Developing a program to train nurses in exploration and management of pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients (PEMPAINP)

Objective: The objective of the study was to develop a program to train nurses to explore and manage pre-operative anxiety and information needs of patients. Methods: A panel comprising 15 experts was purposively selected and engaged through the Delphi technique to formulate the training program. Data collection was executed over three rounds, employing both focus group discussions and self-administered questionnaires, to achieve consensus among the experts regarding the draft training program. Results: Among the 15 participants, a majority identified three critical components for training nurses in assessing pre-operative anxiety and patient information needs – ‘standard pre-operative interventions’ (12 participants, 80.0%), ‘communicative skills’ (13 participants, 86.7%) and ‘establish rapport’ (13 participants, 86.7%). In terms of managing information needs, all 15 participants (100.0%) agreed on the importance of ‘evaluating information on patient and family’, while 12 participants (80.0%) endorsed the significance of ‘being innovative’ and adopting a ‘multidisciplinary approach’. Conclusions: The training program has been meticulously crafted to encompass content crucial for enhancing the knowledge and competencies of surgical ward nurses in assessing and managing pre-operative anxiety and addressing the informational needs of patients.