Effect of a Preoperative Educational Video on Anxiety Levels

Preoperative anxiety is associated with adverse psychological and physiological responses and may negatively influence the perioperative experience. Educational interventions have been proposed as a practical strategy to improve patient understanding and reduce anxiety before surgery. Video-based education offers a standardized and accessible method for delivering information regarding anesthesia and surgical procedures.

Recent advances in digital health technologies have facilitated the use of mobile devices and QR code-based educational tools in routine clinical practice. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of different modes of video delivery on preoperative anxiety remains limited.

This study will evaluate whether a brief educational video delivered through a QR code before the day of surgery or viewed on a tablet device immediately before surgery can reduce preoperative anxiety compared with standard care. In addition, the study will assess the feasibility and utilization of QR code-based patient education in the perioperative setting. The findings may contribute to the development of accessible and scalable patient education strategies aimed at improving the surgical experience and patient-centered care.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years or older.
• Scheduled for elective surgery under anesthesia.
• Able to understand Turkish.
• Able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Emergency surgery.
• Visual or hearing impairment preventing video viewing.
• Cognitive impairment.
• Neurological or psychiatric disorders that may interfere with communication or completion of study questionnaires.