Anxiety of Elective Surgical Patients' Family Members: Relationship Between Anxiety Levels, Family Characteristics

Abstract

Technological advances in the OR create new practices and procedures; however, humanistic and holistic approaches to nursing care remain the foundation of clinical practice. Perioperative nurses recognize that family members experience anxiety during surgery, especially during the time the patient is in the OR. Ironically, it is during this time period that little or no meaningful communication occurs between family members and health professionals. Patients continue to be discharged sooner, and in sicker condition, to be cared for by their family members. Families require information about how to provide postoperative care. Anxiety levels need to be decreased sufficiently to allow family members to use the information they are taught and ask appropriate questions. Interventions that reduce family members' anxiety need to be developed and tested so that family members can help patients after surgery. Using research findings as a basis for perioperative nursing practice may mean changing traditions and attitudes about family members of surgical patients. In the consumer-oriented climate of current health care, doing the "new" may make a difference in the market share. This "new" may be independent nursing interventions designed to reduce family members' anxiety during the intraoperative waiting period.