Open communication and empathy during perioperative stage can ease patient anxiety

Abstract

Surgical patients often experience stress, anxiety, and fear, which can result in negative effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. This month's lead feature article addresses specific strategies for easing patients’ anxiety before surgery, including using music, aromatherapy, and virtual reality. Additionally, because perioperative nurses are knowledgeable about surgery, the OR environment, and the perioperative care continuum, they are uniquely positioned to address the anxiety of their patients via open communication and empathy. In one study of ambulatory surgery patients, a communication approach that encouraged patients to share their feelings and nurses to provide support and individual-specific information was shown to decrease patient anxiety. Although these nurses were trained on this specialized method, approaches like calmly answering questions and being nonjudgmental and respectful can be used in everyday interactions with patients without specialized training.1 Anxiety often stems from being unfamiliar with the environment and being unclear about what to expect.2 Therefore, it can be helpful for perioperative team members who interact with patients to introduce themselves and explain their roles, what they are doing, and why.2 Simple language should be used to guide patients through the timeline of care, including any possible changes or delays in the schedule, and what to expect with their procedure.3 Patients should be encouraged to ask questions, and if any one person is unable to answer, that person should find the team member who can provide the information.2, 3 Although perioperative nurses may only interact with patients briefly, they can still help patients feel supported by listening to their concerns and communicating with empathy.2, 4 This includes acknowledging and validating patients’ feelings; for example, during the preoperative discussion or when transferring them to the OR, nurses can ask patients how they are feeling or use observational statements like “You seem worried.”2, 4 They can then validate patients’ feelings by telling them that their feelings are understood and perhaps asking patients how they can help them relax.2, 4 Perioperative nurses also can attempt to avert patients’ focus from the upcoming procedure by asking them about their personal lives, such as where they work, where they are from, or about their families.2 This approach has the added benefit of helping nurses establish a rapport with patients and earn their trust. It also can reinforce the message that the health care team is interested in the patients as people.2 Perioperative nurses should try to be empathetic to each patient's situation, even if they are only able to communicate with the patient briefly. By imagining how patients are feeling and reacting appropriately, perioperative nurses may be able to alleviate patients’ anxiety and possibly improve their overall surgical care experience.