BACKGROUND: The literature reports that pre-optimization achieved within the scope of Accelerated Recovery After Spine Surgery (ERAS) improves patients' physiological functions and satisfaction. This study aims to examine the effect of preoperative education and counseling, implemented within the scope of ERAS in spinal surgery, on pre-optimization of patients. METHOD: In this single centered prospective study, 102 patients scheduled for spine surgery were included and divided into two groups: n = 51 in the control group and n = 51 in the intervention group. The control group received standard care according to hospital protocol. The intervention group received a structured preoperative education program including information on surgical preparation, fasting duration, expected surgery time, potential risks, the importance of nutrition, early mobilization, and the negative effects of smoking and alcohol on recovery. Visual materials demonstrating operating room admission and postoperative transfer were also presented. Data were collected with the "Individual Characteristics Information Form", "Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale", "Peri Anesthesia Comfort Scale" and "Visual Comparison Scale". The primary outcome was emergence agitation. Secondary outcomes included recovery unit stay, hospital length of stay, pain, hemodynamic parameters, and comfort. RESULTS: The incidence of emergence agitation over time was lower in the intervention group, however, this difference was not statistically significant. Patients in the intervention group had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter recovery unit stay, hospital stay, anesthesia duration (p < 0.05). Comfort scores were higher and pain scores in all measured times were lower in the intervention group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study demonstrate that preoperative education and counseling based on ERAS protocols optimize patient outcomes, accelerates postoperative recovery, and increases patient satisfaction for patients undergoing spinal surgery.
Parlak et al. (Wed,) studied this question.