Comparison of Bedside Whiteboard Use and Pain and Anxiety in Surgical Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background:

Bedside whiteboards serve as communication tools that contribute to improved patient outcomes by supporting information sharing, improving patient participation, and facilitating communication between patients and health care teams.

Objective:

This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare pain and anxiety levels between surgical patients who used bedside whiteboards and those who received standard care.

Methods:

The study was conducted in the general surgery department of a university hospital between August 2022 and December 2024. The intervention group consisted of 52 patients, and the control group included 54 patients. The data collection tools used included a patient demographic form, the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), the Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire (ASSQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and II).

Results:

The mean VAS score in the intervention group was 5.3 ± 2.9, the mean ASSQ score was 16.5 ± 6.0, and the mean STAI-I score was 34.4 ± 13.8. In contrast, the control group reported a mean VAS score of 6.6 ± 2.9, a mean ASSQ score of 21.9 ± 5.7, and a mean STAI-I score of 39.2 ± 8.2. Comparative analysis revealed statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of VAS, ASSQ, and STAI-I scores.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that patients in the intervention group who were exposed to bedside whiteboards had lower pain and anxiety scores than those in the control group. The use of bedside whiteboards may support patient education and enhance the overall quality of nursing care.