A informação no pré‐operatório reduz a ansiedade pré‐operatória em pacientes com câncer submetidos à cirurgia: utilidade do Inventário Beck de Ansiedade

Comparing anxiety levels and patient comfort during single- and double-puncture arthrocentesis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the comfort and anxiety levels of patients undergoing two different temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis techniques.

METHODS

Fifty female patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 25 based on the treatment modality: Group 1, single-puncture Type-1 arthrocentesis (SPA); Group 2, conventional double-puncture arthrocentesis (DPA). Preoperative and postoperative anxiety was scored with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) questionnaire. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed preoperatively during the application of local anesthesia and at needle insertion into the joint cavity, the 5th and 10th minute of the procedure, and end of the procedure.

RESULTS

STAI-S scores were lower postoperative than preoperative in both groups. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure were highest during anesthesia and needle insertion (p < 0.005). Changes in heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and STAI-S scores were statistically similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

DPA and SPA were tolerated similarly by the patients.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Farsi Version of the Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Farsi version of the Surgical Anxiety Questionnaire.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This study was performed on 402 patients who were candidates for elective surgery in Mashhad [East Iran) hospitals in winter 2021. After forward-backward translation, face and content validity checks were performed qualitatively. The construct validity was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 16 and AMOS 26.

FINDINGS

In exploratory factor analysis, two factors were extracted: concerns about surgery and anesthesia; and postdischarge concerns, which explained 52% of the total variance. The Cronbach's alpha for the entire questionnaire was 0.91 and for the subscales ranged from 0.80 to 0.87. The final model had a good fit as determined by confirmatory factor analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The Farsi version of the surgical anxiety questionnaire has acceptable validity and reliability. The existence of this scale measuring domain-specific anxiety allows for further research in this area.

Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Influence of Psychosocial Factors

(1) Background: In the treatment of colorectal cancer, it is important to consider different psychosocial factors. Our first objective was to measure the levels of perceived stress in subjects diagnosed with colorectal cancer awaiting potentially curative surgery. Also, we aimed to analyse what coping styles these patients used, how they perceived their illness, and the subsequent influence of these factors on their levels of stress. (2) Methods: Stress, coping styles and illness perception were assessed in a sample of 107 patients. The instruments used were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), the Stress Coping Questionnaire (SCQ) and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ-R). (3) Results: Patients using active coping styles have lower levels of perceived stress (p = 0.000; p = 0.002) than patients making use of passive coping styles (p = 0.000; p = 0.032; p = 0.001). A multi-linear regression model found that the perception of illness and the use of the negative approach coping style (p = 0.000; p = 0.001) influence an increase in perceived stress, and that a decrease in stress levels was influenced by the problem solving coping style (p = 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Based on our results, we recommend preventive interventions in care patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

The Effect of Health Literacy on Preoperative Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

Objective

This study aimed to determine preoperative anxiety levels, their associated factors, and the relationship between health literacy and preoperative anxiety in adult patients undergoing elective surgery.

Materials and Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital between December 21, 2021, and June 20, 2022, and included 466 adult patients. Participants were administered the demographic data and basic health status form, Health Literacy Scale (HLS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The participants' mean BAI score was low to moderate (9.28±10.85). The total HLS score was 105.89±24.42. For the BAI, a negative correlation was found between the access to information sub-dimensions of the HLS and BAI (p=0.043, r=-0.094). In addition, a negative correlation was detected between patients' age and HLS and its sub-dimensions (p<0.001, respectively [r=-0.188, r=-0.193, r=-0.205, r=-0.161]), and a positive correlation was observed among the HLS sub-dimensions (p<0.001, respectively [r=0.873, r=0.057, r=0.966, r=0.915]). Higher HLS and sub-dimension averages were observed in single, high school, university graduates, and civil servant participants. In addition, higher BAI averages were detected in females, homemakers, urban residents, participants living only with their children, and those with additional diseases (respectively, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.007, p=0.0034, p<0.01).

