Research review: Nurse-led preoperative visits reduce anxiety, build trust

Editor's Note

Nurse-led preoperative visits significantly reduce patient anxiety by providing structured education, emotional support, and greater trust between patients and caregivers, according to a review published January 21 in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing.

Encompassing 13 studies on nurse-led preoperative visits published between 2000 and 2023, the review found that these visits enhance patient understanding of surgical procedures and promote informed decision-making. The analysis, drawn from a pool of 5,741 studies across major medical databases, highlighted interviews as the primary method of communication, with structured formats offering consistency and unstructured formats allowing flexibility. Audiovisual and written materials supplemented these discussions, further reinforcing patient education.

The review underscores the importance of optimizing nurse-led visits by refining visit structures, emphasizing the nurse’s role in preoperative preparation, and integrating emerging technology. Expanding these visits beyond traditional settings could maximize their benefits for a broader patient population. The findings provide clear support for healthcare providers seeking effective, evidence-based strategies to alleviate preoperative anxiety and improve patient outcomes.