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Parental attitudes to presence at induction of paediatric anaesthesia
M A Henderson1, D B Baines, J H Overton
1Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New South Wales.
Insights
Most parents want to be present during their child's anesthesia induction, finding it beneficial for the child, themselves, and the anesthesiologist. This highlights a need to re-evaluate current pediatric anesthesia practices regarding parental presence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Parental Support in Healthcare
Background:
- Parental presence during anesthesia induction in children is a topic with existing research on parental reactions and benefits.
- However, a specific focus on parental attitudes towards being present during this critical phase is less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To specifically assess parental attitudes and desires regarding their presence during their child's anesthesia induction.
- To compare parental expectations and actual presence with their reported experiences and perceived benefits.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study involving 154 parents of children undergoing procedures requiring general anesthesia at a Day Stay Unit.
- Data collection occurred over a two-week period, focusing on parental desire, expectation, and experience of presence during induction.
Main Results:
- A significant majority (88%) of parents expressed a desire to be present during their child's anesthesia induction.
- However, only 41% expected to be present, and 40% were actually present.
- Among parents who were present, 94% found it helpful for their child, 65% for themselves, and 41% for the anesthesiologist; none found it unhelpful.
Conclusions:
- There is a substantial unmet desire among parents to be present during pediatric anesthesia induction.
- Parental presence is perceived positively by parents and potentially beneficial to the child and anesthesia provider.
- Findings suggest a need for anesthesiologists to consider and potentially revise current practices regarding parental presence in pediatric anesthesia.
Abstract:
Previous studies of parental presence at induction of anaesthesia in children have examined parental reaction to being present and the benefits gained from their presence. This study was undertaken specifically to assess parents' attitudes to being present at induction of their child's anaesthetic. A total of 154 questionnaires were distributed over a two-week period to parents of children presenting to the Day Stay Unit for procedures requiring general anaesthesia. Eighty-eight percent would have liked to be present at induction. Only 41% of parents expected to be present and only 40% of parents were actually present for their child's induction. Of those parents present, 94% felt it helpful to their child, 65% helpful to themselves and 41% helpful to the anaesthetist. No-one felt their presence to have been unhelpful. These results may provide an incentive for anaesthetists to review their current paediatric anaesthetic practices.