Conclusion

As the level of health literacy increased, preoperative anxiety levels decreased. Preoperative assessment and education are fundamental to perioperative patient care, particularly in the surgical setting.

Effect of Educational Tools on the use of Patient-Controlled Analgesia Devices

Objective

In the literature, there are confusing data about educational tools and device use. Therefore, it is not clear which method is superior to the other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of educational tools on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) usage in patients undergoing hysterectomy.

Methods

Ninety-six patients undergoing hysterectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to a group (verbal, brochure, or video) consisting of 32 patients each using the closed envelope method. After operations, all patients were sent to the ward and evaluated with numerical rating scale score for pain at 15^th min., 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 12^th, 18^th, 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 12^th, 18^th, 24^th hours. Given dose, the number of button presses, presence of nausea and vomiting, and static and dynamic pain scores were recorded. During visits, patients who had a pain score ≥4 were administered paracetamol 1 g IV. Ondansetron 8 mg IV was injected into patients who had nausea and vomiting.

Results

No significant differences were determined in resting and dynamic pain scores, number of button presses, and given doses between groups at 15^th min., 2^nd, 4^th, 6^th, 12^th, 18^th, 24^th hours.

Conclusion

In this study, education type did not affect PCA device use. We believe that whatever method the infrastructure of hospitals is suitable for, should be used for PCA device education.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Patient Educators

Patient education (PE) is vital in reducing anxiety, increasing satisfaction with treatment, helping with self-management, and creating a sense of control for cancer patients. Patients access much of their material from health care providers through in-person visits, patient libraries, and in-person classes. Due to reductions in in-person visits throughout the pandemic, we sought to understand how PE programs responded under varying levels of COVID-19 restrictions to meet the information needs of patients and families. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to members of the Cancer Patient Education Network (CPEN) and the Health Care Education Association (HCEA) via the respective listservs. The survey consisted of five sections that included closed and opened questions. Participants were asked questions to describe their PE programs and how their duties were affected during the pandemic. Forty-two CPEN members completed the survey (N = 42, 66%) with a 35% response rate and a 55% completion rate, and 19 HCEA members completed the survey (N = 19, 30%) with a 5% response rate and 16% completion rate. The majority of staff surveyed were not furloughed (N = 57/64, 89%). Just under half reported a change in daily PE program activities (N = 23/52, 44%) and most reported a change in developing PE materials (e.g., pamphlets) (N = 10/26, 63%), finding information for patients/families (N = 11/19, 58%), and delivering classes (N = 12/21, 57%). COVID-19 has ushered in a new era in the delivery of PE with the rapid deployment of digital cancer patient education. Results can inform future directions for the delivery of PE post-pandemic.

The Effect of a Simple Perioperative Video on Maternal Anxiety and Satisfaction Before Regional Anesthesia in a Caribbean Setting: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Anxiety before regional anesthesia and surgery is common among women undergoing cesarean section. Although perioperative education has been shown to reduce this level of anxiety, the optimal form and timing of this intervention are not known. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an educational anesthetic video on reducing anxiety and improving maternal satisfaction in patients scheduled for elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia.

METHODS

Eighty patients scheduled for cesarean section at a tertiary-level obstetric center were randomized to either an interventional group (viewed an educational video on the evening before surgery) or the control group (no educational video). Both groups received a standard preoperative assessment on the morning of surgery. Anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the visual analog scale for anxiety (VAS-A). Maternal satisfaction was assessed using the Maternal Satisfaction Scale Score for Cesarean Section (MSSSCS). Anxiety was assessed at baseline (the evening before surgery) and immediately before surgery. Maternal satisfaction was assessed on the first postoperative day. Patients in the intervention group also had their state anxiety measured immediately after viewing the educational anesthetic video using the VAS-A.

