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Managing Anxiety in Refractive Surgery
Anxiety can be a significant source of stress for patients undergoing refractive surgery. By understanding the causes of anxiety and developing effective strategies to mitigate it, we can improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall experience.
A recent pilot review aimed to explore the impact of anxiety on surgical procedures and identify potential strategies to address it. The study involved 209 consecutive patients who underwent laser refractive surgery at a single clinic and were asked to rate their feelings of anxiety before and after the procedure. The results revealed a strong correlation between pre-operative anxiety and post-operative discomfort scores.
Further analysis showed that subjective discomfort was significantly correlated with patient age and surgeon choice. Younger patients reported more discomfort, and the surgeon's skill level played a role, though these factors are less modifiable. The findings also indicated that patients were generally not upset following surgery, suggesting that pre-surgery information provided by the clinic was likely effective in addressing initial concerns.
To address anxiety effectively, clinics should foster a culture of open communication where patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. Surgeons should be aware of the potential impact of patient anxiety on surgical outcomes and take steps to create a calm and reassuring environment. Ongoing support and follow-up should be provided to address any post-operative concerns and ensure patient comfort.
Our team is looking to introduce personalized music playlists through headphones in the refractive suite and investigate if this may help further reduce anxiety during surgery. This project is ongoing, and findings are anticipated to contribute to developing effective anxiety management strategies.
By implementing these strategies, we can create a more positive and supportive environment for patients undergoing refractive surgery. We believe that by working together, we can improve patient satisfaction and achieve better surgical outcomes.
* Manage patient expectations and adherence to treatment
* Develop effective strategies to mitigate anxiety during surgery
* Improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall experience