Effects of an informational CD-ROM on anxiety and knowledge before aesthetic surgery: a randomised trial

This trial aimed to assess the value of visual information by CD ROM before aesthetic breast reduction or abdominoplasty. All included patients were given an information leaflet about the procedure and completed a Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI form Y-1) questionnaire to assess situational anxiety. The patient was then randomly assigned to watch or not to watch an informational CD ROM. The day before surgery the patient completed a second anxiety questionnaire and a knowledge questionnaire. Eighty patients were included, 40 were assigned the CD ROM and 40 no CD ROM. Patients who watched the CD ROM were significantly less anxious than those who did not (Mean STAI 45 [38.2–46.3] vs 55 [49.9–63.8]). Furthermore they also scored higher in the knowledge questionnaire as far as the purpose and the procedural details of the surgery were concerned. However, no statistical difference of knowledge regarding the potential complications of the procedure was found.