A comprehensive analysis of preoperative patient education.

Abstract

1. One of the most important responsibilities of a nurse is preoperative preparation of the patient for surgery. Preoperative teaching helps to relieve some of the emotional stress patients have when facing surgery. 2. By providing a structured preoperative teaching class, the nurse can inform, support, and collaborate with adult surgical patients about the planned care. The nurse can also involve patients as partners in making the best possible decisions about their care. 3. Patient evaluations about the preoperative education class revealed a high level of satisfaction. The classes were believed to be an important contribution to patient education.