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Preoperative preparation in children: a cross-sectional study
Z N Kain1, L C Mayes, L A Caramico
1Department of Anesthesiology, Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510-8051, USA.
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
|September 1, 1996
Summary
A behavioral preparation program did not significantly reduce overall anxiety in children and parents before surgery. However, for children over six, the timing of the program, not just participation, impacted anxiety levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Surgical Anxiety Management
- Behavioral Interventions
Background:
- Preoperative anxiety in children and parents is a significant concern.
- Behavioral preparation programs aim to mitigate this anxiety.
- Effectiveness may vary based on individual child factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a behavioral preparation program for pediatric surgical patients and their parents.
- To identify factors influencing the program's success in reducing preoperative anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study conducted in a children's hospital.
- 143 children undergoing outpatient surgery and their parents participated.
- A behavioral preoperative preparation program was administered.
Main Results:
- Overall anxiety levels did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups.
- For children over six, anxiety varied based on program timing: least anxious when received >5-7 days prior, most anxious when received 1 day prior.
- Child's age, timing of preparation, and prior hospitalization predicted anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral preoperative preparation programs are not universally effective for all pediatric outpatients.
- Intervention effectiveness is complex and influenced by child's age, timing of the program, and previous hospitalizations.