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Anesthesia and Intubation of Preadolescent Mouse Pups for Cardiothoracic Surgery
Published on: June 2, 2022
Children's own perspectives demonstrate the need to improve paediatric perioperative care
Gunilla Lööf1,2, Nina Andersson-Papadogiannakis3, Charlotte Silén1
1Department of Learning, Informatics, Management and Ethics Karolinska Institutet Stockholm Sweden.
Insights
Children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child Psychology
- Perioperative Care
Background:
- Understanding children's experiences with anesthesia and surgery is crucial for improving care.
- Previous research has not fully captured the nuanced perspectives of children undergoing these procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore children's perspectives and emotional responses to anesthesia and surgery.
- To identify factors influencing children's confidence or fear during the perioperative period.
Main Methods:
- Interpretative qualitative design using interviews with children aged 4-15.
- Data collected in three phases: before, immediately after, and one month post-surgery.
- Qualitative content analysis (manifest and latent) of interview data.
Main Results:
- Two primary themes emerged: 'Fearful' and 'Confident' regarding anesthesia and surgery.
- Factors influencing these themes included comprehension of procedures, continuous information, and healthcare provider interaction.
- Children's perceived significant events may differ from healthcare providers' priorities.
Conclusions:
- Children's understanding and processing of information are key to building trust and confidence.
- Healthcare providers should acknowledge the child's unique perspective and significant events.
- Tailored communication strategies are essential for a positive perioperative experience in pediatric patients.
Aim:
To explore children's perspectives when facing anaesthesia and surgery.
Design:
Interpretative qualitative design.
Methods:
Children undergoing outpatient surgery were interviewed in three different phases, before and after anaesthesia and surgery (phase 1 and 2) and 1 month after the hospitalization (phase 3). Twenty-two children (4-15 years) were interviewed in phase 1 and 2 and six children (5-13 years) in phase 3. Data were analysed using manifest and latent qualitative content analysis.
Results:
Two contrasting themes were identified: Fearful in association with anaesthesia and surgery and Confident in association with anaesthesia and surgery. Comprehension of the perioperative procedures, continuous information and interaction with the healthcare providers were decisive factors for children's expressions of confidence or fearfulness. Events considered as major from a healthcare perspective may be of no importance to the child, while events considered as less important by healthcare providers may be significant to the child. Understanding children's perspectives and awareness of their need to process the information provided are significant factors for establishment of trust and confidence in a highly technological perioperative environment.
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