The effect of intra-operative video on patient anxiety.
We conducted a randomised controlled study to evaluate whether watching video compact discs intra-operatively using a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit decreased anxiety. Forty-four patients undergoing elective surgery under regional anaesthesia were assigned to either the LCD or control group. Anxiety was measured using the Chinese version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and visual analogue score (VAS). The mean (SD) anxiety trait scores were 46.15 (6.28) and 46.40 (7.32) in the control and LCD groups, respectively. The state anxiety of the LCD group [35.50 (7.96)] measured immediately postoperatively was significantly lower than the control group [41.50 (9.02); p = 0.03]. The median (range) reduction in VAS anxiety score was not significantly greater in the LCD group [20 (20 to 80) mm] compared with the control group [12.5 (70 to 60) mm]. Watching video intra-operatively reduces patient anxiety as measured by the STAI.
Man
A K Y
AK
Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Operating Service, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital, Tai Po, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Yap
J C M
JC
Kwan
S Y
SY
Suen
K L
KL
Yip
H S
HS
Chen
P P
PP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D014742:Videodisc Recording