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Nurses' attitudes toward parental visitation on the postanesthesia care unit
L B Jackson1, J Marcell, S Benedict
1Postanesthesia Care Unit, Medical University Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
Summary
Most Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses support parental visitation for pediatric patients. However, opinions vary based on the child
Area of Science:
- Nursing Research
- Pediatric Anesthesia Care
- Patient Visitation Policies
Background:
- Limited nursing research exists on parental visitation in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
- Understanding PACU nurses' attitudes is crucial for developing effective visitation policies for pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nurses' attitudes toward parental visitation for children.
- To identify conditions under which PACU nurses believe parental visitation is appropriate or inappropriate.
Main Methods:
- A 22-item questionnaire was developed to assess PACU nurses' opinions.
- Seventy-nine questionnaires were completed and returned by attendees at a South Carolina Post Anesthesia Nurses Association Conference.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of PACU nurses surveyed supported parental visitation.
- Eleven percent of respondents opposed any parental visitation in the PACU.
- Key factors influencing nurses' opinions included the child's age, level of agitation, and PACU busyness.
Conclusions:
- PACU nurses generally favor parental visitation for pediatric patients.
- Visitation policies should consider patient factors (age, agitation) and unit conditions (staffing, busyness).
- Further research is needed to explore the effects and optimal implementation of parental visitation in the PACU.