Adolescents' experience with scoliosis surgery: a qualitative study

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: Postoperative Functional Outcomes at 32 Years Mean Follow-Up

INTRODUCTION

Recent clinical and radiographic studies conducted over short and medium terms have demonstrated positive results in patients undergoing surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, the absence of long-term data, crucial for comprehending the impact on future quality of life, especially in young patients actively involved in very intense physical activities, remains a gap. This study aims to evaluate long-term functional outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients meeting specific criteria (diagnosis of AIS, age at surgery between 12 and 18 years, and follow-up of at least 20 years) were identified from a large spine surgery center database. A questionnaire using "Google Form" assessed various outcomes, including Visual Analog Scale (VAS) back, VAS leg, Short Form 12 score (SF-12), Scoliosis Research Society 22 score (SRS-22), incidence of spine revision surgery, postoperative high demanding activities (work and sport), and possible pregnancies was sent to the enrolled patients. The authors analyzed the results regarding all patients included and, moreover, statistical analysis categorized patients into two groups based on the surgical fusion performed: Group 1 (non-instrumented technique according to Hibbs-Risser) and Group 2 (instrumented tecnique according to Cotrel-Dubousset).

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients (mean age 47.5 years) were included, with a mean follow-up of 31.9 years. Patients were, in mean, 47.5 years old. Group 1 comprised 42 patients, and Group 2 had 21 patients. Revision surgery was required in 19% of patients, predominantly for implant issues in Group 2 (11.9% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). Overall outcomes were favorable: VAS back = 3.5, VAS leg = 2.5, SRS-22 = 3.5, SF-12 Physical Component Summary = 41.1, SF-12 Mental Component Summary = 46.7, with no significant differences between the group 1 and group 2. At 5-years FU, the non-reoperation rate was higher in the non-instrumented group (97.6% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.001). By means of SRS-22, overall satisfaction was 3.7 ± 1.2 on a maximum scale of 5. More than half of women have successfully completed one pregnancy. Most patients (87.3%) maintained regular work activity. Among sport practioners, half returned to the similar preoperative level.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals favorable long-term functional results in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients after surgical fusion. Mild to moderate back and leg pain were observed, but overall satisfaction, sport participation, and work activity were high. Surgical technique (non-instrumented vs. instrumented) did not significantly impact long-term results, though the instrumented fusion exhibited a higher revision rate.

What is the relationship between health-related quality of life among scoliosis patients and their caregiver burden? A cross-sectional study in China

BACKGROUND

Caregivers play a vital role in the recovery of scoliosis patients, but limited studies evaluate the caregivers' HRQoL and burden in health care. This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of scoliosis patients and their caregivers, and identify the factors influencing caregiver burden in Eastern China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2018 to January 2019 at the Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China. The HRQoL of scoliosis patients was measured by the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) and Child Health Utility 9D (CHU9D). The caregivers' questionnaires consist of the EQ-5D-5L, WHO-five wellbeing index (WHO-5), 22-item Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI-22) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). Spearman correlation coefficients were used to estimate the relationship among caregivers' burden, social support, HRQoL, and SWB. Cohen's effect size (Cohen's d) was used to assess the ZBI-22 total score between different groups. Multiple stepwise hierarchical linear regression models were conducted to assess the associated factors of caregiver burden.

RESULTS

There were 59 scoliosis patients and their caregivers (n = 59) included in the analysis. The mean health state utility of adolescent scoliosis patients (n = 39) was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.654, 0.782) based on CHU9D and adult scoliosis patients (n = 20) was 0.663 (95%CI: 0.471, 0.855) based on EQ-5D-5L. The mean health state utility of male scoliosis patients (0.792/0.667) was higher than females (0.681/0.662) based on CHU9D and EQ-5D-5L (p > 0.05), respectively. The ZBI-22 total score of scoliosis patients' caregivers was 27.86 (SD: 20.59). Scoliosis patients' HRQoL was significantly inversely correlated with caregiver burden, and the HRQoL and subjective wellbeing (SWB) of caregivers were moderately and inversely correlated with caregiver burden. The regression results showed that the patients' age and caregivers' SWB were key characteristics associated with caregiver burden.

