Preoperative effect of information and nurse’s role on postoperative patient recovery in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction: Patient education is defined as the process of influencing patient behavior and producing the changes in knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary to maintain or improve health. Preoperative education should include all the information in order for the patient to understand the process. Objective: Aim of this study is the evaluation of the impact of structured preoperative information on patient’s undergoing elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) preoperative knowledge, anxiety and postoperative recovery. Methods: In this empirical quantitative study conducted from 2005 to 2006 one hundred and twenty consecutive candidates for elective LC were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A included 30 patients preoperatively informed regarding LC through a multimedia CD (MCD) presented by a Registered Nurse (RN). Patients in group B (n=30) were informed through a leaflet. Patients in group C (n=30) were informed verbally by a RN. Finally, the control group D included 30 patients informed conventionally by the attending surgeon. Preoperative assessment of knowledge about LC was recorded after each informative session using a questionnaire. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety Scale (APAIS). Postoperative pain was measured using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Results: In multiple regression analysis, group C achieved the lower Knowledge score comparing with Group A and B (p=0,009 r2=0.3) while group D expressed the highest pain score comparing to all other groups (p =0,013 r2=0.0.147) Conclusions: It is believed that multimedia should be incorporated and do not replace the traditional relationship between health professional and patient. Finally, doctors especially in Greece should inform their patients adequately.