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NCT Number: NCT07234643

What Matters to You When You Prepare for Surgery and How Does Surgical Preparedness Influence Postoperative Outcome

On the occasion of the international What Matters To You-day 2025 the goal of this Danish, multicenter flashmob study with follow up is to investigate what matters to adult patients when they prepare for surgery or colonoscopy.

Aim

The study has the following aims:

1. To explore and describe what matters to patients when preparing for surgery and to explore how patients prepare before surgery and assess their perceived level of readiness. 2. To examine how the patient's preparation is associated with the quality of their postoperative recovery at home. 3. To examine the associations between Degree of Worry (DOW)/postoperative quality of recovery (QoR-15), and preoperative preparedness/postoperative quality of recovery (QoR-15).

On the day of surgery, patients will be invited to fill out an online questionnaire. At the same time they will be invited to participate in the follow-up on postoperative day 3 (survey link via text message).

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Key information

Conditions

Day Surgery

Age range

18 year–100 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients undergoing surgical procedures in general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, or nerve blocks on June 3th or 6th, 2025, between 7:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon
  • Patients expected to be discharged to their homes the same day.
  • ≥18 years old and able to speak and understand Danish.
  • For a separate analysis, patients undergoing colonoscopy

Exclusion criteria

  • Cognitive or psychiatric conditions that impede ability to give informed consent and complete the surveys,
  • Non-surgical procedures such as diagnostic endoscopies (with or without biopsy)
  • Injection treatments, endovascular treatments or smaller surgical procedures requiring only infiltration analgesia.

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Correlation between preoperative preparedness and degree of worry

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The correlation between patients' selfreported preparedness (0 = Not at all prepared, 10 = Very prepared) and the Degree of Worry (0-10 numeric scale, 0 = not all worried and 10 = very worried).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pre-operative preparation strategies

    Time frame: Baseline

    Multiple choice questions regarding preparation strategies will be asked:

    • Read informational material/watched videos
    • Spoke with healthcare professionals (surgeon, anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist, others)
    • Spoke with other patients
    • Discussed with family or friends
    • Researched the procedure online
    • Purchased groceries/medications
    • Changed medications
    • Stopped smoking
    • Exercised
    • Avoided infections
    • Arranged for assistance/support from family or friends
    • Planned leave with employer.

  2. Patient preparedness (pre- and postoperatively)

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    Patient preparedness (pre- and post-operatively) will be investigated using a numeric rating scale (0 = not at all prepared, 10 = very prepared).

  3. The association between pre-operatively patient preparedness and age

    Time frame: Baseline

    The association between pre-operatively preparedness and age. Patient preparedness will be investigated using a numeric rating scale (0 = Not at all prepared, 10 = Very prepared).

  4. The association between pre-operatively preparedness and gender

    Time frame: Baseline

    The association between pre-operatively preparedness and gender. Patient preparedness will be investigated using a numeric rating scale (0 = not at all prepared, 10 = very prepared).

  5. The association between pre-operatively preparedness and surgical status

    Time frame: Baseline

    The association between pre-operatively preparedness and surgical status will be investigated using a numeric rating scale (0= not at all prepared, 10 = very prepared) and surgical status (elective or acute).

  6. The association between pre-operatively preparedness and living situation

    Time frame: Baseline

    The association between pre-operatively preparedness and living situation (alone/cohabiting). Patient preparedness will be investigated using a numeric rating scale (0 = not at all prepared, 10 = very prepared.

  7. The correlation between pre-operative preparedness and postoperative recovery

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The correlation between pre-operative preparedness shown by a numeric rating scale (0-10) where 0 = "Not a all prepared" and 10 = "Very prepared" and total Quality of Recovery score (QoR-15 score), a 15-item numeric rating scale (0 to 10, where: 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]). A high score indicates a good quality of recovery.

  8. Correlation between preoperative preparedness and degree of Worry

    Time frame: Baseline

    The correlation between pre-operative preparedness shown by a numeric rating scale (0-10) where 0 = "Not a all prepared" and 10 = "Very prepared" and Degree of Worry scale (0-10) where 0 = Not worried at all and 10 = very worried.

  9. What matters when preparing for surgery and was there anything the patient would have known or done differently

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    For this outcome a qualitative research approach will be applied. Open-ended responses about What matters when preparing for surgery and was there anything the patient would have known or done differently will be analysed using content analysis focusing on the manifest content

  10. The association between the preparation strategy Read informational material/watched videos and postoperative outcomes

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Read informational material/watched videos and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  11. The association between the preparation strategy Spoke with healthcare professionals (surgeon, anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist, others) and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Spoke with healthcare professionals (surgeon, anesthesiologist/nurse anesthetist, others) and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  12. The association between the preparation strategy Spoke with other patients and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Spoke with other patients and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  13. The association between the preparation strategy Discussed with family or friends and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Discussed with family or friends and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  14. The association between the preparation strategy Researched the procedure online and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment of the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Researched the procedure online and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  15. The association between the preparation strategy purchased groceries/medications and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy purchased groceries/medications and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  16. The association between the preparation strategy Changed medications and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Changed medications and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  17. The association between the preparation strategy Stopped smoking and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Stopped smoking and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  18. The association between the preparation strategy Exercised and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Exercised and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  19. The association between the preparation strategy Avoided infections and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Avoided infections and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  20. The association between the preparation strategy Arranged for assistance/support from family or friends and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Arranged for assistance/support from family or friends and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  21. The association between the preparation strategy Planned leave with employer and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between preparation strategy Planned leave with employer and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  22. The association between other preparation strategies and postoperative outcome

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The association between other preparation strategies and postoperative outcomes: Quality of Recovery - 15 (QoR-15) score and sub scores for Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q14 (anxiety) and Section B of the QoR-15. The scale will be used with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR. 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]).

    The following covariates will be used for the analysis: age, sex, Degree of worry score, surgical status and cohabiting status.

  23. The correlation between Degree of Worry and Quality of Recovery (QoR-15)

    Time frame: From enrollment on the day of surgery to postoperative day 3

    The correlation between the degree of worry shown by the Degree of Worry scale (0-10 numeric scale, 0 = not all worried and 10 = very worried) and QoR-15 scale with each item ranging from 0 to 10 with higher score indicating better QoR (0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]). The total QoR-15 score and the following individual items will be used:Q7 (support from healthcare professionals), Q9 (feel in control), Q10 (feeling of well-being), Q14 (anxiety) as well as section B.

Other outcomes

  1. Quality of Recovery score (QoR-15)

    Time frame: On postoperative day 3

    Quality of Recovery score (QoR-15), a 15-item numeric rating scale (0 to 10, where: 0 = none of the time [poor] and 10 = all of the time [excellent]). A high score indicates a good quality of recovery. Results will be summarized using percentages, means with standard deviations, or medians with interquartile ranges (IQR) for the entire population.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Gødstrup Hospital

Other

Collaborators

  • Horsens Hospital
  • Odense University Hospital
  • Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Registry information

Official study title

What Matters to You When You Prepare for Surgery and How Does Surgical Preparedness Influence Postoperative Outcome - a Flashmob Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Nov 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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