Noise Experiences of Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty During the Intraoperative Process: A Mixed-Design Study

Abstract

Purpose The study was conducted to determine the experiences of patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty regarding the noise they were exposed to in the operating room and recovery unit. Design The study employed a mixed-methods design. Methods The study was conducted between March and June 2024 in a public hospital located in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The sample consisted of 20 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Quantitative data were collected using the Patients’ Descriptive Characteristics Form, Surgical Fear Questionnaire, Surgical Period Data Collection Form, and Numerical Rating Scale. Qualitative data were obtained through a Semi-Structured Interview Form. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA 2022 and SPSS (24.0) software. Findings The mean age of the patients participating in the study was 66.4 ± 7.72 years and 75% were female. Preoperative anxiety was present in 70% of the patients, whereas 60% stated that they were not disturbed by intraoperative noise. The mean total score of the Surgical Fear Questionnaire was 36.15 ± 14.81, indicating a moderate level of surgical fear. Patients who were disturbed by intraoperative noise had a higher mean total score on the Surgical Fear Questionnaire. In the qualitative phase of the study, three main themes and nine codes related to these themes were identified, reflecting the patients' experiences of noise. The main themes were defined as “Sounds,” “Emotions,” and “Coping.” Conclusions This study revealed that patients with high preoperative anxiety experienced more surgical fear during surgery and were more disturbed by auditory stimuli. Motor and hammer sounds increased feelings of fear in some patients, while music was found to be disturbing and associated with headaches by some participants. Some patients were observed to turn to spiritual coping strategies to cope with these stimuli. © 2025 The American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses.