Parental attitudes to presence at induction of paediatric anaesthesia

Abstract

Previous studies of parental presence at induction of anaesthesia in children have examined parental reaction to being present and the benefits gained from their presence. This study was undertaken specifically to assess parents' attitudes to being present at induction of their child's anaesthetic. A total of 154 questionnaires were distributed over a two-week period to parents of children presenting to the Day Stay Unit for procedures requiring general anaesthesia. Eighty-eight percent would have liked to be present at induction. Only 41% of parents expected to be present and only 40% of parents were actually present for their child's induction. Of those parents present, 94% felt it helpful to their child, 65% helpful to themselves and 41% helpful to the anaesthetist. No-one felt their presence to have been unhelpful. These results may provide an incentive for anaesthetists to review their current paediatric anaesthetic practices.