Using the hospital anxiety and depression scale in surgical patients.

Patients admitted to hospital to undergo an elective surgical procedure often feel frightened and anxious. Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure that patients are physically and psychologically prepared for surgery. The provision of psychological care may be inadequate as there are few protocols for healthcare professionals to follow in this area. Psychological care should be provided routinely for every surgical patient not only those with cancer, for which psychological care forms part of the overall care package. The use of tools such as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale allow staff to identify and monitor anxiety and depression in patients in a busy pre-operative setting.