The effectiveness of a preoperation preparation program in reducing anxiety in children

A study to assess the effectiveness of a preoperative preparation program on the child and family was undertaken. Three groups of mothers and children who were to undergo tonsillo-adenoidectomy were tested, pre- and postoperatively, using a questionnaire and IPAT Anxiety Scale. Differences were noted in the socioeconomic and educational backgrounds of the mothers who came of their own accord, those who were telephoned and those who did not attend the preoperative program. These differences affected the parents' expectations of the program and their explanations to the children. Children's, but not mothers', anxiety appeared to reduced by attendance at the program. The IPAT Anxiety Scale revealed that the anxiety of mothers of children who did not attend the preoperative preparation program was the highest of all three groups.