Design: A qualitative exploratory approach was used to investigate the experiences of a group of patients who had undergone pre-assessment preparation.

Sample: The sample included 30 patients undergoing day surgery in a large teaching hospital in the North of England. This purpos built day unit consisted of a pre-assessment unit, a seated pre-operative area, three theatres, a six space first stage recovery area, a twenty four space second stage recovery area and a separate seated recovery area. The patient groups focused on individuals scheduled for general surgery, gynaecology and urology procedures. The sample consisted of 17 females and 13 males from 19 to 85 years of age.

Method: A hermeneutic phenomenological research approach was utilised to elucidate the participants' experiences of the pre-assessment process and to collect data. Qualitative data were collected using face-to-face interviews and analysed thematically following procedures expounded by Colaizzi (1978) and van Manen (1990).

Findings: The four themes that emerged from the data are emphasised, ranging from efficient functioning, assessment of patient suitability to the experience of information giving and the problem of cancellation. The findings suggest that the nurse-led clinic appeared to function effectively; most patients felt they were adequately assessed and prepared for day surgery. The majority reported receiving comprehensive information about procedures, appreciated health education interventions and had opportunity to ask questions. Some patients pointed to deficits in information giving, indicating that their individual needs were not met, leaving them feeling anxious. Others alluded to problems associated with unexpected cancellation of procedures, which threw them into states of disequilibrium.

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