The Effect of an Operating Room Nurse Visit on Surgical Patient Anxiety

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an operating room nurse visit on the anxiety levels of surgical patients. Design A prospective, interventional, quasi-experimental design. Methods 80 patients were divided into the control group (n = 40) and the intervention group (n = 40). The control group was given routine care, and the intervention group was visited preoperatively by the operating room nurse in addition to routine care. Findings The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX-1) mean score of the control patients who had information about anesthesia was low, while the STAI TX-1 mean score of the patients who had concerns about surgery was high. The STAI-TX-1 mean score of the control group patients who had information about anesthesia was significantly lower. There was no statistically significant difference in the STAI TX-1 scores between the two groups before and after surgery (P > .05). However, the STAI TX-1 mean score of the control patients was high in the post-operative period. Conclusions In an effort to reduce anxiety, the psychological preparation of the patient undergoing urological surgery should involve an anesthesia team member and the operating room nurse together.