A Study to Assess the Impact of Preoperative Education on Anxiety and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery

Background: Preoperative anxiety is a common psychological response that can adversely affect surgical outcomes. Structured preoperative education has the potential to alleviate anxiety and improve recovery. Aim: This study aimed to improve postoperative outcome. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, quantitative research design was adopted. The study was conducted at New Civil Hospital, Surat, involving 60 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery, assigned to experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups using convenient sampling technique. Preoperative anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and postoperative recovery was assessed using the Postoperative Quality Recovery Scale (PQRS). Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in anxiety post-intervention (mean decreased from 21.85 to 12.13, p = 0.0048), whereas the control group showed minimal change. Conclusion: Preoperative education significantly reduces anxiety and improves postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.