Previous research indicates that giving appropriate information to patients before surgery yields many benefits. This randomized controlled trial evaluated a pre admission and postadmission intervention comprising a video, booklet and plastic models for patients undergoing total hip replacement. Seventy-eight patients participated in the study and were randomized into control and intervention groups. The intervention was implemented one month before surgery. Over the operative period, patients completed questionnaires including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Nottingham Health Profile and Stress Arousal Checklist. Results showed no significant differences between control and intervention groups for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Nottingham Health Profile and Stress Arousal Checklist. However, patients from the intervention group were more likely to know as much as they wanted to know before admission (p <.001) and felt less confronted by information on arrival for the hospital stay. In an era when patient satisfaction is of paramount importance, this preoperative intervention has applications in many settings.