RESULTS

Both groups were equally matched at baseline, and a statistically significant reduction in anxiety measured using VAS-A was seen in the intervention group vs. the control group (6 vs. 4.6, p = 0.018). State-trait anxiety measured using STAI, however, was not significantly lower in the intervention vs. control group (44 vs. 46, p = 0.99). VAS-A immediately after looking at the video was also not significantly different (5 vs. 4, p = 0.323) from the control group. Maternal satisfaction was also higher in the intervention group (113 vs. 104.5, p = 0.015).

CONCLUSION

The use of a simple educational anesthetic video may be associated with reduced anxiety and improved maternal satisfaction in patients scheduled for elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia.

The impact of Teach-back method on preoperative anxiety and surgical cooperation in elderly patients undergoing outpatient ophthalmology surgery: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The literatures have demonstrated that Teach-back method is an effective communication tool to understand health education, especially in the elderly patients. However, there is limited research of Teach-back method in preoperative education for outpatient surgical patients. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the Teach-back method on preoperative anxiety and surgical cooperation in elderly patients undergoing outpatient ophthalmology surgery.

METHODS

One hundred sixteen elderly patients who underwent outpatient ophthalmology surgery were selected as the research objects. They were divided into the observation group (58 cases) and the control group (58 cases). The Teach-back preoperative education was adopted in the observation group and the standard preoperative education method was adopted in the control group. The degree of anxiety, surgical cooperation, and awareness of health knowledge were compared between the 2 groups, and the variations of blood pressure and heart rate, as well as the highest values of intraoperative blood pressure and heart rate before and after method, were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The preoperative systolic blood pressure in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The intraoperative (the highest value) heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). After intervention, the anxiety score and information demand score of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). The degree of surgery cooperation and awareness of perioperative health knowledge in the observation group were all higher than those in the control group; the differences were statistically significant (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The Teach-back method could relieve the preoperative anxiety of the patients, improve the quality of patients surgery cooperation, and facilitate the awareness of health knowledge. Moreover, it could effectively improve the intraoperative stress response of the elderly patients and reduce the large fluctuations of blood pressure and heart rate.

The Shouldice Method: an expert's consensus

BACKGROUND

Hernia repairs are a commonly performed surgical procedure and the Shouldice Repair of inguinal hernias has been well described before in terms of its outcomes. However, the purpose of this paper was to understand what experts from Shouldice Hospital consider to be the essential steps to the Shouldice Method.

METHODS

Utilizing a Delphi Methodology, surgeons at Shouldice Hospital who are considered content experts, provided their answers on what is essential to the Shouldice Method. The median, interquartile range, and percent agreement from the responses as well as the Delphi's overall Cronbach's Alpha were determined. All Delphi items were ranked on a five-point Likert scale and consensus was reached when Cronbach's Alpha was ≥ 0.8. The items from the survey that ranked as 5-completely agree or 4-partially agree by ≥ 80% of participants on the five-point Likert scale were included in the final framework.

RESULTS

The final consensus for the Shouldice Method included 39 items with 7 overarching steps: preoperative preparation of the patient, anesthetic component, incision and nerve identification, treatment of the cremasteric muscles, hernia identification and treatment, reconstruction of the posterior wall, and post-operative management of patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this consensus provide a step-by-step approach to the Shouldice Method, as well as information that is timely and can be utilized by surgeons incorporating non-mesh hernia repairs into their practice.

Nurse-led web-based patient education reduces anxiety in thyroidectomy patients: A randomized controlled study

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of web-based patient education on anxiety in patients scheduled for thyroid surgery. A secondary aim was to evaluate the patients' postoperative recovery outcomes.

DESIGN

This study is a randomized controlled trial.

METHOD

The study was conducted at a university hospital in Turkey between September 2018 and May 2019 with 76 patients scheduled for thyroidectomy surgery and randomly assigned into two groups. Patients in the intervention group received web-based education, while those in the control group were given only routine care. Measurements were performed before surgery, on the day of surgery, and 1 week after discharge.

