Components of preoperative anxiety: A qualitative study. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: King, Amy; Bartley, Jim; Johanson, Deborah L; Broadbent, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 24:Number 13(2019)
• Page Start: 1897
• Page End: 1908
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: adults -- anxiety -- qualitative methods -- surgery -- worry; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105317709512
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

Limited research has explored preoperative anxiety through qualitative methodologies. This study aimed to identify specific factors that contribute to preoperative anxiety. A total of 17 patients awaiting general, plastic reconstructive and hand, orthopaedic, or ear, nose, and throat/otorhinolaryngology surgery were interviewed about their concerns in a public hospital. Thematic analysis identified five main sources of anxiety: surgical procedures, surgical complications, symptoms, recovery process, and organisation and delivery of care. These themes support current knowledge and identify wider concerns around the hospital environment and recovery. This study may inform the development of future interventions aimed at reducing preoperative anxiety.