Caregivers' reactions to preoperative procedures in outpatient pediatric surgery

ABSTRACT

Objective:  To identify pediatric caregivers' reactions in outpatient surgery settings.

Methods:  A quantitative descriptive/exploratory survey-based study involving application of a semi-structured questionnaire to 62 caregivers in two hospitals.

Results:  Most caregivers (88.7%) were mothers who submitted to preoperative fasting with their children. Nervousness, anxiety and concern were the most common feelings reported by caregivers on the day of the surgery.

Conclusion:  Medical instructions regarding preoperative procedures had significant positive impacts on patient care, and on patient and caregiver stress levels.

Keywords:
Medical chaperones; Fasting; Ambulatory surgical procedures; Orientation; Preoperative period