Impact of audiovisual information added to face-to-face preanesthetic interview compared to conventional consultation on adults’ anxiety, knowledge, and satisfaction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background Several qualitative studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and an early meta-analysis suggest that adding audiovisual material to standard preoperative anesthesiologist consultations may improve the patient experience by reducing anxiety and enhancing both satisfaction and knowledge acquisition. However, the findings across studies remain heterogeneous and, at times, conflicting. To better understand and quantify the impact of adding video-based information to face-to-face preanesthesia consultations with or without written materials, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies published over a broad time period. We compared levels of anxiety, satisfaction, and knowledge acquisition before and after face-to-face preanesthetic interviews, with and without audiovisual supplementary material in adult patients undergoing a range of surgical procedures. Methods In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search on MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. We included studies that assessed the impact of audiovisual interventions—such as videos, interactive websites, role-playing scenarios, and immersive virtual reality—as supplements to standard face-to-face preanesthetic consultations, with or without written pamphlets. We evaluated the interventions’ impact on anxiety, satisfaction, and knowledge acquisition. We performed meta-analyses to combine data from RCTs. No publication-date restriction was applied. Results 21 RCTs were included, involving 4,385 participants who underwent various anesthetic procedures, such as general and regional anesthesia. Adding a visual aid to a face-to-face preanesthetic interview, with or without written information, may statistically significantly reduce anxiety (mean difference − 5.54 points on a 0–100 scale; 95% CI, -8.99 to -2.09, P < 0.001) and may improve knowledge acquisition (risk difference of 0.44; 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.54; P < 0.001). However the certainty of evidence for this outcome was very low, and the true effect remains uncertain. No statistically significant effect on patient satisfaction was observed. Conclusion Incorporating visual aids such as videos, interactive websites, role-playing scenarios, and immersive virtual reality into standard face-to-face preanesthetic interviews may reduce anxiety across various anesthetic procedures. Although pooled analyses favored improved knowledge acquisition and patient satisfaction, the certainty of evidence supporting these outcomes was very low, and their true effects remain uncertain. Further high-quality studies are needed to optimize the clinical impact of audiovisual tools and to support the development more patient-centered preanesthetic consultations. Trial registration Prospectively registered on PROSPERO: CRD42023442078.