What is the primary goal of preoperative patient education?

The primary goal of preoperative patient education is to minimize patient anxiety and improve outcomes. Educating patients before surgery helps them understand what to expect during the procedure, which can alleviate fears and uncertainties. This understanding can lead to a more positive mindset, reducing anxiety levels that might otherwise negatively impact recovery.

Additionally, when patients are well-informed about the surgery, its risks, benefits, and the recovery process, they are more likely to engage actively in their care, adhere to preoperative instructions, and follow post-surgical guidelines. This engagement can lead to better recovery outcomes, reduced complications, and higher patient satisfaction.

Other options may touch on relevant aspects of surgical care, but they don't capture the primary focus of preoperative education. For instance, expediting the surgery process is not the main objective, nor does increasing surgical costs bear any relevance to patient education. Compliance with post-operative instructions is important but is an effect of sufficient preoperative education rather than its primary goal.