The Impact of Preoperative Anesthesia Consultation on Patient Anxiety and Surgical Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent concern among surgical patients, linked to adverse physiological responses, increased postoperative pain, prolonged hospital stays, and diminished patient satisfaction, highlighting the need for effective interventions to enhance perioperative care. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of preoperative anesthesia consultation on patient anxiety levels and surgical outcomes among individuals undergoing elective surgeries. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over four months in three tertiary care hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, enrolling 150 adult patients scheduled for elective procedures under general or regional anesthesia. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether they received a structured preoperative anesthesia consultation. Anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, while postoperative outcomes included pain scores, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with adjustments for potential confounders. Results: Patients who received preoperative anesthesia consultations demonstrated significantly lower mean anxiety scores (9.2 ± 5.1) compared to those without consultations (14.8 ± 6.3; p < 0.001), reduced postoperative pain levels (4.1 ± 2.7 vs. 6.8 ± 3.2; p < 0.001), shorter hospital stays (3.4 ± 1.5 days vs. 5.1 ± 2.0 days; p < 0.001), and higher satisfaction rates. Conclusion: Preoperative anesthesia consultation effectively reduces patient anxiety and improves surgical outcomes, supporting its integration into routine preoperative care to enhance patient-centered surgical management.