Patient watching heart surgery preparation video.

Easing Cardiac Surgery Fears: How Video Orientations Lead to Better Patient Outcomes

Q: What is myocardial revascularization and why is it so important?

Myocardial revascularization, also known as CABG surgery, is a procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart. It is significant because it helps to extend and improve the lives of individuals with heart disease. The implications of CABG surgery are profound, as it can alleviate symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, allowing patients to lead more active lives. If left untreated, the underlying heart condition can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and death.

Q: What is preoperative orientation, and why is it essential for patients undergoing heart surgery?

Preoperative orientation is the process of preparing patients for surgery, both mentally and emotionally. It is important because it helps to reduce anxiety and improve patient understanding of the procedure. The implications of effective preoperative orientation are significant, as it can lead to better patient outcomes, increased satisfaction, and a smoother recovery process. Without adequate preoperative orientation, patients may feel overwhelmed and unprepared, which can negatively impact their surgical experience.

Q: What are audiovisual aids, and how do they enhance patient education before cardiac surgery?

Audiovisual aids, such as videos and slide presentations, are used to supplement traditional verbal instruction in preoperative orientation. They are significant because they can help to improve knowledge retention and reduce anxiety in patients facing heart surgery. The implications of using audiovisual aids are that patients are more likely to understand and remember important information about their procedure, which can lead to better adherence to postoperative instructions and improved outcomes. These aids can overcome limitations like environmental distractions and varying communication styles.

Q: What is knowledge retention, and why is it important for patients preparing for surgery?

Knowledge retention refers to the ability of patients to remember and understand information presented to them during preoperative orientation. It is important because patients who retain more knowledge are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care and to follow postoperative instructions. The implications of improved knowledge retention are significant, as it can lead to better patient outcomes, reduced complications, and increased satisfaction. Factors that can influence knowledge retention include the method of instruction, patient anxiety levels, and individual cognitive abilities.

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights the power of video resources in preparing heart surgery patients, leading to increased knowledge retention and reduced anxiety."

In the realm of modern medicine, cardiac surgery stands as a testament to our ability to combat life-threatening conditions. As techniques advance and the prevalence of heart disease rises, procedures like myocardial revascularization become increasingly vital for extending and improving lives. However, the complexity of these interventions can be daunting for patients.

Many individuals face a significant knowledge gap when confronted with the prospect of heart surgery. This lack of understanding, coupled with the anxiety that naturally arises before such a major event, can hinder their ability to fully grasp essential information. To address this challenge, healthcare providers are exploring innovative ways to enhance preoperative orientation, ensuring patients are well-prepared, both mentally and emotionally, for their upcoming procedure.

Traditionally, preoperative orientation relies heavily on verbal communication. While valuable, this approach can be susceptible to various limitations, including environmental distractions, patient anxiety levels, and the cognitive capacity of the individual. Moreover, the effectiveness of verbal instruction can vary depending on the skills and approach of the healthcare professional delivering the information. As a result, there's growing interest in alternative methods, such as audiovisual aids, to supplement and enhance the orientation process.

Video Killed the Anxiety Star: A New Approach to Cardiac Care

Patient watching heart surgery preparation video.

Recognizing the need for more effective patient education, a recent study published in the journal Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira investigated the impact of video resources on preoperative orientation for cardiac surgery patients. Researchers Ana Paula Amestoy de Oliveira, Emiliane Nogueira de Souza, and Lucia Campos Pellanda conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare the effectiveness of video-assisted orientation with traditional verbal instruction.

The study, conducted at the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre and the Instituto de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, involved 90 patients scheduled for myocardial revascularization (CABG) surgery. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG), each comprising 45 individuals. The intervention group received bedside orientation enhanced with a short video and a slide presentation on the day before surgery, while the control group received standard verbal orientation.

Intervention Group (IG): Received bedside orientation with a short video and slide presentation.
Control Group (CG): Received standard verbal orientation.
Blinded Analysis: Allocation and knowledge assessment were performed with researchers blinded to group assignment.
Statistical Rigor: Data was analyzed based on the intention-to-treat principle to ensure unbiased results.

The results revealed a significant difference in knowledge retention between the two groups. After orientation, the intervention group scored significantly higher (7.20 ± 1.56) compared to the control group (2.71 ± 1.96, p<0.001). Notably, the topic of "surgical room" showed the most striking difference, with only 6.7% of the control group providing correct answers compared to 68.9% of the intervention group.

Empowering Patients Through Knowledge

This study underscores the potential of audiovisual resources to transform preoperative orientation for cardiac surgery patients. By providing clear, concise, and engaging information through video and visual aids, healthcare professionals can empower patients with the knowledge they need to face their procedure with greater confidence and reduced anxiety. As healthcare continues to evolve, embracing innovative approaches like video orientation will be crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing the overall surgical experience.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1806-9282.62.08.762, Alternate LINK

Title: Effectiveness Of Video Resources In Nursing Orientation Before Cardiac Heart Surgery

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Ana Paula Amestoy De Oliveira, Emiliane Nogueira De Souza, Lucia Campos Pellanda

Published: 2016-11-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is myocardial revascularization and why is it so important?

Myocardial revascularization, also known as CABG surgery, is a procedure used to improve blood flow to the heart. It is significant because it helps to extend and improve the lives of individuals with heart disease. The implications of CABG surgery are profound, as it can alleviate symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, allowing patients to lead more active lives. If left untreated, the underlying heart condition can lead to serious complications, including heart attack and death.

What is preoperative orientation, and why is it essential for patients undergoing heart surgery?

Preoperative orientation is the process of preparing patients for surgery, both mentally and emotionally. It is important because it helps to reduce anxiety and improve patient understanding of the procedure. The implications of effective preoperative orientation are significant, as it can lead to better patient outcomes, increased satisfaction, and a smoother recovery process. Without adequate preoperative orientation, patients may feel overwhelmed and unprepared, which can negatively impact their surgical experience.

What are audiovisual aids, and how do they enhance patient education before cardiac surgery?

Audiovisual aids, such as videos and slide presentations, are used to supplement traditional verbal instruction in preoperative orientation. They are significant because they can help to improve knowledge retention and reduce anxiety in patients facing heart surgery. The implications of using audiovisual aids are that patients are more likely to understand and remember important information about their procedure, which can lead to better adherence to postoperative instructions and improved outcomes. These aids can overcome limitations like environmental distractions and varying communication styles.

What was the enhanced approach used for the intervention group?

The intervention group received bedside orientation enhanced with a short video and a slide presentation on the day before surgery. This approach is significant because it leverages the power of visual learning to improve patient understanding and reduce anxiety. The implications of using video-assisted orientation are that patients are more likely to retain information and feel more prepared for their procedure, which can lead to better outcomes. The format allows complex information to be presented in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, catering to different learning styles.

What is knowledge retention, and why is it important for patients preparing for surgery?

Knowledge retention refers to the ability of patients to remember and understand information presented to them during preoperative orientation. It is important because patients who retain more knowledge are better equipped to make informed decisions about their care and to follow postoperative instructions. The implications of improved knowledge retention are significant, as it can lead to better patient outcomes, reduced complications, and increased satisfaction. Factors that can influence knowledge retention include the method of instruction, patient anxiety levels, and individual cognitive abilities.