Routine without understanding: patients' experiences of preoperative preparation in surgical care at St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Eikwe

Preoperative preparation is essential for safe surgical care, yet in many low-resource settings it often prioritises biomedical readiness over holistic, patient-centred support, contributing to patient anxiety, confusion, and unmet information needs. This study explored patients' experiences of preoperative preparation at St. Martin de Porres Hospital, Eikwe, Ghana. An exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed. Fifteen adult patients who had undergone elective or emergency surgery within four weeks prior to data collection were purposively sampled. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews conducted in either English or Akan, based on participant preference. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, supported by NVivo version 12. Two themes emerged: physical/physiological preparation and psychological preparation. Routine procedures such as fasting, shaving, vital signs monitoring, and laboratory tests were commonly reported, but were often undertaken without adequate explanation, causing confusion and anxiety. Painful procedures, particularly catheterisation, heightened distress. Psychological preparation was inconsistent and mostly limited to reassurance without clear procedural information. Preoperative preparation in this setting remains predominantly routine-driven and focused on biomedical readiness, with inadequate psychological and informational support. Integrating structured patient education, effective communication, and strengthened nursing roles is essential to improve perioperative experiences, reduce anxiety, and enhance patient-centred surgical care in similar resource-constrained settings.