Perioperative Family Updates Reduce Anxiety and Improve Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

Lindsay S. Howe, Larner College of Medicine at the University of VermontFollow
Daniel Wigmore, Larner College of Medicine at the University of VermontFollow
Nathaniel Nelms, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Patrick Schottel, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Craig Bartlett, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
David Halsey, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Martin Krag, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
David Lunardini, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Robert Monsey, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Bruce Beynnon, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow
Michael Blankstein, University of Vermont Medical CenterFollow

Publication Date

4-19-2021

Keywords

perioperative updates, perioperative communication, surgery, family-centered care, patient satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if standardized updates at specific perioperative events affect anxiety and satisfaction of the family members and if the length of surgical procedure affects the satisfaction with updates.

Methods: This study was a randomized control trial. In the control group, surgeons communicated with the family only once near the completion of the procedure. In the intervention group, families received electronic updates at 3 significant perioperative events during the procedure. A postoperative survey rating family member satisfaction and anxiety levels, using a Likert scale of 0–5, was administered.

Results: Mean level of overall satisfaction did not differ between groups (intervention: 4.68 ± 0.69 [95% CI: 4.50, 4.87]; control: 4.61 ± 0.78 [95% CI: 4.40, 4.82]; P = 0.69). Mean anxiety levels were lower in the intervention group (2.48 ± 1.43 [2.10, 2.86]) than in the control group (3.12 ± 1.32 [2.77, 3.47]; P = 0.01). Mean satisfaction with perioperative updates was higher in the intervention (4.48 ± 0.83 [4.26, 4.70]) versus control group (3.16 ± 1.89 [2.67, 3.65]; P = 0.0001). For all subjects, there was positive correlation between procedure time and anxiety (Spearman’s rho: 0.34; P = 0.0002) and negative correlation between procedure time and overall satisfaction (Spearman’s rho: -0.23; P = 0.01).

Conclusions: Anxiety and satisfaction with perioperative updates were significantly improved by additional perioperative updates. These findings indicate that updating families during significant standardized strategic perioperative events can reduce the anxiety of loved ones and are preferred by most families.

Recommended Citation

Howe LS, Wigmore D, Nelms N, Schottel P, Bartlett C, Halsey D, Krag M, Lunardini D, Monsey R, Beynnon B, Blankstein M. Perioperative family updates reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2021;8:107-12. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1805