Abstract
Background
Preoperative education is increasingly acknowledged as a cornerstone in improving
surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction, particularly in high-risk specialties
such as neurosurgery. Our study aims to assess the effects of preoperative education
on patient satisfaction and outcomes in a neurosurgical procedure at our tertiary
care center in India.
Materials and Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted over 6 months, involving 96 adult
patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures. Participants were divided into
an intervention group, receiving a 45-minute structured preoperative education session,
and a control group, receiving only verbal counseling without the additional structured
educational session. Patient satisfaction was measured postoperatively, and clinical
outcomes, including hospital stay duration, recovery times, and complication rates,
were analyzed.
Results
Patients in the intervention group reported higher satisfaction scores and demonstrated
shorter hospital stays. While the reduction in postoperative complications was not
statistically significant, a downward trend was observed. Preoperative education emerged
as a significant predictor of high satisfaction.
Conclusion
Comprehensive preoperative education in neurosurgery effectively reduces patient anxiety,
enhances satisfaction, and facilitates faster recovery. Implementing structured, standardized
educational programs is a cost-efficient approach to addressing misconceptions and
improving outcomes, particularly in neurosurgery, where the complexity and perceived
risks of brain and spinal surgeries often intensify patient concerns. Adopting this
strategy in our practice will significantly contribute to delivering high-quality
health care.
Keywords
preoperative education - patient satisfaction - neurosurgery - anxiety reduction -
clinical outcomes - recovery time