CONCLUSIONS

The caregiver burden of adolescent patients was higher than that of adult patients, and the satisfaction rate of adolescent scoliosis patients was higher than that of adult scoliosis patients. Improving the functional state of scoliosis patients and providing appropriate nursing practice education from health professionals would be necessary to effectively improve caregivers SWB and alleviate caregiver burden.

The post-surgical transition in adolescents who have idiopathic scoliosis. A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To know the process experienced by adolescents suffering from idiopathic scoliosis when undergoing surgery to correct the physical deformity.

METHOD

Qualitative study with a symbolic interactionism approach. 22 semi-structured interviews were conducted with adolescents who underwent posterior spinal fusion in a third-level hospital in Madrid between May 2019 and January 2021. Taylor and Bogdan's analysis in progress was carried out.

RESULTS

Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis present with a complex simultaneous health/illness and developmental transition. The main inhibitory conditions of the transition are the meanings about: their identity, social, beliefs about surgery, ignorance about the pathology, the surgical process, and their recovery. As facilitating conditions, we find: a positive attitude towards physical, aesthetic, and social change, socioeconomic level, and family support.

CONCLUSIONS

The informants of this study refer that aesthetic affectation and physical limitations are the main elements that cause them discomfort. Surgical intervention is presented as the solution to this situation. Recovery is a critical point in the transition process mainly due to pain. They accept the discomfort suffered during the recovery because they hope to obtain an improvement in the image and physical limitations. The changes and differences they experience during the transition make them think that they will be able to lead a «normal life» to which they constantly refer in their speeches.

The experience of living with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a qualitative evidence synthesis using meta-ethnography

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity with physical and psychosocial implications for adolescents. The aim of this qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) was to systematically search for, identify, and synthesise qualitative research in order to improve our understanding of what it is like to live with AIS and to facilitate empathetic and effective healthcare.

METHODS

We systematically searched 4 databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL) and used the 7 phases of meta-ethnography to synthesise qualitative evidence including studies with children and adolescents, and additional viewpoints from parents about the experience of AIS.

RESULTS

We distilled 7 themes. (1) Diagnosis turned time on its head revolves around the AIS diagnosis and the uncertainty of the future that accompanied it. (2) Usual activities no longer the same explores how activities and participation in everyday life are impacted by AIS. (3) Hiding my body describes the pervasive struggle with self-image and appearance. (4) I want to feel normal again explores adolescents' desire to return to 'normality' and challenges of feeling different. (5) Balancing isolation and support considers the relationships in the adolescents' lives alongside their feelings of isolation. (6) Trying to keep control of treatment decisions explores how adolescents and their parents strive to feel in control. (7) Fearing surgery yet feeling hopeful focused on the apprehension and fear around spinal surgery and the beacon of hope it represented.

CONCLUSIONS

Our QES contributes to the understanding of the adolescent experience of living with AIS. From our findings, clinicians can better understand the physical and psychosocial obstacles and the challenges faced throughout the journey of AIS to inform their clinical interactions with these patients.

Content validity of the Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r): A qualitative concept elicitation study

INTRODUCTION

Scoliosis Research Society-22 revised (SRS-22r) is the common questionnaire used to evaluate health related quality of life (HRQOL) for young people with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of this study is to evaluate its content validity for this population.

METHODS

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of young people with AIS (Cobb angle ≥25˚, aged 10-18 years). Concept elicitation was used to evaluate the influence of AIS on participants' HRQOL. Participant information sheets and consent/assent forms were age relevant. Topic guide was informed by the SRS-22r and existing evidence. Interviews were audio and video recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analysed using thematic analysis. Derived themes/codes were compared with SRS-22r contents (domains/items).

RESULTS

Eleven participants (mean age 14.9 years [SD = 1.8]; 8 female) were recruited. The mean curve size was 47.5° [SD = 18°] and participants had been managed via different approaches. Four main themes emerged with associated subthemes: 1) Physical effects related to physical symptoms (back hurt, stiffness) and body asymmetry (uneven shoulders), 2) Activity-related effects showed impact on mobility (sitting for long periods), self-care (dressing), and school activities (focus during lessons), 3) Psychological effects revealed emotional (feel worried), mental (sleep quality), and body image effects (hide back from others), 4) Social effects (participation in school and leisure activities), and school, friends and mental health support. A weak association was found between items of the SRS-22r and the identified codes.

