AI-Assisted Patient Education Before Suturing in Minor Trauma

Patients scheduled to undergo suturing for minor trauma in the emergency department frequently experience anticipatory pain and anxiety before the procedure. These experiences may negatively affect perceived pain, cooperation with treatment, adherence, satisfaction, and the overall care experience. However, the realities of emergency department practice, including crowding, high patient volume, staff shortages, and increased workload, may limit effective nurse-patient communication and comprehensive patient education. Patients awaiting suturing for minor trauma often experience uncertainty, prolonged waiting, fear of the procedure, and concern about pain. These factors may increase anxiety, which can further intensify pain perception and negatively influence patients' cooperation with treatment and satisfaction with care. Previous reports indicate that many patients waiting in emergency departments seek information about waiting times, care processes, and their medical conditions, highlighting a substantial need for accessible and reliable information. During this waiting period, patients may increasingly use artificial intelligence-based digital resources to obtain information about their health condition and the procedure they are about to undergo. However, information generated by artificial intelligence may be inaccurate, incomplete, or insufficiently tailored to the clinical context. Therefore, such information should be reviewed and validated by healthcare professionals before being provided to patients. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an artificial intelligence-assisted patient education material delivered during the pre-suturing waiting period on pain and anxiety levels among patients with minor trauma in the emergency department. It is also expected that the educational material developed within the scope of this study may contribute to patient education and supportive care in emergency department settings.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with minor trauma requiring suturing, including superficial lacerations of the hand, arm, foot, leg, head, or face * Patients who provide written informed consent to participate in the study * Patients aged 18 years or older * Patients who are able to read and write * Patients without communication difficulties Exclusion Criteria: * Patients requiring emergency surgical intervention, such as those with traumatic amputation or lacerations requiring urgent operative management * Patients with communication barriers that prevent participation in the study * Patients who are unable to read and write