RESULTS

On the day of surgery, intervention group anxiety levels were lower than those of the control group, and the majority of early recovery parameters were significantly better in the intervention group than in the control group. One week after discharge, the intervention group patients' anxiety levels were significantly lower. Web-based education had no impact on pain, time in the operating room, readmission to the hospital after discharge, or length of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurse-led web-based education reduced patients' anxiety regarding surgery. The results also show that it may improve postoperative early recovery.

Development and implementation of anxiety management program for women under gynecological surgery with spinal anesthesia: Protocol of action research study

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is the most common health problem and the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Patients undergoing surgery often experience anxiety. It is necessary to use appropriate interventions to achieve the best results. The aim of this study is to develop, implement, and evaluate of anxiety management program for gynecological surgery patients under spinal anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This participatory action research will be conducted through four phases; problem identification, planning, action, and evaluation phases in the Gonbad-e-Kavous Shahada, hospital in northeastern of Iran. These phases will be guided based on the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services framework. Participants will be included using purposive sampling method. We will use both of qualitative (semi-structured interview, observation) and quantitative (questionnaire) approaches for data collection through the study.

CONCLUSION

For anxiety management of patients, context-based interventions should be performed. Combination of multidimension approach based on health-care providers, patients, and environment will have an effect to solve the problem in the clinical setting.

Preparation for Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Patient Self-Reported Experiences and Correlates

Given the significant physical and psychosocial side-effects cancer treatment has on individuals, it is important to ensure patients receive adequate preparation prior to treatment. The purpose of this study was to explore, among Australian oncology patients, (i) the self-reported treatment preparation information they received; and (ii) the patient characteristics associated with the treatment preparation information received. Patients in the early stages of cancer treatment were invited to complete a survey exploring their receipt of information about treatment preparation. Items assessed patients' self-report of whether they had received information about the treatment process. A total of 165 participants completed the survey. Patients most frequently reported receiving information about how they might feel physically (94%) and what side effects to watch for (93%). One in five patients reported not receiving information about how to cope with any stress or worry related to treatment. Females reported receiving significantly fewer items of care compared to males (p = 0.0083). This study suggests that while self-reported preparation for cancer treatment is generally high, components of preparation related to psychosocial concerns could be improved. Survey data could be used as a feedback tool for centres to monitor delivery of care.

The Effect of Pre-operative Psychological Interventions on Psychological, Physiological, and Immunological Indices in Oncology Patients: A Scoping Review

Introduction

The stressful pre-operative period exerts a profound impact on psychological, physiological and immunological outcomes. Oncological surgeries, in particular, elicit significantly higher stress responses than most other surgeries. Managing these responses through psychological interventions may improve long-term outcomes. The purpose of the current research was to review studies that have explored pre-operative psychological interventions in cancer patients in order to map the types of current interventions and provide an initial assessment of whether these interventions improved psychological, physiological, and/or immunological indices as well as long-term cancer outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature search for studies that included pre-operative psychological interventions in oncology patients was conducted, using the databases PubMed and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included studies pertaining to oncological surgery in adults, study designs that included a clearly defined pre-operative psychological intervention and control group.

Results

We found 44 studies, each using one of the following interventions: psychoeducation, cognitive interventions, relaxation techniques, integrated approaches. All the studies reported improved immediate post-operative psychological, physiological, and/or immunological outcomes. Only a few studies addressed long-term cancer outcomes, and only one reported improved survival.

Conclusions

Research on pre-operative interventions with cancer patients is missing systematic methods. Studies provide varying results, which makes it difficult to compare them and reach reliable conclusions. There is considerable heterogeneity in the literature regarding the specific intervention used, the timing of intervention, the characteristics of the patients studied and the outcome measures. In order to improve research in this field, including the measurement of long-term outcomes, we suggest some steps that should be taken in further research.

