The effect of informing relatives of patients undergoing oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia via short message on anxiety and satisfaction

Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of informing the relatives of patients undergoing oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia via short message on their anxiety and satisfaction levels. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ordu University, between 28.08.2023 and 30.06.2024. It included relatives of patients meeting the inclusion criteria who underwent surgery under general anesthesia. A case-control design was used. The sample size was calculated using G*power, with 38 participants in both the intervention and control groups, totaling 76. Data collection tools included: the Relative Information Form, Satisfaction Questionnaire for SMS Communication During Surgery, SMS Follow-up Form, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews. Parametric or non-parametric tests were used based on data distribution. Results: Relatives informed via SMS had significantly lower post-procedure state anxiety scores compared to the control group. The difference in anxiety scores before and after SMS communication was statistically significant (p=0.000). The mean satisfaction score for SMS-informed relatives was 9.58±0.76 out of 10, indicating high satisfaction. Conclusion: Informing patient relatives via SMS during oral, dental, and maxillofacial procedures under general anesthesia helps reduce anxiety levels, even though it does not eliminate them completely. Routine implementation of the SMS notification system can increase the satisfaction of patients' relatives by making it easier for them to access information and reduce the workload of healthcare professionals.