A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Preoperative Fear in ERCP Patients

Objective: To explore the psychological characteristics of ERCP patients’ preoperative fear and to provide a basis for the development of early intervention strategies. Methods: Using Roy’s Adaptation Theory as theoretical framework and a descriptive research design, 12 patients with pre-operative fear of ERCP were selected for semi-structured interviews by purposive sampling; the interview data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method. Results: A total of 5 themes and 13 sub-themes were extracted. Conclusion: There is a multidimensional complexity of preoperative fear in ERCP patients. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the preoperative fear of ERCP patients and develop targeted intervention strategies to promote the improvement of their cognitive, behavioral and physiological functions and enhance their quality of life.