Reducing paediatric anxiety preoperatively: strategies for nurses

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Child Psychology
• Nursing Care

Background:

• Surgical procedures can induce significant anxiety in pediatric patients.
• This pre-operative anxiety is linked to adverse short-term and long-term outcomes.
• Improving the child's and family's overall surgical experience is a key healthcare goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify effective strategies for nurses to mitigate pre-operative anxiety in children.
• To provide actionable methods for enhancing the pediatric surgical patient journey.
• To support nurses in managing the psychological impact of surgery on children.

Main Methods:

• Review of current nursing interventions for pediatric pre-operative anxiety.
• Analysis of child-focused care approaches.
• Evaluation of distraction techniques efficacy.
• Assessment of informed parental presence benefits.

Main Results:

• A child-focused approach is fundamental in addressing anxiety.
• Distraction techniques offer a valuable non-pharmacological intervention.
• Informed parental presence can significantly reduce child distress.
• These strategies collectively contribute to a more positive surgical experience.

Conclusions:

• Nurses play a vital role in managing pediatric surgical anxiety.
• Implementing a combination of child-centered care, distraction, and parental involvement is recommended.
• Proactive management of pre-operative anxiety improves patient outcomes and family satisfaction.