title: White-knuckle ride to theatre.
abstract: Preventing or reducing anxiety in surgical patients can lead to better recovery with fewer complications and earlier discharge (Baldwin 1993). There seems to be little evidence, however, that effective nursing measures are taken to reduce anxiety. This article presents a critical review of the literature on preoperative anxiety, and what is being done to alleviate it. It makes recommendations for future practice, emphasising psychological support of the patient and individualised care.
authors.affiliation: Leicester University.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Toogood
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005239:Fear; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology