Impact of Audiovisual Film on Preoperative Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia

Background: Preoperative anxiety is known to negatively impact the outcomes of patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Audiovisual educational tools have demonstrated greater efficacy in alleviating anxiety compared to conventional verbal explanations. Aims: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an audiovisual film in alleviating preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for spinal anesthesia. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 260 patients undergoing elective surgery with spinal anesthesia. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received verbal information regarding the anesthesia procedure, while the other was provided with information via an audiovisual film. Anxiety levels were assessed at three time points—baseline, one hour prior to surgery, and postoperatively—using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) and the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A). Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: Patients who watched the audiovisual film exhibited significantly lower anxiety scores than those who received verbal information, as measured by APAIS and VAS-A (p < 0.001). Moreover, patients in the film group reported higher satisfaction with the information provided. Conclusion: Audiovisual films are a highly effective approach to reduce preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia. Integrating these tools into preoperative care protocols may enhance patient satisfaction and improve overall outcomes.