CONCLUSION

The SRS-22r does not adequately capture important concepts that relate to HRQOL of adolescents with AIS. These findings support revision of the SRS-22r, or the development of a new patient reported outcome measure to evaluate HRQOL of adolescents with AIS.

Meeting the Needs of Parents of Children With Scoliosis: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Needs of parents with children with scoliosis are complex and depend on their child’s treatments. The purpose of this study was to identify needs of parents with children with scoliosis. This qualitative description involved interviews with parents of children at various stages of treatment. A convenience, then purposeful sample of 16 parents (12 mothers, two fathers, and two stepfathers) was interviewed; interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Parents’ needs included: Needing reliable medical information; Desiring information on complementary treatments; Wanting help in supporting and advocating for their child; Needing to protect the child and family; and Seeking connection and support. Although many parents’ needs are being met, this study recommends a nursing role aimed at providing parents with reliable medical information, discussing alternative treatments, assisting parents in their role of supporting their child, helping parents in their advocacy efforts, and referring parents to appropriate connections.

Adolescents' perioperative experiences in relation to inpatient and outpatient elective surgery - a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Perioperative experience can be very distressing in adolescence if not managed properly by healthcare professionals. In the clinical context, the emotional expression of the adolescent is less spontaneous, which makes the assessment of anxiety, pain or even the desire to be involved in the perioperative process, difficult. Listening to their perioperative experiences will permit an understanding of their difficulties and expectations, regardless of the surgical intervention undergone.

AIM

To explore the adolescents' perioperative experiences in relation to inpatient and outpatient elective surgery.

METHODS

Qualitative exploratory study, with thematic analysis approach. A purposive sample of 40 adolescents aged 14-18 years and in the perioperative period, from two paediatric surgery settings in a university hospital, was questioned from January to July 2020. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview and analysed inductively with qualitative thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The data yielded one major theme, five themes, and 14 sub-themes. The major theme, Adolescent in perioperative period, included the five themes: (1) emotional and psychological aspects; (2) physical aspects; (3) social aspects; (4) organizational aspects; (5) previous surgical experience. Adolescents expressed fear of the unknown, anxiety, difficulty in pain control, and feelings of autonomy loss. Issues related to withdrawal from school and friends is also a focus of adolescent concern during the perioperative period. Despite showing satisfaction with the way they were cared for, they complained about the lack of pre- and post-operative preparation.

CONCLUSION

There are aspects that should be considered when caring for adolescents in perioperative period. As far as possible, programmes to prevent adolescents' anxiety in perioperative period should be designed in a holistic perspective, with aim at the psychological, physical, sociocultural, and organisational aspects.

Thoracic paravertebral nerve catheter reduces postoperative opioid use for vertebral body tethering patients

PURPOSE

Vertebral body tethering is increasingly being performed, yet postoperative pain management has not yet been optimized. We sought to determine whether the addition of a thoracic paravertebral block in addition to a standard multimodal postoperative pain management program could provide greater pain relief, reduced analgesic requirement, and reduced length of stay.

METHODS

Patients who underwent VBT at a single tertiary referral center were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received a single-shot intrathecal (IT) injection at the completion of the procedure in addition to a standardized multimodal pain management program. 45 patients received a thoracic paravertebral catheter with lidocaine infusion (TPVB) which was left in place for 4-6 days, whereas 24 control patients did not have a TPVB. Length of stay, maximum postoperative Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NPIS), and total dose of opioids, ibuprofen, ketorolac and acetaminophen administered during hospitalization were evaluated.

RESULTS

69 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean cumulative dose of opioids administered during hospitalization was 148 oral morphine milligram equivalent (MME) in the control group vs. 47 MME in the TPVB group (p < 0.0001). Severe postoperative NPIS of ≥ 7 was reported in 9 out of the 24 control patients (38%) and in 13 out of the 45 patients (29%) who received a TPVB in addition to the standardized care (p = 0.46). There was no significant difference in the mean cumulative dose of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, ketorolac) consumed by the control group compared to the TPVB group (2632 mg vs. 1630 mg, p = 0.77). Mean length of stay in the control group was 3.8 vs. 3.0 days in the TPVB group (p < 0.001). There were no major complications associated with use of the TPVB.

