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Preoperative anxiety in the paediatric population in a tertiary hospital: A descriptive cross-sectional study
Adriana Carbó1, Laura Michavila1, Bibiana Ros1
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona, Spain; Anestalia. Servei Central d'Anestesiologia, Barcelona, España.
Insights
Preoperative anxiety is common in young children undergoing surgery, particularly during anesthesia induction. Standard interventions like information and playroom waiting are insufficient to prevent this anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Preoperative anxiety in children is a significant concern.
- Effective strategies to mitigate this anxiety are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and influencing factors of preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of standard preoperative interventions.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive cross-sectional study of 100 pediatric patients (2-12 years) undergoing elective surgery.
- Assessment of anxiety using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale.
- Evaluation of anesthesia induction compliance and postoperative pain.
Main Results:
- High incidence of preoperative anxiety observed, peaking during anesthesia induction.
- Younger children (2-5 years), female sex, and otorhinolaryngology procedures were associated with increased anxiety.
- Standard interventions (information, playroom) showed limited effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Current preoperative measures are insufficient to prevent pediatric anxiety.
- Further research into more effective anxiety-reducing strategies is warranted.
Aim:
To analyse preoperative paediatric anxiety in a tertiary hospital and influencing factors.
Design And Methods:
This study was designed as a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred patients between two and 12 years old who underwent elective surgical intervention were included. All patients received oral or written information about the anaesthetic-surgical process and waited in a playroom before surgery. Preoperative paediatric anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and its short form. Collaboration during anaesthesia induction was evaluated using the Induction Compliance Checklist and postoperative pain evaluated using Wong-Baker Scale. We performed a descriptive and comparative analysis of the results overall.
Results:
We found a high incidence of preoperative anxiety, especially during anaesthetic induction. Children aged two to five years, female sex and otorhinolaryngology surgery were associated with a higher incidence of preoperative anxiety.
Conclusions:
Providing oral and written information and waiting in the playing room before surgery are insufficient measures to prevent preoperative paediatric anxiety.
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