Effects of Mobile-based Mindfulness Intervention to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety for Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

Launched by HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, HONG KONG · May 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at whether a mobile app that teaches mindfulness can help reduce anxiety for patients who are about to have elective surgery. Mindfulness is a way of focusing your mind on the present moment, which can help people feel calmer. The study will involve 40 participants who will be randomly divided into two groups: one group will use the mindfulness app along with their usual care, while the other group will only receive standard care. Researchers will measure how anxious the participants feel before surgery and will also look at their pain levels and the need for pain medication after the surgery.

To be eligible for this trial, participants need to be at least 18 years old, scheduled for a non-emergency surgery under general anesthesia, and comfortable using a smartphone. They should also be able to understand Chinese and express their feelings. Importantly, they should have a certain level of anxiety before the surgery, as measured by a questionnaire. Participants can expect to engage with the mindfulness app over four weeks leading up to their surgery and will provide feedback on their experience. This study is significant as it explores a new, low-cost option to help patients manage anxiety before surgery, which could improve their overall experience and recovery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • adult (age\>= 18 years old)
• • scheduled to undergo non-emergency surgery under general anesthesia (GA)
• • use of smart phone
• • able to understand the Chinese language and express their feelings sufficiently
• • no previous experience of surgery
• • STAI-T score \>=40
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • unable to provide informed consent
• • history or current treatment for psychological complaints
• • serious physical or psychological co-morbidities
• • hearing or vision impairment
• • patients withdrawal from continuing to participate in the study