CONCLUSION

In this series compared to controls, patients treated with a TPVB had reduced postoperative requirement of opioids and decreased length of hospital stay.

Adolescents' Experiences of Idiopathic Scoliosis in the Presurgical Period: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a sideways curvature of the spine that can progress severely during adolescent development and require surgical intervention. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the psychosocial experiences of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis during the presurgical stage of treatment.

METHODS

Fourteen adolescents with moderate-to-severe AIS aged 12-17 years participated in semistructured interviews and data were analyzed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four key themes were generated from the analysis. "Proceeding with Caution" described adolescents' adaptation to the physical impact of their AIS, while "Am I Different?" encompassed adolescents' perceptions of their changing appearance and visibility of their condition. "An Emotional Journey" captured the rollercoaster of emotions from shock at diagnosis to the daunting realization of the severity of their condition, while knowing others with AIS could ease the emotional burden. Finally, adolescents' concerns and expectations about their prospective surgery were captured by the theme "No Pain, No Gain", whereby they were often keen to put surgery behind them.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding and addressing adolescents' psychosocial support needs as they manage the challenges associated with idiopathic scoliosis is a key component of promoting better outcomes among this patient group. Clinical implications and opportunities for support provision are discussed.

Nonpharmacological interventions used in the perioperative period to prevent anxiety in adolescents: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review was to examine and map the range of nonpharmacological interventions used in the perioperative period to prevent anxiety in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION

Undergoing surgery involves experiencing fears and uncertainties that lead to an increase in anxiety levels. The interventions used to prevent anxiety in the perioperative period in adolescents must be appropriate to their developmental stage.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies involving adolescents (10 to 19 years of age) undergoing any type of surgical procedure and specifying any nonpharmacological interventions administered to prevent anxiety, implemented in the perioperative period, were included in this review.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy using multiple databases was employed to find relevant studies. The databases search included MEDLINE via PubMed; CINAHL Plus with Full Text via EBSCO; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; LILACS; Scopus; Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts; PsycINFO; JBI Connect+; and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Sources of unpublished studies and gray literature were TDX - Tesis Doctorals en Xarxa (Spain); RCAAP - Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal; OpenGrey - System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe; and MedNar. Studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were included. There was no date restriction, or geographical or cultural limitation applied to the search. The relevant studies and their reported outcomes were organized and analyzed.

RESULTS

The database search yielded 1438 articles, and three additional records were added after hand searching. Title, abstract, and full-text review identified 11 papers that met the inclusion criteria. The final data set represented 947 participants. The data were analyzed according to the type of nonpharmacological intervention, population, concept (outcome measured and tool used), context (physical location; preoperative vs. postoperative), frequency and duration of the intervention, and which professional team member implemented the intervention. Eight nonpharmacological interventions were identified, applied either in the preoperative or postoperative context. The nurses were the main professionals administering the nonpharmacological interventions to the adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of nonpharmacological interventions were used in the perioperative period to prevent anxiety in adolescents. The most common interventions were music/musicotherapy and hypnosis/guided imagery. However, other interventions such as therapeutic play, preoperative preparation program, mothers' presence during the anesthesia induction, distraction, relaxation training, massage therapy, and reading were also identified. These interventions were used alone or in a combination of two interventions, either preoperatively or postoperatively. The adolescents in the early stage (10 to 14 years) were the most studied group and the adolescents in the late stage (17 to 19 years) were the least studied. Future research should focus on the implementation of nonpharmacological interventions in the perioperative period involving adolescents, particularly late adolescents. A systematic review on the effect of nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety management in adolescents in the perioperative period should be conducted.

SCOPING REVIEW REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/jhwca/.

A systematic scoping review and textual narrative synthesis of long-term health-related quality of life outcomes for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

INTRODUCTION

Idiopathic scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition leading to deformity of the spinal column. There is strong evidence reporting short term health-related quality of life outcomes, but less is known about the longer-term impact of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This paper reports the current evidence on long-term non-clinical outcomes of AIS.

