A literature review was undertaken to establish the effects on surgery patients' anxiety levels of giving them information before they attend theatre. There is plenty of evidence that pre-operative information giving can reduce patients' anxiety regarding surgery. It might be better to provide this information before patients are admitted to hospital, as they are more likely to be able to take in the information if they are not already feeling anxious. To provide better patient care, members of the peri-operative team should work together to prepare patients for the psychological and physical consequences of surgery.