Knowledge about medical instruments and reported anxiety in pediatric surgery patients

Thirty surgery patients between 4 and 12 years of age were interviewed preoperatively to assess their knowledge about medical instruments (e.g., the identity and function of an anesthesia mask). Self-report measures of anxiety were also obtained. Qualitative and quantitative age differences in children's understanding of medical instruments were noted, but no age differences were detected in overall level of anxiety or in the rank ordering ot items considered least and most anxiety provoking. Children who were most anxious appeared to have the least understanding of medical instruments. These findings are discussed in terms of the literature on providing children with medical information. Recommendations for preparing different-aged children for medical procedures are offered.