Preoperative Anxiety Management: The Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Educational Interventions on Surgical Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Preoperative anxiety is a prevalent and clinically significant phenomenon that adversely affects surgical outcomes through both psychological and physiological pathways. Elevated anxiety levels before surgery have been associated with increased postoperative pain, delayed recovery, and prolonged hospitalization, underscoring the need for effective and accessible interventions within perioperative care. Among these, nurse-led educational interventions have emerged as a promising strategy, leveraging nurses' unique position as primary patient educators and as consistent points of contact throughout the surgical journey. This narrative review critically examines the role and effectiveness of nurse-led educational interventions in managing preoperative anxiety and improving surgical outcomes. Drawing on a diverse body of literature, the review explores various educational modalities, including verbal counseling, written materials, multimedia tools, and multimodal approaches. Key themes identified include the importance of individualized, patient-centered communication; the role of education in reducing uncertainty and enhancing perceived control; and the integration of psychological support within routine clinical practice. Overall, the evidence suggests that nurse-led educational interventions are effective in reducing preoperative anxiety and contribute to improved postoperative outcomes, including better pain management and faster recovery. These interventions are low-cost, scalable, and adaptable across different healthcare settings. Their incorporation into standard perioperative pathways is therefore strongly recommended. Future efforts should focus on standardizing intervention protocols and leveraging digital innovations to enhance reach and consistency.