When is the best time to provide the preoperative teachings?

The best time to give preoperative teaching is relatively close to the time of the surgery, which could be the afternoon or evening before the surgery. The value of giving preoperative care is very important, in which the approach to it should be holistic because each individual has his anxieties, hopes, and need.

During preoperative teaching, the patient is usually taught the basic things that help to prevent any complication. The preoperative teaching allows the patient to gain a better understanding of the surgery they are about to undergo, have a quicker recuperative period, feel more in control, etc.

The information that should be given during preoperative teaching includes what to expect after the surgery is done, information regarding the post-anesthetic care unit, postoperative activities the patient will be expected to do, etc.

The afternoon or evening prior to surgery

The best time to provide preoperative teaching is the afternoon or evening prior to surgery. This time, the patient had finished undergoing different laboratory and diagnostic procedures. Therefore, he/she can now concentrate on the teachings. Teachings given days before surgery may tend to be forgotten. Teachings given before administration of preoperative medications may not be understood anymore because the anxiety level more likely is high during this time