Does Preoperative Anxiety Decrease with BATHE Method? A Prospective Randomized Study

Introduction: Preoperative anxiety due to anesthesia is a common situation and decreases with preoperative evaluation. The aim of this study is to determine whether utilization of BATHE method further decreases the anxiety scores of patients who are evaluated at an anesthesia clinic for preoperative examination. Methods: The patients were randomized into BATHE and Control groups by using the closed envelope technique. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores were recorded as entrance STAI for all patients. During preoperative evaluation, BATHE method was applied to the BATHE Group whereas it was not applied to the Control Group. Postexamination, STAI scores were recorded as exit STAI and the patients were later asked questions about their contentment. Results: Data of 463 patients were included in the analysis. Demographic data was similar in the groups. In both groups the exit STAI scores (BATHE: 34.27 +/- 10.30, Control: 34.90 +/- 9.54) were lower in comparison to the entrance STAI scores (BATHE: 38.21 +/- 9.86, Control: 37.09 +/- 9.93). The mean gap between the entrance STAI and exit STAI scores of the BATHE (3.94 +/- 6.05) and Control groups (2.19 +/- 6.14) were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Utilization of BATHE method decreases the anxiety scores of preoperative patients to a greater extent, as measured by STAI index, in comparison to standard preoperative evaluation.