Children's own perspectives demonstrate the need to improve paediatric perioperative care.
Gunilla Lööf, Nina Andersson-Papadogiannakis, Charlotte Silén
PMID 31660163WHAT IT FOUND
Children felt frightened when they did not understand what was happening, when words did not match sensations, and when procedures surprised them.
They felt more secure when providers explained things in understandable language, offered small choices, and kept parents close.
Key findings
01Children said they were apprehensive mainly because they lacked information and understanding about why they were hospitalized and what procedures would happen.
02Needle-related procedures were the most central body-related worry, and removing the local anaesthetic cream patch was described as almost as bad as having the intravenous access placed.
03Children felt more secure and trusting when they understood the information they received and when parents were assured to be present during perioperative phases.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Children were recruited from a single healthcare setting and were relatively healthy undergoing routine outpatient surgery, so the findings may not transfer to more complex or inpatient paediatric cases. Gender distribution was uneven because of the types of surgery performed during the data collection week. The study reports children's perspectives, not the effect of any preparation or communication strategy. Responses varied by age and expressive ability, and some children gave very short answers. Only some children were included in the home follow-up interviews.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The supplied text does not report funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that giving children detailed information, small choices or parent presence has been shown to reduce anxiety or improve recovery. This paper reports children's experiences and themes, not a tested intervention with outcomes.