"The Worst Is the Worry": Importance of Preoperative Preparation of Preschool Children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Child Psychology
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• Preoperative anxiety in children can negatively impact anesthesia induction and postoperative outcomes.
• Effective preparation strategies are crucial for managing pediatric anxiety before surgery.
• Understanding nurse anesthetists' perspectives is vital for improving pediatric preoperative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists' (CRNAs) preoperative experiences with children.
• To identify strategies for preparing preschoolers for anesthesia and surgery.
• To enhance the quality of care for anxious pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study utilizing focus group interviews with nurse anesthetists.
• Verbatim transcription and qualitative text analysis of interview data.
• Identification of key themes related to managing pediatric preoperative anxiety.

Main Results:

• Three themes emerged for relieving anxiety: "Making the unknown and scary harmless," "Using oneself," and "Having a lap to sit on."
• Explanation, preparation through play, and opportunities for participation and coping were identified as effective.
• CRNA's professional and personal qualities, adaptability, and parental collaboration are crucial.

Conclusions:

• Play-based explanations and opportunities for participation can reduce preschooler anxiety.
• CRNAs must adapt anesthesia induction to individual children and their parents.
• Empowering children through knowledge and involvement is essential for managing preoperative anxiety.