Preoperative preparation workshop reduces postoperative maladaptive behavior in children.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesia and Surgery
• Child Psychology and Behavior
• Healthcare Intervention Effectiveness

Background:

• Postoperative maladaptive behaviors (POMBs) are frequent after pediatric anesthesia.
• Preoperative anxiety is a known risk factor for developing POMBs.
• A family-centered preoperative preparation workshop was developed to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a family-centered preoperative preparation workshop.
• To determine if the workshop reduces preoperative anxiety.
• To assess the impact of the workshop on the incidence and intensity of POMBs.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study comparing a workshop group with a matched comparison group.
• Preoperative anxiety measured by mYPAS; postoperative emergence agitation (EA) by PAED score.
• POMBs assessed using the Post-Hospital Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) on postoperative day 7.

Main Results:

• Workshop group showed significantly lower POMBs intensity (median 2 vs 5, P=0.008) and incidence (3.6% vs 35.7%, P=0.003).
• Preoperative anxiety scores (mYPAS) were significantly lower in the workshop group (median 28 vs 37, P=0.015).
• No significant differences were observed in EA, PACU morphine consumption, or PACU length of stay.

Conclusions:

• The family-centered workshop effectively reduces preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients.
• The intervention also leads to a significant decrease in postoperative maladaptive behaviors.
• This workshop represents a valuable tool for improving pediatric surgical patient outcomes.