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[Preparation, premedication and parental presence]
1I Servizio di Anestesia e Rianimazione, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Parma, Italy.
Insights
A play preparation program effectively reduced preoperative anxiety in children and their mothers before surgery. This intervention helps manage anxiety, a common issue during general anaesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Interventions
Context:
- Preoperative anxiety affects 40%-60% of children under general anesthesia.
- This anxiety can complicate anesthesia induction and lead to long-term behavioral changes.
- Effective prevention strategies are crucial for pediatric surgical patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a play preparation program for reducing preoperative anxiety in children.
- To assess the impact of the program on maternal anxiety levels.
- To present a novel, play-based intervention for pediatric surgical preparation.
Summary:
- A play preparation program, delivered by play specialists, was implemented for children undergoing surgery.
- The program aimed to mitigate anxiety associated with the preoperative period and anesthesia induction.
- The intervention was offered to all pediatric patients prior to their surgical procedures.
Impact:
- The play preparation program demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.
- Maternal anxiety levels were also positively impacted by the intervention.
- This approach offers a valuable, non-pharmacological tool for managing pediatric preoperative anxiety.
Abstract:
40% to 60% of children undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia develop anxiety in the preoperative period. Multiple factors contribute to the genesis of this disorder. Preoperative anxiety may complicate the induction of anaesthesia and can cause behavioural modifications in children even long after surgical procedures have been completed. It is important to focus on prevention of such problems. A preparation program, premedication and parental presence during induction of anaesthesia are valid tools for achieving this goal. We are herewith presenting a play preparation program carried out by play specialists and offered to all children prior to surgery. This approach proved effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in children and their mothers.