The Effect of AI Training on Arthroscopy Outcomes

Arthroscopy has significantly increased the variety of procedures that can be performedin orthopedic surgery, reducing both morbidity and hospital stay. Initially used only inknee surgeries, it has expanded over time to include other areas such as the shoulder,elbow, wrist, hip, ankle, and foot joints. Thanks to advanced surgical instruments, manyprocedures previously only possible with open surgery can now be performedarthroscopically. The repertoire of these methods is constantly expanding, and it hasbecome one of the most frequently performed orthopedic procedures today. Undergoing amedical or surgical procedure under anesthesia is an unusual experience for mostpatients. Facing this situation can cause varying levels of preoperative anxiety. Highlevels of anxiety can lead to emotional and physical stress responses, affecting thepatient's postoperative outcomes and delaying their discharge. Even though arthroscopicsurgery is a closed, minimally invasive procedure, patients may experience anxiety due tothe possibility of difficulty waking up after surgery, pain, work‐life difficulties,disability, loss of control over part or all of their body, or delayed healing, dependingon the type of anesthesia to be administered. Studies have shown that 60‐80% of patientsscheduled for surgical intervention experience anxiety before surgery. Furthermore, it isknown that the inability to control preoperative anxiety and fear levels increases theneed for anesthesia, and after surgery, increases the need for analgesics and the rate ofcomplications. Studies suggest that the severity of postoperative pain affects thepatient's anxiety level. Anxiety caused by pain affects the individual perceptually,behaviorally, cognitively, psychologically, and physiologically. As a result of theseeffects, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and heart rate increase. Sweating, shivering,headache, dizziness, fainting, insomnia, fatigue, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, difficultyswallowing, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, muscle tension, and frequenturination may occur. Although surgery aims to improve health, it is traumatic for thepatient in social, physiological, and psychological terms. Ensuring and maintainingcomfort in patients undergoing surgery should be among the goals of care. In this way,the patient can feel more comfortable, at ease, and empowered to overcome problems.It isconsidered normal for patients to experience anxiety before and after surgery. However,high levels of anxiety and uncontrolled anxiety can lead to problems and complicationsduring both pre‐ and post‐operative periods. Many methods are used to reduce anxiety andstrengthen individuals' ability to cope with it in the pre‐operative period, includinginformation sessions, music therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, acupressure, physicalexercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, relaxation exercises, massage, andbreathing exercises. Methods used to reduce anxiety aim to relax the individualphysically and mentally and improve their anxiety management skills. Nurses providepatient education or information about the surgery to alleviate the patient's anxiety andfear before the procedure. Preoperative education content should include information onthe preparation process for surgery, preoperative medications and expected procedures,the postoperative period, postoperative pain management, and anxiety managementskills.Researchers investigating the effect of information on pain in spinal surgeryreport that adequate preoperative information reduces pain sensation. Studies indicatethat different types of information, depending on the extent of the surgery, areeffective in managing surgical anxiety and postoperative pain in patients scheduled forsurgery. The value of preoperative information in postoperative management has increasedthe use of the internet, which is now a source of information for everyone. This studyaims to determine the effect of providing preoperative information and education withartificial intelligence on preoperative anxiety, fear, and postoperative pain and comfortlevels.