Establishing a protocol for parental presence in recovery

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Patient-Centered Care
• Post-Anesthesia Care

Background:

• Children undergoing surgery often experience anxiety.
• Parental presence during the recovery phase is increasingly recognized as beneficial.
• Limited research exists on parental perceptions of recovery rooms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore parents' perceptions of their presence in the post-anesthesia recovery room.
• To assess the benefits of parental presence for children and parents during surgical recovery.
• To develop a protocol for parental access to recovery areas.

Main Methods:

• Action research approach combined with retrospective and prospective survey designs.
• Data collected from 100 parents via retrospective survey and 50 parents via prospective questionnaires.
• Response rates of 71% and 50% achieved, respectively.

Main Results:

• 98% of parents reported benefits for both themselves and their child from parental presence in recovery.
• 100% of parents chose to be present in the recovery room when given the option.
• Preoperative information and structural location facilitated parental presence; communication was key.

Conclusions:

• Parental presence in the post-anesthesia recovery room is highly valued and beneficial for pediatric surgical patients.
• A protocol for parental presence can enhance the quality of care and patient experience.
• Staff attitudes shifted positively towards parental presence, recognizing its contribution to service quality.