Anxiety is associated with unfulfilled information needs and pain at the informed consent consultation of spine surgery patients: a longitudinal study

Abstract Purpose Meeting the information needs of patients adequately is high importance in informed consent consultations surgery. However, often remain unmet consultation. The aim this study was to assess anxiety and pain relation patients’ fulfillment perioperatively. Methods We applied a question prompt list (QPL) for undergoing spine surgery (SN-QPL) before ( t 1) answering (SN-QAL) after 2) additionally completed “State-Trait Anxiety Operation Inventory” (STOA, cognitive affective scale) at 1, as well numerical rating scale (NRS) 2 postoperative 3). analyzed (1) association between anxiety, (2) scores regarding Results A total n = 118 included. Affective state only reduced postoperatively (affective p < .001, .05). higher trait was, more longed 1– 3 1: r .58/ .74, each .001), 2: .38/ .49, .001) 3: .29, .01/ 34, .001). Higher grades resulted lower fulfilment. levels were associated with levels. Information remained unfulfilled patients. Conclusion Patients’ (un)fulfilled needs. should be optimized process surgeon–patient communication. Adapting seem an effective way reduce anxiety.