Effects of video information on Preoperative anxiety level and tolerability of joint lavage in knee osteoarthritis

Objective. To investigate the impact of video information on preoperative anxiety of patients scheduled to undergo joint lavage for knee osteoarthritis, and tolerability of the lavage. Methods. A video film on joint lavage (duration 4 minutes, 20 seconds) was made by medical communication professionals, based on recommendations of the medical and paramedical staff of the Institute of Rheumatology. Patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis and scheduled for lavage were assigned, using a preestablished list of randomization, to either the video group or the no-video group. In the operating room, preoperative anxiety level was measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS), and tolerability was assessed using a 4-grade scale. Results. One hundred twelve patients (56 patients in each group) were included and completed the trial. Preoperative anxiety was lower by half for patients who had viewed the video (VAS 13 +/- 20 versus 26 +/- 27; P = 0.0056). Tolerability of knee lavage was also significantly better in the video group (very tolerable 91% versus 48%; P < 0.0001). Conclusion. This prospective, controlled, randomized study confirms the usefulness of video information prior to an invasive rheumatology procedure.