Prevalence of patient-reported perioperative anaesthesia-related anxiety, anxiety triggers and its association with patient satisfaction: a retrospective, observational study in Switzerland

Perioperative anxiety is a widespread complaint. The mutual relation between anxiety and patient satisfaction with anaesthesia is still under debate. We assessed the prevalence and different triggers of perioperative anxiety and the association with patient satisfaction. A psychometric questionnaire 1 was sent to patients after discharge. Clinical Data was used from a previous study. Statistical analysis included bivariate and multivariate regression models. 141 patients (30%) reported anxiety regarding anaesthesia before admission to hospital. The prevalence of anxiety was significantly associated with patient age < 54 years (n = 196, prevalence = 37%, p = 0.002), female gender (n = 242, prevalence 39%, p < 0.001) and surgical specialty (gynaecology (n = 61, prevalence = 49%), otolaryngology (n = 56, prevalence = 46%) p < 0.001). The fear of not waking up from anaesthesia (n = 44, prevalence 32%, SD 45.8) and of developing postoperative nausea or vomiting (n = 42, prevalence 30%, SD 46.0) were the most reported triggers of anxiety. The presence of anxiety was associated with impaired overall patient satisfaction (mean dissatisfaction score 23%, SD 16.3, p < 0.001), especially regarding the dimensions “information and involvement in decision-making” (14% of deficits stated in non-anxious group compared to 23% in anxious group, p < 0.001), “respect and trust” (2% vs 6.26%, p < 0.001) and “continuity of care” (50% vs 57%, p < 0.015).