Assessment of pre operative anxiety in patients for elective surgery

Background : The majority of surgical patients have preoperative anxiety which needs to be assessed accurately so as to prescribe the adequate premedication to minimize it and the related complications. Patients & Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out to measure the anxiety scores, at four geographical locations in the hospital, using the visual analogue scale (VAS) tool, in thirty patients coming for elective surgery. Scores were recorded at the preoperative anesthesia clinic, in the ward, in holding area of the operating room and in the operating room after application of monitors. Pre-medication was administered after the patient were shifted to the holding area. Results: The anxiety scores were highest in the preoperative clinic (5.8) and decreased in the ward (4.9). The scores in the holding area (4.4) were slightly lower than the operating room (4.5).The scores taken in the holding area and inside the operating room did not show a statistical difference but a difference was seen between these and the scores in the preoperative clinic and on the ward. The clinic scores and the ward scores were also significantly different. Anxiety scores were found to be significantly higher among females than males p value<0.01) at the preoperative anesthesia clinic, holding area (p value<0.04) and in the operating room (p value<0.038). Conclusion: Significant variability existed in the anxiety levels measured in the preoperative clinic and in the ward and females were more anxious than their male counterparts. This has implications in designing studies related to preoperative anxiety.