Psychological Preparation Is Just as Important as Physical Preparation for Surgery
A patient's psychological state is becoming an increasingly significant element of preparation for surgical intervention. A new study shows that professional support during the pre- and post-operative periods can significantly reduce the severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
The study was published in the journal JAMA Network Open. Researchers note that existing models of perioperative care often focus primarily on the patient's physical condition, while mental health needs remain insufficiently addressed.
A Comprehensive Approach to Preparation
The study involved 306 patients aged 60 and older who were scheduled for cardiac, oncological, or orthopedic surgery.
Participants were divided into two groups. Patients in the first group received materials for self-monitoring their psychological state. For the second group, a comprehensive program was developed that included psychological support and the individual optimization of medication therapy.
Psychological support was provided by specially trained social workers and counselors. These specialists helped patients cope with anxiety, symptoms of depression, and other challenges associated with the upcoming surgery and subsequent recovery.
The Most Pronounced Effect Was Observed in Cancer Patients.
Three months after surgery, patients participating in the comprehensive program scored an average of 2.2 points lower on the 48-point PHQ-ADS scale for anxiety and depression compared to the standard care group.
However, results varied significantly depending on the type of surgery. Among patients who underwent cancer surgery, the difference was 4.93 points. For cardiac patients, the difference was 2.68 points, whereas the orthopedic group showed no statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome measure.
Thus, the study suggests that comprehensive psychological support does not yield a universal effect for all surgical patients but rather offers potentially greater benefits for specific categories of patients.
Mental Health as Part of Medical Care
The study authors view the further development of a model combining psychological support with pharmacological therapy as promising. This approach makes it possible to monitor the patient's condition not only immediately prior to surgery but also during subsequent stages of recovery.
Furthermore, the researchers highlight the program's practical feasibility: both patients and specialists deemed it acceptable and convenient for integration into the existing surgical care system.
The findings indicate that psychological support can be considered a significant component of the comprehensive preparation of elderly patients for surgical treatment. Future research should determine which patient categories derive the greatest benefit from this approach and the extent to which the results are sustained over time.
