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The representation of anaesthesia in children's literature

S C Rawlinson1, J A Short

  • 1Sheffield Children's Hospital, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TH, UK.

Anaesthesia
|September 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Preparing children for surgery using books can reduce anxiety. This study found seven books that accurately describe general anesthesia, offering a valuable resource for families and medical trainees.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Child Psychology
  • Medical Education

Background:

  • Hospital admission for surgery is often distressing for children.
  • Effective pre-operative preparation is crucial for managing pediatric anxiety and improving coping mechanisms.
  • Books are a familiar and established tool in pediatric nursing for information delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy of children's books describing the anesthetic aspects of surgical admission.
  • To identify recommended resources for preparing children and parents for anesthesia.
  • To assess the utility of these books for trainee anesthesiologists.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search of web-based bookshops was conducted to identify relevant literature.
  • Nineteen books focusing on hospital admission for operations were analyzed.
  • The analysis specifically assessed the accuracy of descriptions related to general anesthesia.

Main Results:

  • Seven out of the 19 analyzed books were identified as providing useful and accurate descriptions of general anesthesia.
  • These recommended books offer a simple, effective, and economical method for pre-anesthetic preparation.
  • The books can also serve as an educational tool for trainee anesthesiologists.

Conclusions:

  • Certain children's books can effectively demystify the general anesthesia process for young patients.
  • These resources aid in reducing pre-operative anxiety and enhancing a child's understanding and cooperation.
  • The identified books represent a valuable, low-cost tool for both families and healthcare professionals involved in pediatric surgical care.

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