Implementation of a Personalized Digital Application for Pediatric Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation and Education: An Ongoing Usability Analysis and Dynamic Improvement Scheme

BACKGROUND

Pre-anesthesia evaluation session is a basic practice preceding any surgical procedure, aimed at tailoring individualized anesthetic plan per patient, improving safety, and providing patients with educational knowledge and tools in preparation for the surgery day. In the last two decades, electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) settings gradually replaced part of the face-to-face encounters as the platform for pre-anesthesia communication between doctor and patient, yielding a range of benefits as demonstrated in recent publications. Yet, there is a lack of studies examining the effectiveness of surgical mHealth applications focusing on the pediatric preanesthetic setting and addressing their usability among families.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes a dynamic approach for the development process of GistMD's pre-anesthesia mHealth system, a mobile-based educational and management system designed for the pediatric setting.

METHODS

The study was conducted in four departments in a 1500-beds quaternary, academic medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel. During the study period, pre-anesthesia system was sent via text message to families whose children were about to undergo surgery. The system included pre-anesthesia questionnaires, educational videos, downloadable instructions, and consent forms. Ongoing collection and examination of usability data were conducted during the implementation term including responsiveness, effectiveness, and satisfaction indicators. The information collected in each stage was used to draw conclusions regarding potential usability gaps of the system and to plan product adjustments for the following period.

RESULTS

In a period of 141 days of implementation, GistMD pre-anesthesia management system was sent to 769 families. Three product fit actions were applied during this term: (1) Change of text message scheduling, aimed at addressing learnability and accessibility, resulted in a significant increase of 27% (χ2 [1] = 12.65, P<.001) in view rates and 27.4% (χ2 [1] = 30.01, P<.001) in satisfaction rates; (2) Reduce the number of screens, aimed at increasing efficiency and operability, resulted in a significant decrease of 8.6% of cases in which users did not perform any activity on the system after logging in (χ2 [1] = 6.18, P=.02); (3) Patient-focused campaign in two departments aimed at addressing memorability, resulted in significant increases in eight of twelve usability indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that mHealth product-fit decisions derived from theory-based approach and ongoing usability data analysis allow tailoring of most appropriate responses for usability gaps, as reflected in increasing use rates and satisfaction. In the case of the pre-anesthesia management system in the pediatric setting, increased usability conveyed important benefits for patients and families. This work suggests a framework and study methods that may also be applicable in other mHealth settings and domains.

CLINICALTRIAL

The Effect of Patient Education Prior to Rhinoplasty Surgery on Anxiety, Pain, and Satisfaction Levels

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of education before rhinoplasty surgery on patients' anxiety, pain, and satisfaction levels.

DESIGN

This was a randomized controlled experimental study.

METHODS

Of the 90 patients who underwent rhinoplasty surgery at Kayseri City Hospital, Turkey between October 2017 and December 2018, 79 were included in the study. The patients were assigned to an experimental or control group according to a computer-generated randomization list. The experimental group (n = 36) was educated using a rhinoplasty training guide prior to routine plastic surgery procedures. The control group (n = 35) received only routine plastic surgery procedures. A patient identification form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale, and Visual Analog Scale were used to collect data. Data analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, Q-Q plot, two-way analysis of variance, Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests, and Pearson's chi-square.

FINDINGS

In the postoperative period, the mean state anxiety inventory score of the experimental group (36.25 ± 9.78) was found to be significantly lower than that of the control group (42.28 ± 9.42) (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the trait anxiety inventory scores of the experimental (39.63 ± 10.20) and control (38.77 ± 6.16) (P > .05) groups. The mean Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale score of the experimental group (71.01 ± 14.65) was significantly higher than the control group (62.93 ± 16.36) (P < .05). There was no significant difference between the pain scores of experimental and control groups postoperatively at 6, 12, and 24 hours (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of our study, we conclude that it would be beneficial to educate patients before rhinoplasty surgery in line with their needs and aesthetic concerns.

