Effect of Using Short Message Service on the Levels of Anxiety and Satisfaction in Patient Companions During Elective and Emergency Surgical Procedures

 Background and purpose: Millions of people undergo surgery worldwide each year. Families experience the highest levels of anxiety while waiting for a relative undergoing a surgical procedure. Communication between families and health care professionals reduces their anxiety at this time. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Short Message Service (SMS) on the level of anxiety and satisfaction of patient companions during surgery. Materials and methods: This clinical trial was performed in 128 family members of patients undergoing surgery in Chalous Taleghani Hospital, 2020-2021. The participants were divided into an intervention group (n=64) and a control group (n=64). In intervention group, text messages were sent to companions and they were informed about their patient’s condition, while the control group received routine information about their patient. Anxiety levels were measured by Spielberger overt and covert questionnaire at two stages and satisfaction was measured by asking the level of satisfaction at the time of operating room discharge. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square, t-test, and Mann-Whitney test. Results: Demographic characteristics, including sex, educational level, and type of surgery were similar between the two groups. After the intervention, the mean scores for overt and covert anxiety were significantly lower in intervention group than the control group (P<0.001). Also, the mean score for satisfaction with the information provided about patient's condition was significantly higher in intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Using SMS is effective in reducing the anxiety level and increasing families’ satisfaction during the wait for a relative undergoing low-risk surgery, therefore, allocating facilities to support and care for families is recommended.