Parents' experiences of caring for their child following day case surgery: a diary study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Ambulatory Surgery
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Children's healthcare has shifted towards ambulatory care, including day case surgery, aiming to reduce hospital stays and costs.
• The impact of day case surgery on the child and family dynamics remains less understood.
• Parental perspectives are crucial for evaluating the holistic effects of modern pediatric surgical practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the impact of day case surgery on children and their families from the parents' viewpoint.
• To gain deeper insights into the lived experiences of families navigating post-operative care at home.
• To identify key areas of concern for parents managing their child's recovery after day surgery.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing descriptive and inductive methodologies.
• Parental experiences were investigated through diary entries over a 7-14 day period post-surgery.
• Eleven families participated in the study, providing detailed accounts of their child's surgical recovery.

Main Results:

• Families faced considerable challenges in managing their child's care at home.
• Significant social impacts were reported for both parents and children.
• Emotional difficulties were prevalent for parents and children, underscoring a need for support.

Conclusions:

• Day case surgery, while efficient, creates substantial social and emotional burdens for families.
• Existing formal and informal support systems may be insufficient to address the needs arising from day surgery recovery.
• Further research and enhanced support structures are necessary to mitigate the challenges families encounter after pediatric day case surgery.