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Parental anxiety before elective surgery in children. A British perspective
P J Shirley1, N Thompson, M Kenward
1Department of Anaesthesia, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, UK.
Anaesthesia
|January 20, 1999
Summary
Many parents experience significant anxiety regarding their child's surgery. Providing pre-operative information and allowing parents to be present during anesthesia induction can reduce this parental anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Anxiety Research
- Healthcare Psychology
Background:
- Parental anxiety is a significant concern in pediatric elective surgery.
- Understanding the sources and levels of parental anxiety is crucial for improving patient and family care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify anxiety levels in parents of children undergoing elective surgery.
- To identify specific concerns contributing to parental anxiety.
- To determine factors that may alleviate parental anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Leeds scale for self-assessment of anxiety to measure anxiety levels.
- Surveyed 100 parents of children scheduled for elective surgery at a children's hospital.
Main Results:
- 42% of parents reported significant anxiety.
- Mothers exhibited higher pathological anxiety levels compared to fathers.
- Anxiety was linked to concerns about surgery, anesthesia, postoperative pain, treatment, and hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Pre-operative information, accompanying the child to the operating theater, and presence during anesthesia induction are key factors in reducing parental anxiety.
- Targeted interventions addressing specific parental concerns can improve the surgical experience for families.
