A Study on the Effects of Preoperative Visits Led by Operating Room Nurses on Patients' Anxiety Levels and Postoperative Recovery Satisfaction

Abstract

To investigate the effects of a standardized preoperative visitation model led by operating room nurses on alleviating preoperative anxiety levels and enhancing postoperative recovery satisfaction among elective surgery patients, a prospective randomized controlled study design was employed in which two hundred patients scheduled for elective surgery at a city-based hospital between June 2024 and May 2025 were enrolled. Using a random number table, they were divided into an intervention group (n=100) and a control group (n=100). The control group received routine preoperative preparation by ward nurses. while the intervention group additionally received standardized preoperative visits led by uniformly trained operating room nurses. Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (S-TAI) at two time points: before the visit (T0) and after entering the operating room while calmly resting in bed (T1). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Newcastle Nursing Service Satisfaction Scale (NSNS) prior to discharge (T2). Results showed that at baseline (T0), no significant difference existed in S-TAI scores between groups (P>0.05). At T1, the intervention group's S-TAI score (42.1±5.3) was significantly lower than the control group (51.8±6.1) (t=8.24, P<0.001). At T2, the intervention group's NSNS total score and all dimension scores were significantly higher than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusions could be drawn as the standardized preoperative visit led by operating room nurses effectively alleviates patients' preoperative anxiety and significantly enhances their overall satisfaction with the postoperative recovery process. This model is recommended for promotion and application as a high-quality nursing practice in perioperative care in China and beyond.