Comparison Between Effect of Preoperative Verbal Counseling Versus Preoperative Counseling Using Anesthesia Information Sheet on Anxiety of Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries: A Randomized Comparative Study.

Introduction Preoperative anxiety refers to the feelings of unease, fear, or nervousness experienced by individuals before undergoing a surgical procedure. This anxiety can stem from various sources, including fear of the unknown, concerns about the surgical outcome, worries about pain or complications, and separation from loved ones during the procedure. Healthcare professionals can help minimize preoperative anxiety by employing various strategies and promoting better surgical experiences and outcomes. Hence, this study was designed to compare the effect of conventional preoperative verbal counseling versus preoperative verbal counseling using an anesthesia information sheet (AIS) on pre‑operative anxiety of patients.  Methods A total of 80 patients were randomly placed into two groups of 40 each - preoperative verbal counseling (PC) and verbal counseling using an AIS. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) was used to assess preoperative anxiety in both the group's pre- and post-counseling. Data was collected and compiled. Data was analyzed using SSPS software. Pearson correlation coefficient was used for the correlation of age, gender, education status, and ASA grading with pre- and post-counseling anxiety scores. Results A significant difference was seen in anxiety score pre- and post-counseling between group PC and AIS (p-value <0.05). The anxiety score after counseling in group PC was 16.27±4.57, which was significantly higher compared to group AIS (14.25±2.42; p-value=0.016). Conclusion As we continue to explore innovative ways to improve patient experiences and outcomes, integrating AISs into counseling practices stands as a promising strategy that can lead to more confident and well-informed patients, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery.