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Is paediatric day case tonsillectomy desirable? The parents' perspective
R Vowles1, E Loney, H Williams
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
International Journal of Clinical Practice
|July 27, 2000
Summary
Parents surveyed about pediatric tonsillectomy did not uniformly welcome day surgery. Most parents felt their child was not well enough for discharge six hours after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common otolaryngological procedure.
- Financial pressures encourage performing pediatric tonsillectomy as a day case.
- Concerns exist regarding parental acceptance and patient well-being for day case tonsillectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit parental and nursing staff perceptions of pediatric tonsillectomy.
- To assess the feasibility and parental acceptance of day case tonsillectomy.
Main Methods:
- An audit of 32 consecutive inpatient pediatric tonsillectomies was conducted.
- Questionnaires were administered to parents and nursing staff.
- Discharge criteria were assessed at six hours postoperatively.
Main Results:
- 25% of parents felt day surgery should be an option.
- No parents believed their child was well enough for discharge at six hours.
- No child met all essential discharge criteria at six hours postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- Parents in this region do not uniformly welcome pediatric day case tonsillectomy.
- Parental concerns about patient readiness for discharge are significant.
- Further investigation into day case tonsillectomy suitability is warranted.