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Parental knowledge in pediatric otolaryngology surgical consultations: A qualitative content analysis
Ayala Y Gorodzinsky1, Paul Hong2, Jill MacLaren Chorney3
1Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Insights
Parents primarily use the internet for information before pediatric otolaryngology consultations. Most parents desire more information, preferably delivered digitally, about surgical procedures and potential risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Health Communication
- Parental Education
Background:
- Understanding parental knowledge gaps is crucial for effective communication in pediatric otolaryngology.
- Informed parents contribute to better shared decision-making and potentially improved health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify parents' primary sources of information before pediatric otolaryngology surgical consultations.
- To explore parents' desire for additional information after these consultations.
- To determine preferred methods for information delivery to parents.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining descriptive and qualitative content analysis.
- Interviews were conducted with parents of children under six years old who had otolaryngology consultations.
- Consultations were for conditions including tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, otitis media, and sinusitis/nasal obstruction.
Main Results:
- Forty-one parents participated in phone interviews.
- The internet was the primary information source for 56.5% of parents prior to their child's consultation.
- A significant majority (93%) desired more information, with a preference for technology-based delivery before appointments.
- Key areas of interest included surgical procedures, risks, benefits, and pre-operative symptoms.
Conclusions:
- This study highlights significant parental reliance on the internet for pre-consultation information in pediatric otolaryngology.
- A strong parental desire for more information, particularly regarding surgical specifics, was identified.
- Tailored, technology-delivered information could bridge knowledge gaps and enhance shared decision-making between providers and parents.
Objective:
To understand the source of parents' knowledge prior to and desire for further information following pediatric otolaryngology surgical consultations.
Methods:
Mixed-methods approach using descriptive and qualitative content analysis of interviews with parents following otolaryngology consultations for children under the age of 6 years was performed. The children were being seen for either tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnea, otitis media, and/or sinusitis/nasal obstruction.
Results:
Forty-one parents completed a phone interview two weeks following their child's surgical consultation. The majority of parents indicated that their primary care physician referred their child for either: investigation of symptoms (50%), to have a specific discussion about surgery (27.5%), or because other treatment options were no longer working (20%). Many parents (56.5%) indicated that the Internet was their primary source of information prior to the appointment. Most parents (93%) wanted more information; majority of these parents noted that a technology-based mode of delivery of information available prior to the appointment would be most desirable. Desired information was most often regarding the surgical procedure, including risks and benefits, and symptoms of concern prior to surgery.
Conclusion:
This study provides a description of parental knowledge and information sources prior to their child's surgical consultation and continued desire for information. This information may lead to decreased knowledge barriers and increased communication to facilitate shared decision-making between the provider and parents.
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