Effect of Informed Consent on Patient’s Anxiety Regarding Third Molar Surgery

Abstract

Objective: To assess mean change in anxiety of a patient undergoing 3rd molar surgery before and after disclosure
of information regarding procedure.
Study Design: A descriptive study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted on 50 patients that were presented to the outpatient
department of a tertiary care hospital in FUCD between December 2018 to November 2019.
Methods: Patients reporting to OMFS department of FUCD for surgical removal of impacted 3rd molars were
selected after history, clinical examination & radiographic evaluation. Informed consent form was given to the
patients starting by explaining the brief overview of procedure, benefits and racial complications. Patients were
asked to sign the informed consent form. Anxiety of patient after taking informed consent is evaluated by STAI
form. The level of anxiety by using STAI on first visit and later again using the STAI on the day of procedure was
compared.
Results: A total of 50 patients where 13(26.0) males and 37 (74.0) female patients having mean age (years)
29.00±6.96 were included in the study. Our study finding showed that mean change in anxiety of patient undergoing
3
rd molar surgery and after disclosure of information regarding procedure was 35.06±2.25 and 45.60±2.50
respectively with mean change 10.53±0.25.
Conclusion: The study concluded that patient experienced anxiety when underwent molar surgery. So there is a
need of patient counseling about the procedural risks and associated complications regarding 3rd molar surgery in a
sequential manner