To examine the relationship between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery in patients between the ages of 20 to 49 years at Mpilo Central Hospital.

Abstract

Psychological readiness for surgery has a critical impact on the patient as it helps to reduce anxiety and stress Sharma, 1996). At Mpilo Central Hospital complaints have been leveled against doctors and nurses that they hurry patients into agreeing to undergo surgery without providing adequate information and preparation prior to the procedure with 10 to 20% out of all surgical cases patients have been reported to withdraw from surgery (Mpilo Public Relations, Officers Report, 2009). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery. The study utilized Peplau‟s Interpersonal Process Model. A descriptive co relational design was used. Eighty subjects aged between 20 and 49 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule, consisting of demographic section, knowledge on the informed consent process section and psychological readiness for surgery section. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient test and simple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed a ±Pearson coefficient test (r=.375, p<.01) and a regression of 0.014, r² 0.01. This shows th²²at there was a positive correlation between knowledge levels regarding the informed consent process and psychological readiness for surgery. Results have shown that there were generally low levels of knowledge regarding the consent process with a range of between 2-12 points from a possible 35 and results also showed lack of psychological readiness for surgery. Implications for Medical surgical Nursing are that there is need to reinforce the psychological preparation of patients for surgery to reduce the number of patients who withdraw from surgery.