Effects of Information on Postsurgical Coping

This study examined the effects of providing patients with selected types of information prior to surgery and the reported frequency of use of coping behaviors following surgery. The relationship of the reported frequency of coping behaviors and outcomes of surgery was also explored. A total of 111 patients were randomly assigned to three groups. One received procedure information; a second, procedure and sensation information; and a third group, procedure and sensation information, plus information on selected coping strategies. Results showed no evidence that the type of information provided for patients prior to surgery increased the reported frequency of coping behaviors or that the reported frequency of coping behaviors was related to improved outcomes as evaluated by pain intensity, distress, or selected physical complications.