The Effects of a Preoperative Anesthesia Educational Video on Anxiety Levels in Adult Surgical Patients Receiving General Anesthesia: A Quality Improvement Project

Background: Preoperative anxiety is common among surgical patients and is often driven by fears related to anesthesia, postoperative pain, and lack of information. This anxiety can negatively impact patient outcomes and satisfaction, potentially increasing healthcare costs. Evidence shows that structured preoperative education can reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes.

Local Problem: At Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, anesthesia providers recognized the importance of standardized preoperative education. The project’s purpose was to implement an anesthesia educational video in the preoperative unit to reduce anxiety, with an aim of 20% of adult surgical patients viewing the video and completing the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS).

Methods: This project utilized the Evidence-Based Practice Improvement model. The team developed an anesthesia educational video and a Qualtrics questionnaire containing the APAIS. Daily census reports, Qualtrics data, and paper copies were used to collect data weekly. Plan Do Study Act cycles guided improvement efforts throughout the intervention period.

Interventions: The Qualtrics link was converted into a quick response code and displayed in patient rooms. Preoperative nurses instructed patients to scan the code and complete the questionnaire. Data was collected electronically and securely stored in Qualtrics, with paper copies available as needed.

Results: During implementation, 630 patients received the intervention and 308 completed it, resulting in an overall participation rate of 49% with 96% recommending the intervention. Mean APAIS scores of 1.8 for anesthesia-related questions and 2.5 for surgery relatedquestions demonstrated a reduction in anesthesia related anxiety after viewing the video. These findings provide insight into the feasibility and acceptance of standardized preoperative education in this setting.

Conclusion: This initiative focused on supporting patient-centered care, standardizing the delivery of preoperative education, and reducing patient anxiety related to anesthesia. The project’s aim was exceeded, demonstrating successful implementation, and continued use is recommended to ensure sustained impact.