| Summary: | 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 (EI).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.
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