Benefits of pre-operative information programmes.
BACKGROUND
Thousands of patients undergo surgical procedures daily. Research has shown the benefits of giving pre-operative information to patients, which include decreased length of stay, less demand for analgesia post-operatively and increased patient satisfaction. However, despite this evidence, there are still many facilities with no formal policy or programme for giving pre-operative information.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses and managers should be made aware of the benefits and potential financial savings of pre-operative information programmes. Once education takes place, a concerted multidisciplinary effort should be made to implement a programme. This will help to ensure that patients no longer arrive at the operating theatre frightened and unaware of what will happen to them.
Garretson
Sharon
S
University Hospitals Health System, Richmond Heights Hospital, Richmond Heights, Ohio, USA. sharongarretson@att.net
D003625:Data Collection; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010174:Pamphlets; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013664:Teaching Materials