METHOD

A systematic scoping literature review combining descriptive and textual narrative synthesis was undertaken. Studies were included if they: sampled or followed up participants at least 10 years after diagnosis and/or treatment, contained health-related quality of life data that could be extracted, where the intervention (or diagnosis in the case of untreated) occurred after 1980, and where data was extractable for modern rod and screw or fusion techniques, non-surgical interventions or untreated patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included. Overall, the HRQOL measures utilised by these studies suggest that HRQOL is not related to participant demographics or AIS characteristics or type or extent of surgical intervention. Some studies suggest that those with AIS scored worse than controls.

DISCUSSION

Results suggest that AIS participants had a generally good quality of life, although this was often worse than those without AIS. No other clear relationships were found. The available literature fails to address more fundamental questions about how HRQOL is conceptualised for those with AIS, and there is value in pursuing qualitative inquiry in this area.

Mapping the evidence of experiences related to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the diagnosis and management of this condition, may lead to poorer body image and diminished psychosocial functioning. Furthermore, treatment, especially bracing and surgery as well as screening, remain controversial and debated, with an unclear evidence base. Personal experiences in terms of issues such as person-centred care, shared decision making, and patient and public involvement, are contemporarily recognised as highly valued. Nonetheless, people's experiences related to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is an issue underrepresented in current systematic reviews and systematically developed recommendations. There appears a substantial imbalance between a vast amount of biomedical research reports, and sporadic biopsychosocial publications in this field. The objective of this planned scoping review is to explore and map the available evidence from various sources to address a broad question of what is known about experiences of all those touched, directly and indirectly, by the problem of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We based our protocol on the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review method, including the Population - Concept - Context framework, to formulate the objectives, research questions, eligibility criteria and conduct characteristics of the study. We will consider any primary study designs, research synthesis reports, as well as narrative reviews and opinion pieces. We will not restrict eligible publications to English language. Search and selection processes will include academic and grey literature searches using multiple electronic databases, search engines and websites, hand searches, and contacting the authors. We will use a customised data charting table and present a narrative synthesis of the results.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Scoping review is a secondary study, aiming at synthesising data from publicly available publications, hence it does not require ethical approval. We will submit the report to a peer-reviewed journal and disseminate it among professionals involved in scoliosis management, guideline and recommendation development, and policymaking.

Non-pharmacological interventions used during the perioperative period to prevent anxiety in adolescents: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to map the range of non-pharmacological interventions used during the perioperative period to prevent anxiety in adolescents.

INTRODUCTION

Evidence shows that 80% of adolescents report having experienced significant anxiety in the perioperative period. Non-pharmacological interventions implemented in the perioperative period are recommended as a resource to help to control anticipatory, separation and perioperative anxiety and fear related to surgical procedures in adolescents.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

This review will consider studies that focus on adolescents aged 10 to 19 who have undergone a surgical procedure, regardless of the type of surgery, and participated in non-pharmacological interventions aimed to prevent anxiety in the perioperative period. The intervention may be provided by any healthcare professional. Studies related to non-pharmacological interventions associated with hospitalization in a non-surgical context will be excluded.

METHODS

The methodology will follow the JBI recommendations for scoping reviews. Any published and unpublished sources of information will be considered. Studies published in English, Spanish and Portuguese will be included, with no geographical or cultural limitations. Duplicates will be removed and two independent reviewers will screen the abstracts and assess the full text of selected studies, based on the inclusion criteria. The results of study selection will be presented in a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram for scoping reviews. Data synthesis will be presented in a narrative summary to provide a description of the existing evidence.

