Non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety management in patients undergoing anesthesia (a way to preoperative caring): A narrative review

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem and amongst the leading causes of disability worldwide. Patients undergoing surgery often experience varying degrees of anxiety. Management of pre-anesthesia anxiety and related factors is an essential and integral part of preoperative nursing care.

The purpose of this study was to determine the anxiety management strategies for patients undergoing anesthesia focused on non-pharmacological interventions.

This review conducted based on searching in PubMed, Web of Science, ProQuest, Scopus, Science Direct databases and Google Scholar motor engineer using main key words Anxiety and Anesthesia and Surgery from 2000 to 2022. Comprehensive selection and screening process was used to extract information. Conventional content analysis was used for analyzing and interpreting sources that inform this literature review.

35 relevant articles identified inductively, were categorized into "patient-based", "healthcare providers-based" and "environment-based" interventions these strategies.

The findings of studies reviewed in the present study indicate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological modalities for management of patient anxiety, particularly preoperative anxiety. Therefore, it is recommended to consider these interventions as safe, effective and simple alternatives to pharmacological approaches for reducing patient anxiety. Patient-based interventions are the most important approach to reduce patient anxiety and nurses should be receptive for the patients’ thoughts and beliefs preoperatively. The majority of studies reviewed in the present study were in this category. The care procedures performed by nurses and other healthcare staff should be based on the needs, values and preferences of patients.