ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Preoperative stress influences perioperative complications. Their severity is influenced by advanced information and previous experience. This study evaluates the emotional effects of these factors. METHODS: In a prospective observational study we documented existing anaesthesiological pre-information and previous experience of 461 patients (255 w/206 m) individually. In addition, we recorded the affective emotional condition of each patient before and after the premedication visit via a visual analogue scale (VAS) and a test of current stress (KAB). RESULTS: 248 patients had previous anaesthesiological pre-information. Of those 61 were of a negative nature. These patients showed a significantly higher level of stress and anxiety compared to those with positive information. 41 of 388 patients reported bad experiences with increased anxiety and stress. The premedication visits caused a significant attenuation of the overall stress level in patients with negative experience/information. CONCLUSION: During the individual premedication visit, patients should be asked directly about negative pre-information and perioperative experience. Thus the conversation can be customised to the individual stress factors and show empathy as well. Independent of any medical intervention, this approach can be an effective contribution to stress reduction.
