Comparison of Anxiety Using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale Score in Preoperative Patients Counselled Through Verbal Versus Multimedia Mode

Background Preoperative anxiety is common and can affect surgical outcomes. This study compares the effectiveness of verbal and multimedia counseling in reducing preoperative anxiety, measured using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS). Due to the lower literacy rate in India, it is difficult for patients to read, understand, and retain information. Therefore, there was a need to compare various modes of counseling. Objective The aim of this study was to determine if multimedia counseling is more effective than verbal counseling in reducing preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for elective surgery. Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either verbal counseling (group A) or multimedia counseling (group B). Anxiety levels were assessed before and after counseling using the APAIS score. Statistical analysis was performed to compare changes in anxiety levels between the two groups. Results Both groups showed reduced anxiety after counseling, but the multimedia group had a significantly greater reduction in APAIS scores compared to the verbal counseling group (p < 0.001). The multimedia group also reported higher satisfaction with the counseling process. Conclusion Multimedia counseling significantly reduces preoperative anxiety more effectively than verbal counseling. This approach could be particularly beneficial in settings where patients may have lower literacy levels.