The Effect of AI Training on Arthroscopy Outcomes

Arthroscopy has significantly increased the variety of procedures that can be performed in orthopedic surgery, reducing both morbidity and hospital stay. Initially used only in knee surgeries, it has expanded over time to include other areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, ankle, and foot joints. Thanks to advanced surgical instruments, many procedures previously only possible with open surgery can now be performed arthroscopically. The repertoire of these methods is constantly expanding, and it has become one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures today. Undergoing a medical or surgical procedure under anesthesia is an unusual experience for most patients. Facing this situation can cause varying levels of preoperative anxiety. High levels of anxiety can lead to emotional and physical stress responses, affecting the patient's postoperative outcomes and delaying their discharge. Even though arthroscopic surgery is a closed, minimally invasive procedure, patients may experience anxiety due to the possibility of difficulty waking up after surgery, pain, work-life difficulties, disability, loss of control over part or all of their body, or delayed healing, depending on the type of anesthesia to be administered. Studies have shown that 60-80% of patients scheduled for surgical intervention experience anxiety before surgery. Furthermore, it is known that the inability to control preoperative anxiety and fear levels increases the need for anesthesia, and after surgery, increases the need for analgesics and the rate of complications. Studies suggest that the severity of postoperative pain affects the patient's anxiety level. Anxiety caused by pain affects the individual perceptually, behaviorally, cognitively, psychologically, and physiologically. As a result of these effects, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate increase. Sweating, shivering, headache, dizziness, fainting, insomnia, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, muscle tension, and frequent urination may occur. Although surgery aims to improve health, it is traumatic for the patient in social, physiological, and psychological terms. Ensuring and maintaining comfort in patients undergoing surgery should be among the goals of care. In this way, the patient can feel more comfortable, at ease, and empowered to overcome problems.It is considered normal for patients to experience anxiety before and after surgery. However, high levels of anxiety and uncontrolled anxiety can lead to problems and complications during both pre- and post-operative periods. Many methods are used to reduce anxiety and strengthen individuals' ability to cope with it in the pre-operative period, including information sessions, music therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, acupressure, physical exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, relaxation exercises, massage, and breathing exercises. Methods used to reduce anxiety aim to relax the individual physically and mentally and improve their anxiety management skills. Nurses provide patient education or information about the surgery to alleviate the patient's anxiety and fear before the procedure. Preoperative education content should include information on the preparation process for surgery, preoperative medications and expected procedures, the postoperative period, postoperative pain management, and anxiety management skills.Researchers investigating the effect of information on pain in spinal surgery report that adequate preoperative information reduces pain sensation. Studies indicate that different types of information, depending on the extent of the surgery, are effective in managing surgical anxiety and postoperative pain in patients scheduled for surgery. The value of preoperative information in postoperative management has increased the use of the internet, which is now a source of information for everyone. This study aims to determine the effect of providing preoperative information and education with artificial intelligence on preoperative anxiety, fear, and postoperative pain and comfort levels.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients scheduled for arthroscopic surgery,
• Individuals aged 18 and older who are scheduled to undergo elective (planned) surgery,
• Individuals with the cognitive ability to understand artificial intelligence-based educational materials,
• Patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study and provided informed consent were considered eligible.

Exclusion criteria

-Individuals with psychiatric disorders or a diagnosis of anxiety disorder,

Patients unable to access the educational materials for the following reasons:

• Visual or hearing impairments,
• Conditions requiring emergency surgery.