fear of anesthesia, particularly in younger patients. Our data suggest that a structured interview technique may decrease the duration of the preoperative interview. Anesthesia departments should train communication skills geared toward a structured preoperative interview.