Preparation of children for spinal surgery: an exploratory study

The United Kingdom (UK) Scoliosis Association (2001) estimate that three in every 1,000 adolescents with scoliosis require hospital treatment amounting to at least 1,000 patients per year undergoing surgery. This exploratory study identified qualified nurses' feelings towards preparing children and young people and their families for spinal surgery.

In-depth interviews, observation of practice and a questionnaire survey were carried out with nine qualified nurses. Themes were then developed to inform the development of a questionnaire constructed of statements requiring Likert style responses. The questionnaire was distributed to 30 qualified nurses from hospital and community settings who cared for children and young people requiring spinal surgery. Responses were received from 23 nurses and these were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings reported here relate to this survey questionnaire.

The findings highlighted the importance and influence of communication skills but opinions differed regarding the effect that poor communication could have on the surgical care of these children. There was no consensus about which tools were deemed most suitable for use in preparing children for spinal surgery. Conflicting information was seen as detrimental. Training and education for professionals were viewed as important and positive measures that may need improvement.

Nurses working with children, young people and their families are aware that they have a vital role to play in the preparation of children and young people for spinal surgery in both hospital and community settings. This small study suggested the need for: improved multi-disciplinary education on the subject of spinal surgery; development of a national care pathway to underpin consistent care and audit; and more specific information resources for children, young people and families.