Effect of Sending SMS, Which Reminds About the Intake of Medication, on Reducing Postoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose: Patients undergoing cataract surgery find postoperative medication management difficult and are anxious about this issue. Differences in the number of medications and frequency of administration can lead to confusion in patients. The aim of this randomized-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of sending short message service (SMS) texts, to reminds patients about need to take postoperative medications, on reducing postoperative anxiety in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Design: The randomized, controlled study. Methods: The patients in the experimental group received short message service reminders on the first to the seventh days postoperatively. Findings: The SMS group was found to have significantly lower State Anxiety Inventory mean scores than the control group on the seventh postoperative day (P = .001). The majority (82.9%) of patients were satisfied with receiving an SMS reminder. Conclusions: In this study, SMS reminders may be effective in decreasing postoperative anxiety for patients undergoing cataract surgery and this intervention was welcomed by patients. © 2021 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses