title: Doctor-patient communication, knowledge, and question prompt lists in reducing preoperative anxiety: a randomized control study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aims of the study were to assess factors responsible for the reduction of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing breast and abdominal surgeries. In particular, we investigated whether question prompt lists (QPL), patients' knowledge, or the communication skills of surgeons had effects on anxiety reduction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were randomly assigned to QPL and control groups. Anxiety was assessed on the State Trait Anxiety Inventory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both groups showed significant reduction in anxiety between initial consultation and one day prior to surgery, with QPL patients showing a trend towards a greater reduction of anxiety after surgery and a significant reduction at the first outpatient follow-up. Satisfaction with consultation and the doctor's ability to answer questions concerning diagnosis, and treatment were significantly associated with anxiety reduction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Effective anxiety reduction hinged on doctors' communication abilities and patients' satisfaction with the consultation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. gdmlec@sgh.com.sg
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Pierce
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Chow-Yin
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: Yiong-Huak
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Wai-Keong
authors.initials: WK
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Khee-Chee
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Soo
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001940:Breast / Q000601:surgery; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires