The impact of Audiovisual information in providing preoperative anaesthesia information on parental anxiety: A multicentre, randomized controlled trial
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, vol.90, pp.236-243, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 90
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.06.012
- Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.236-243
- Keywords: Anxiety, Audiovisual aids, Paediatric anaesthesia, Parents
- Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Introduction This study examined the effects of supplementing written and verbal information with audiovisual preoperative information explaining anaesthesia procedures on parental anxiety and satisfaction before elective paediatric surgeries. Methods This randomized controlled trial involved 316 parents visiting an anaesthesia department for their children's preoperative evaluation between March 2019 and November 2022. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI I–II) and a questionnaire were administered pre-briefing. Parents were divided into a control group (written and verbal information only) and a visual group (additional audiovisual information). On surgery day, parents completed the STAI-I and a satisfaction survey. Results Post-briefing, total STAI-I scores remained stable in the visual group (before: 40.6 ± 10.7 vs. after: 40.6 ± 10.1, p = 0.978) but increased significantly in the control group (before: 39.4 ± 10.1 vs. after: 41.8 ± 9.9, p < 0.001). After the briefing, a positive correlation was observed between the STAI scores of mothers and their children ( r = 0.444, p = 0.001). On the day of surgery, the visual group reported significantly higher rates of optimism regarding anaesthesia (72.6% vs. 52.8%, p < 0.001) and greater satisfaction with the information provided (70.1% vs. 49.4%, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusions The addition of audiovisual information to the verbal and written briefing prevented an increase in parents' STAI-I scores after the briefing, thereby maintaining stable anxiety levels. Implications for Practice Integrating multimedia-based educational resources into routine preoperative nursing practice may enhance the quality and consistency of information delivery, improve parental preparedness for surgery, and support family-centred perioperative care.