Preoperative Telephone Intervention by Operating Room Nurses: A Protocol-based Approach to Anxiety Reduction.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the preoperative telephone call by operating room nurses in reducing surgery-related anxiety in patients. The intervention is based on a standardized, protocol-based design to provide consistent and evidence-based information.

DESIGN

A prospective, quasi-experimental study with a sequential non-randomized control group design included pretest-posttest assessments.

METHODS

A total of 78 patients scheduled for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were equally divided into intervention and control groups. The operating room nurse conducted a structured telephone call to inform the patients in the experimental group the day before surgery. Patients in the control group followed standard hospital care. Data analysis was conducted using R software.

FINDINGS: Postoperative anxiety levels were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group experienced a lower frequency of dizziness and lack of energy postoperatively. However, the intervention had no significant effect on postoperative pain levels and length of hospital stay. Concerns about potential complications during surgery emerged as the most significant cause of anxiety among patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative operating room nurses telephone call was an effective strategy for reducing patient anxiety and strengthening the patient-nurse relationship. Based on the findings, it is recommended that standardized preoperative telephone interventions by operating room nurses be integrated into routine clinical practice to enhance patient outcomes and support perioperative care quality.