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