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On the psychological effects of child-like space design on preschoolers under anesthesia: A qualitative study
Zhiguo Zhou1, Chunming Hu1, Yalin Zhang2
1Department of Surgical Anesthesia Hangzhou Children's Hospital Hangzhou Zhejiang China.
Insights
Creating child-friendly operating rooms in pediatric hospitals enhances young children's experience under anesthesia. A positive environment and compassionate care improve cooperation and psychological recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Design
Background:
- Pediatric operating rooms can be intimidating for young children.
- Investigating the impact of the physical and social environment on preschool children undergoing anesthesia is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore preschoolers' perceptions and preferences regarding anesthesia environments.
- To identify key factors influencing children's experience during anesthesia.
Main Methods:
- In-depth interviews with 12 preschool children (ages 1-7) undergoing anesthesia.
- Generalized data analysis to assess environmental sensitivity and preferences.
Main Results:
- Children prefer environments that are interesting, engaging, and humanized, minimizing fear.
- Caring, compassionate healthcare professionals and a good doctor-patient relationship are vital.
- Positive environmental factors enhance child cooperation and reduce anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Designing child-friendly pediatric hospital spaces is essential for improving patient health.
- Optimizing the built environment and care delivery can maximize cooperation and psychological recovery in young patients.
Background And Aims:
In this study, a pediatric hospital was selected as the study setting, to investigate the effects of the environment of a pediatric operating room child-friendly space on preschool children under anesthesia.
Methods:
Interviews were conducted in pediatric hospitals through anesthesia of preschool children. This study randomizing children between the ages of 1 and 7 years (seven males, five females, mean age 3.8 years, standard deviation 0.7). Twelve participants took part in this interview, which was an in-depth interview of preschoolers' perceptions of anesthesia using generalized data analysis to assess young children's perceived preferences and sensitivity to the environment. Preschoolers' preferences for feeling under anesthesia are reflected in four main areas.
Results:
(1) Interesting and engaging environment. (2) Humanized design, free of fear and unfamiliarity. (3) Caring, patient, and compassionate care by healthcare professionals. (4) High cooperation of the child and good doctor-patient relationship.
Conclusion:
The key findings of this study may help designers and clinicians to design a toddler-friendly built environment where pediatric hospital child-friendly spaces are designed to benefit their health and maximize their cooperation and psychological recovery.
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