Are English-language online patient education materials related to breast cancer risk assessment understandable, readable, and actionable?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the readability, understandability, and actionability of online patient education materials (OPEM) related to breast cancer risk assessment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We queried seven English-language search terms related to breast cancer risk assessment: breast cancer high-risk, breast cancer risk factors, breast cancer family history, BRCA, breast cancer risk assessment, Tyrer-Cuzick, and Gail model. Websites were categorized as: academic/hospital-based, commercial, government, non-profit or academic based on the organization hosting the site. Grade-level readability of qualifying websites and categories was determined using readability metrics and generalized estimating equations based on written content only. Readability scores were compared to the recommended parameters set by the American Medical Association (AMA). Understandability and actionability of OPEM related to breast cancer high-risk were evaluated using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) and compared to criteria set at ≥70%. Descriptive statistics and inter-rater reliability analysis were utilized.

RESULTS

343 websites were identified, of which 162 met study inclusion criteria. The average grade readability score was 12.1 across all websites (range 10.8-13.4). No website met the AMA recommendation. Commercial websites demonstrated the highest overall average readability of 13.1. Of the 26 websites related to the search term breast cancer high-risk, the average understandability and actionability scores were 62% and 34% respectively, both below criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

OPEM on breast cancer risk assessment available to the general public do not meet criteria for readability, understandability, or actionability. To ensure patient comprehension of medical information online, future information should be published in simpler, more appropriate terms.

Representações sociais de mulheres sobre cateterização venosa para procedimento anestésico-cirúrgico

Introdução: A cateterização venosa é essencial para procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos, com características compatíveis com estabilidade, volume de fluxo em curtos espaços de tempo e grosso calibre a fim de evitar trauma vascular. Objetivo: Identificar as representações sociais de mulheres sobre punção venosa para fins anestésico-cirúrgicos à luz dos estressores de Neuman. Materiais e métodos: Estudo qualitativo por abordagem estrutural das representações sociais realizada em um serviço de cirurgia, Brasil. Amostra de seleção completa (n=180) com delineamento temporal composta por mulheres (idade ≥18 anos) submetidas à punção venosa durante procedimentos anestésico-cirúrgicos. Utilizou-se técnica de evocação livre de palavras com o termo indutor “pegar veia para anestesia e cirurgia”. Realizou-se análise prototípica empregando o software EVOC2003. Os requisitos ético-legais foram atendidos. Resultados: As mulheres tinham de 20 a 39 anos (63%) e 10 a 13 anos de escolaridade (56,1%). No possível núcleo central constam sentimentos (“dor” e “medo-sem-medo”) em oposição à área de contraste “(in)certeza-habilidade-profissional” e “tranquila-fácil” e com elementos objetivados superativados alocados na primeira periferia, retratando estressores intrapessoais, interpessoais e extrapessoais. Discussões: A dor, enquanto objeto representacional, remeteu à função justificadora quando aproximada da agulha, reafirmando o surgimento de medo, nervosismo e da ansiedade (estressores). Conclusões: Dor, medo, ansiedade e nervosismo foram estressores identificados nas representações sociais que necessitam ser monitorados terapeuticamente por meio de relações interpessoais de confiança entre profissional-usuário, aliando a performance do desempenho, sendo necessário inserir a educação permanente para profissionais que puncionam vasos.

