The effect of pre-admission education on domiciliary recovery following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this randomised controlled study were to determine if pre-admission patient education affects post-operative pain levels, domiciliary self-care capacity and patient recall following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Participants were randomised to receive the standard preadmission program (SP) or an individualised, education intervention (El). DESIGN A pre-operative questionnaire was administered in the pre-admission clinic to determine participants' knowledge of LC and post-operative management. Telephone follow-up and post-operative questionnaire were conducted approximately 14 days post discharge. SETTING Preadmission clinic of a Sydney, Australia, tertiary referral hospital. SAMPLE Ninety-three elective LC patients. RESULTS EI participants experienced lower pain levels and had significantly greater recall of provided information. However, no significant differences were found between the control and intervention groups for domiciliary self-care. CONCLUSION Pre-admission education intervention helps reduce post-operative pain levels following LC and significantly increases patients' knowledge of self-care and complication management.