The influence of the information provided by nurses on preoperative anxiety

Background: Many patients undergoing surgery experience varying levels of anxiety. The provision of information in the preoperative period seems to reduce the levels of anxiety. Objectives: To assess preoperative anxiety in patients proposed for elective surgery and their level of nursing information; to analyze whether some sociodemographic variables influence preoperative anxiety; and to analyze the association between nursing information and preoperative anxiety. Methodology: Descriptive, correlational study. A questionnaire was applied to 200 inpatients in the preoperative period of elective surgery. Results: Patients perceived to be better informed about organizational aspects than about nursing care. Gender influences the level of preoperative anxiety. Preoperative information is correlated with the number of household members and waiting list time but showed no significant differences when correlated with the level of anxiety. Conclusion: Nurses should invest in improving the information about nursing care throughout the perioperative period. This is an autonomous nursing area which is relevant to the provision of quality care.