The Information Needs of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients and Their Parents in the UK: An Online Survey

Patients’ involvement in decision-making regarding their own health care is considered to be of great importance. However, their information needs are frequently reported to be unfulfilled. Few studies have investigated the knowledge, information and support needs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and their families. Furthermore, previous studies have predominantly focussed on information needs relating to surgery. No previous studies have been conducted to specifically identify the information needs of AIS patients and their families. An online survey consisting of 18 questions was conducted to investigate the information needs of AIS patients and their families. Completed surveys of 83 participants (76 female, 7 male) from 44 differing postcode areas were analysed. The mean age of the respondents with scoliosis was 13.3 years (SD = 1.9; range = 10–18). Participants identified with feelings including worry, anxiety and being upset. The main information needs related to the cause and prognosis of the condition. Where participants had received information, there were contrasting views of the quality. The findings of this study stress the necessity for information materials to be accurate and applicable to each individual patient. Furthermore, the information should be presented in such a way as to be easily understandable, yet contain the necessary information required by AIS patients and their families.

Painful experience in adolescents undergoing surgical correction of scoliosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study is to learn about the post-surgical pain experience in adolescents undergoing surgical correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Qualitative study with an interpretative phenomenological approach. Through semi-structured interviews, 7 informants, women aged between 12 and 21, were interviewed between the third and fifth day after being surgically treated for AIS correction. The speeches were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content Analysis method was used to analyse the discourse.

RESULTS

The categories established were: influential factors, values and ideas, coping mechanisms and improvement areas. Painful experience is a determining factor during recovery, influenced by the individuals themselves, as well as by the support received, and the environment. Their main values and ideas about the process are based on pre-surgical information, which they consider insufficient. In order to cope, they use of distraction, relaxation and drug consumption. According to the informants, increasing the information they are given about the process, facilitating visits and incorporating complementary techniques would improve pain control.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain is the main focus of the process and is influenced by several factors. The patients' coping mechanisms help in its management. They also put forward different improvement areas.

Experiências de adolescentes e suas famílias a curto prazo após cirurgia para correção de escoliose

Resumo Objetivo O estudo foi realizado para revelar vivências de adolescentes e suas famílias a curto prazo após a cirurgia para correção de escoliose. Métodos Este estudo teve um delineamento descritivo qualitativo, e os dados foram coletados de adolescentes com história de cirurgia para correção de escoliose (n=17) e seus familiares (n=9), através de entrevistas em profundidade. Os dados assim obtidos foram analisados usando análise de conteúdo. Resultados Surgiram cinco temas principais: queixas físicas, ambiente desconhecido (centro cirúrgico e unidade de terapia intensiva), mudanças emocionais, querendo que seus pais fiquem com eles e preocupações com o futuro. Tanto os adolescentes como seus familiares relataram que os adolescentes experimentaram não só problemas físicos e emocionais mas também preocupações com o futuro após a cirurgia. Conclusão Os enfermeiros devem ficar junto com os adolescentes e suas famílias e permitir que eles expressem seus sentimentos antes da cirurgia. É importante informá-los antes da cirurgia para aliviar sua ansiedade e melhorar a adaptação. Criar um ambiente adequado em salas de recuperação e unidades de terapia intensiva, onde os adolescentes podem frequentemente ver seus pais, pode ajudá-los a ter um psiquismo melhor. Além disso, programas educacionais devem ser propostos para serem oferecidos no momento da alta e métodos interativos devem ser usados para permitir que eles compartilhem seus pensamentos sobre o futuro.

A mixed-method systematic review of the effectiveness and acceptability of preoperative psychological preparation programmes to reduce paediatric preoperative anxiety in elective surgery

AIM

To explore the effectiveness of preoperative psychological preparation programmes aimed to reduce paediatric preoperative anxiety and the potential factors that could have an impact on parent and children's acceptance of such interventions.

BACKGROUND

Various preoperative psychological preparation programmes are available to address paediatric preoperative anxiety. No mixed-method review has been conducted to explore the effectiveness and acceptability of these programmes.

DESIGN

A mixed-method systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Seven bibliographic databases were searched from inception to September 2016, complemented by hand searching of key journals, the reference lists of relevant reviews, search for grey literature and the contacting of associated experts.

REVIEW METHODS

The review process was conducted based on the framework developed by the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre. A narrative summary and a thematic synthesis were developed to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative data respectively, followed by a third synthesis to combine the previous syntheses.

RESULTS

Nineteen controlled trials and eleven qualitative studies were included for data synthesis. The controlled trials reveal that educational multimedia applications and web-based programmes may reduce paediatric preoperative anxiety, while the effectiveness of therapeutic play and books remains uncertain. Qualitative studies showed parent-child dyads seek different levels of information.

