Preoperative fear and its effect on postoperative pain and recovery

Influence of Preoperative Fear on Pain and Postoperative Outcomes

Observational Dr. Negrin University Hospital · NCT06785389

This research tries to see if fear or anxiety before scheduled surgery makes postoperative pain worse or affects recovery in adults having planned operations.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment138 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDr. Negrin University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas)
Trial IDNCT06785389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study of 138 adult patients scheduled for elective surgery at a single hospital. Before surgery participants complete two questionnaires measuring fear of anesthesia, surgery, and hospitals plus the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and postoperative pain is tracked with a numerical rating scale until discharge. Investigators will compare preoperative fear and anxiety scores with postoperative pain ratings and analgesic use to look for relationships. The study excludes minors, patients with cognitive impairment, and anyone unable to complete pre- or postoperative questionnaires.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) scheduled for elective surgery at Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín who can give informed consent and complete the questionnaires.

Not a fit: People under 18, those with cognitive impairment or who cannot complete the questionnaires, and patients not undergoing scheduled surgery would not be eligible or likely to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a clear link is found, simple preoperative screening could identify patients who may benefit from extra anxiety or pain-management measures to improve postoperative pain control and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have reported associations between higher preoperative anxiety and increased postoperative pain, so this approach builds on established findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients older than 18 years old scheduled for surgery with admission during the study period will be included.
* Verbal and written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Minors
* Cognitive impairment
* Patients not being able to understand and respond to preoperative questionnaires
* Patients not being able to respond to postoperative pain assessment
* Patients not giving informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions FearPain ManagementAnxietyComplications of Surgical Procedures or Medical Carepreoperative fearpostoperative painpostoperative outcomespreoperative anxiety
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.