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Is there a place for parents in the operating room?
M W Gauderer1, J L Lorig, D W Eastwood
1Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 1, 1989
Summary
Parental presence in the operating room during anesthesia induction is safe and effective for pediatric patients. This practice reduces child anxiety and parental stress, proving beneficial in ambulatory surgical centers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Ambulatory Surgery
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Parental presence during pediatric anesthesia induction is a debated practice.
- Concerns include OR disruption and parental anxiety.
- Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding feasibility and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptance of parental presence during anesthesia induction in a pediatric ambulatory surgical center.
- To assess the impact on patient outcomes and OR workflow.
- To gather feedback from parents and surgical staff.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 3,086 pediatric patients (<15 years) over nearly 4 years.
- Data collected on patient demographics, surgical services, and outcomes.
- Parents accompanied children during anesthetic gas induction without premedication.
Main Results:
- High acceptance rate among parents; nearly all chose to be present.
- Only five patients required hospital admission post-procedure.
- Minimal disruption to OR routine due to thorough preoperative parental preparation.
- Excellent parent feedback and staff enthusiasm reported.
Conclusions:
- Parental presence during pediatric anesthesia induction is safe, simple, and effective in ambulatory settings.
- The practice leads to decreased psychological trauma for children and reduced parental anxiety.
- Careful preoperative preparation mitigates potential disadvantages, making it a valuable option.