Informative Video to Alleviate Anxiety and Improve Satisfaction in Elective Caesarean Section

Title:

"Study of Informative Video on Alleviating Perioperative Anxiety and Improving Satisfaction Score in Obstetric Patients Undergoing Elective Lower Segment Caesarean Section Under Spinal Anaesthesia"

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an informative video in reducing perioperative anxiety and enhancing satisfaction in obstetric patients undergoing elective Caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia. The hypothesis is that patients who view the video will experience lower anxiety and higher satisfaction compared to those who receive standard pre-anaesthetic counselling alone.

Background:

Spinal anaesthesia, commonly used for Caesarean sections, offers rapid, predictable pain relief but can cause discomfort due to factors such as visceral pain and fundal pressure, leading to perioperative anxiety. Anxiety can negatively impact maternal satisfaction and increase the risk of postpartum complications. Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the efficacy of educational videos in alleviating this anxiety.

Methods:

The study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre. Eligible participants are obstetric patients (ASA II-III) undergoing elective Caesarean sections. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which receives a supplemental informative video, or a control group receiving standard care. Anxiety and satisfaction levels are assessed using validated questionnaires pre- and post-surgery.

Anticipated Outcomes:

The study hypothesizes that the informative video will significantly reduce perioperative anxiety and improve maternal satisfaction, thereby demonstrating the superiority of this intervention over standard pre-anaesthetic counselling.

Introduction Spinal anaesthesia is the preferred method for Caesarean sections due to its high success rate and minimal impact on maternal-fetal physiology. However, it is not without discomfort, as patients remain awake and can experience visceral pain, nausea, and other sensations that contribute to perioperative anxiety and dissatisfaction. This study explores the potential of an informative video to address these issues and improve patient outcomes.

Problem Statement Despite the widespread use of educational videos, the optimal approach for reducing anxiety and improving satisfaction in Caesarean patients remains unclear. Previous videos have focused on technical aspects of spinal anaesthesia without adequately addressing potential discomforts. This study seeks to bridge this gap by emphasizing specific sources of discomfort in the video content.

Research Questions Can an informative video highlighting potential sources of anxiety and dissatisfaction effectively alleviate these issues during the perioperative period? Is the video more effective than standard pre-anaesthetic counselling alone? Hypotheses Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference in anxiety and satisfaction between patients who view the video and those who do not.

Alternative Hypothesis: Patients who view the video will have lower anxiety and higher satisfaction levels.

Objectives Evaluate if the video effectively reduces perioperative anxiety and dissatisfaction.

Determine if the video outperforms standard counselling in achieving these outcomes.

Methods

Study Design:

A prospective, randomized controlled trial at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre from July 2024 to June 2025.

Participants:

Inclusion Criteria: Obstetric patients ASA II-III undergoing first elective Caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria: Patients under 18, ASA IV, diagnosed with morbid fetal conditions, or with psychiatric illness.

Randomization:

Participants are randomly assigned to two groups (Group V: Video, Group C: Control) using a computer-generated sequence. Allocation concealment is ensured through sealed envelopes.

Intervention:

The intervention group receives a QR code to access the informative video on their phones, with no viewing restrictions. The control group receives standard care.

Assessment Tools:

Anxiety: Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), assessing pre- and post-operative anxiety levels.

Satisfaction: Maternal Satisfaction Scale for Caesarean Section (MSSCS), evaluating satisfaction post-surgery.

Sample Size:

A total of 75 participants (31 per group, accounting for a 20% dropout rate) are needed to detect a clinically significant reduction in anxiety.

Data Collection and Analysis Data are collected using standardized forms and questionnaires. Analysis is conducted with IBM SPSS to assess normal distribution and differences between groups. Statistical significance is determined at a p-value \< 0.05.

Conclusion The study aims to demonstrate that an informative video addressing specific discomforts associated with spinal anaesthesia can significantly reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction in obstetric patients, offering a potentially superior alternative to standard pre-anaesthetic counselling.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* All obstetric patients American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) II-III
* First time undergo elective caesarean section
* Under spinal anaesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 18 years old
* ASA IV
* known antenatal diagnosis of morbid foetal conditions
* history of psychiatry illness