Evidence Based Practice

Risk Management

Understanding and Dealing with Fear of Surgery #1037 (0.50 CH)

1037 - Understanding and Dealing with Fear of Surgery #1037 (0.50 CH)

Speaker(s)

• 

  Judith Clayton, MSN, RN, CNOR

  Manager
  Morgan Memorial Hospital
  Greensboro, Georgia

Patients experience a variety of fear(s) related to their surgery. Fear of surgery can be so significant that physical symptoms may present, such as a racing heart, nausea, and chest pain. Research indicates health outcomes can be positively affected by attempts to address emotional and psychological needs and deserve the attention of perioperative team. The first step is to identify and understand the fears and effects on the psychological and emotional well-being of the perioperative patient. Modifications in the perioperative environment may be implemented to provide a more pleasant experience for the patient.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify fears experienced by perioperative patients.
• Describe modifications in the perioperative environment that will reduce or alleviate patient fear.