Development and Pilot Testing of a Smartphone-Based Self-Care Program for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

The purpose of this study is to develop a smartphone-based self-care program (Hep B Care^®) for patients with the chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). To pilot test the feasibility of Hep B Care^®, 63 participants with chronic HBV were recruited from an outpatient clinic at S hospital, Seoul, South Korea (experimental group [EG]: n = 30, control group [CG]: n = 33) between February and July 2016. Hep B Care^® was developed based on the theory of self-care whilst having a chronic illness. During the 12-week intervention period, the application: (1) provided information about the disease, medication, nutrition, and exercise; (2) encouraged taking medication and exercise using alarms; and (3) enabled the exchange of messages between healthcare providers and patients. Salivary cortisol, fatigue, depression, anxiety, knowledge of the HBV, quality of life, and medication adherence were all measured as outcomes. Cortisol levels were significantly increased, knowledge of the HBV was improved, and the mean anxiety score was significantly decreased in the EG. Thus, Hep B Care ^® partially improved health outcomes in the EG. We recommend that large trials be conducted among patients with the HBV. The smartphone-based self-care program for providing education and coaching is effective for improving knowledge and reducing anxiety among patients with the HBV.

Anxiety in candidates for radical prostatectomy in a university hospital

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic changes caused by anxiety can interfere in both the surgery itself and the recovery process. One way to reassure the patient is to clarify how the procedure will be performed and discuss the possible complications. This study aimed to investigate the anxiety level of candidates for radical prostatectomy at a university hospital.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with a diagnosis of prostate cancer were studied prospectively. Data collection involved the administration of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and a radical prostatectomy knowledge test.

RESULTS

The results showed that 94.1% of the patients reported having received clarifications from the physician or healthcare team regarding the surgery and 23.5% reported having received information on the probability of a medical error during surgery. The most cited postoperative complications were sexual impotence and urinary incontinence. A significant association was found between the total Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score and the complications cited (p=0.0004); patients who marked a larger number of possible complications had a higher Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the explanations given by the multidisciplinary health team are not achieving their maximum potential in terms of lowering patient anxiety.

Effects of preoperative individualized audiovisual education on anxiety and comfort in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: randomised controlled study

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine the effects of preoperative individualized audiovisual education for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients on postoperative anxiety and comfort (pain, nausea, and vomiting).

METHOD

This study was a randomized clinical trial on 124 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized into an intervention group (individualized audiovisual education) or a control group (standard education). The primary outcome was change in anxiety and comfort levels between the intervention and control groups at baseline and follow-up. Secondary outcomes were change between groups in Patient Learning Needs Scale scores and vital signs.

RESULTS

Although the preoperative visual analog scale (VAS)-pain and VAS-nausea scores of the patients in both groups were similar, the postoperative VAS-pain and VAS-nausea levels of the intervention group were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The anxiety levels of the intervention group were also lower both before (42.79 ± 4.29) and after (39.08 ± 3.49) surgery than that of the control group (50.98 ± 5.45 and 44.41 ± 4.77, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that preoperative individualized audiovisual education was effective in reducing anxiety and improving patient comfort.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Preoperative individualized audiovisual education is crucial for clinical care and can be integrated into other patients because of its positive effects on postoperative recovery outcomes.

Avaliação dos graus de ansiedade em acadêmicos de uma faculdade privada

Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de ansiedade dos acadêmicos de uma instituição de ensino superior privada.Métodos: foi realizada uma pesquisa de corte transversal com abordagem descritiva, quantitativa e observacional em 366 alunos aleatoriamente escolhidos que estavam matriculados no primeiro semestre do ano de 2019. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário com questões sociodemográficas-comportamentais e questões do Inventário de Ansiedade Beck. Os graus de ansiedade (mínimo ou ausente, leve, moderado e grave) foram determinados pelo somatório dos escores do inventário de Beck.Resultados: do total da amostra, 62,3% apresentou algum grau de ansiedade, sendo os cursos da área de saúde os que mais apresentaram estudantes com graus de ansiedade. O sexo e a idade foram as variáveis que apresentaram correlação significativa com os graus de ansiedade.Conclusão: este estudo alerta sobre a ocorrência de transtornos de ansiedade em estudantes universitários, o que implica em uma necessidade crescente de estratégias, dentro do ambiente acadêmico, para reverter e evitar o desencadeamento de patologias de saúde mental nos universitários.