Efficacy of Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Reducing Preoperative Anxiety
Keywords:
Surgery, Anxiety, Non-Pharmacological Interventions, Patient-Centered Care.Abstract
Introduction:
The percentages of reported preoperative anxiety prevalence highlight the urgency of addressing this concern comprehensively. By critically assessing the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, this review aimed to contribute valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, guiding evidence-based decision-making and fostering a more patient-centric approach to preoperative anxiety management.
Methods:
A systematic literature review assessed the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for reducing preoperative anxiety. The review, conducted up to October 2023, employed a comprehensive search strategy across major electronic databases, applying specific terms and Boolean operators to maximize relevant article retrieval. Eligibility criteria included original research articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses exploring a diverse range of non-pharmacological interventions, with a two-step screening process and meticulous data extraction using a standardized form to ensure a thorough evaluation of evidence, including studies with potential bias.
Results:
The systematic review, encompassing six randomized clinical trials, assessed the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions for preoperative anxiety across diverse surgical contexts. Findings revealed a 10% to 25% reduction in anxiety incidence, supported by statistically significant risk ratios (0.75 to 0.90) with narrow confidence intervals, emphasizing the potential of tailored interventions but highlighting the need for further research to establish robust guidelines.
Conclusions:
The systematic review's findings endorse the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in alleviating preoperative anxiety across various surgical contexts and patient groups, aligning with the evolving emphasis on patient-centered care; however, the observed reductions underscore the necessity for rigorous research to establish evidence-based guidelines given the variability in study designs and populations.