CONCLUSIONS

Providing matched information provision to each parent and child, actively involving children and their parents and teaching them coping skills, may be the essential hallmarks of a successful preoperative psychological preparation. Further research is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of therapeutic play and books.

Mothers' experience of caring for a child with early onset scoliosis: A qualitative descriptive study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify and describe the experience of parents of children diagnosed with early onset scoliosis living in Australia.

BACKGROUND

Chronic childhood disease has a major impact on health-related quality of life. Caring for a child with a chronic illness is well documented but the specific experiences of parents who care for children with early onset scoliosis, a rare but devastating illness, has not been explored. Numerous studies have described the interrelated psychological, financial, social, physical and logistical factors that impact the experience of the caregiver role with various diseases, but in the case of early onset scoliosis, limited studies have been conducted about the parental experience.

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive design was used. A snowball sampling technique assisted in the recruitment. Parents invited to the study included mothers, fathers and guardians. Data were collected through semistructured interviews and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Data collection complied with the Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.

FINDINGS

Twelve mothers of children with early onset scoliosis were interviewed, as only mothers consented to participate. Four major themes emerged: emotional rollercoaster ride, a lack of resources, money talks and pervasive burden. Factors that impacted on the participants' ability to confront, manage and endure caring for a child with early onset scoliosis emerged from the data.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest there are multiple factors that influence the experience of mothers' caring for a child with early onset scoliosis. The recognition and appropriate management of these factors by healthcare professionals have the potential to improve the quality of life of parents who care for a child with early onset scoliosis.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Healthcare professionals have first-line contact with parents of children with early onset scoliosis and are well placed to provide parents with evidence-based education and increased support.

Adolescents' Experiences of Scoliosis Surgery and the Trajectory of Self-Reported Pain: A Mixed-Methods Study

Scoliosis surgery for adolescents is a major surgery with a difficult recovery. In this study, a mixed-methods design was used to broaden the scope of adolescents' experiences of surgery for idiopathic scoliosis and the trajectory of self-reported pain during the hospital stay and through the first 6 months of recovery at home. Self-reports of pain, diaries, and interviews were analyzed separately. The results were then integrated with each other. The trajectory of self-reported pain varied hugely between individuals. Adolescents experienced physical suffering and struggled to not be overwhelmed. The adolescents described the environmental and supportive factors that enabled them to cope and how they hovered between suffering and control as they strived toward normality. This study highlights areas of potential improvement in perioperative scoliosis care in terms of nursing support and pain management.

Exploring the experiences of teenagers with cochlear implants

OBJECTIVES

Teenage cochlear implant users' perceptions of deafness, surgery, fitting of the device and life as a cochlear implant wearer were explored in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of teenagers' experiences of living with the device.

METHODS

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken and analysed using thematic analysis. Ten teenagers aged 14-16 years with at least one cochlear implant were interviewed.

RESULTS

Seven teenagers experienced great pre-operative anxiety and two reported significant post-operative pain. Four of the teenagers described a mismatch between their expectations and the disappointing reality of adjusting to the device. However, all the teenagers reported an enhanced sense of well-being as a result of being able to interact more easily with their world around them. The teenagers differed in the extent to which they identified with the hearing and deaf world.

DISCUSSION

Despite the early challenges, over time the teenagers experienced many functional and psychosocial benefits. Most felt their lives were now easier as a result of the cochlear implant(s). They described complex, flexible identities.

CONCLUSIONS

By giving prominence to the teenagers' voices this study has added new knowledge concerning their experience of surgery. The findings also more fully revealed the challenges of adjusting to the device and the impact of having a cochlear implant on the teenagers' identities. Clinical recommendations are made to address the gaps in service highlighted by these findings.

What Value Can Qualitative Research Add to Quantitative Research Design? An Example From an Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Trial Feasibility Study

Using an example of qualitative research embedded in a non-surgical feasibility trial, we explore the benefits of including qualitative research in trial design and reflect on epistemological challenges. We interviewed 18 trial participants and used methods of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Our findings demonstrate that qualitative research can make a valuable contribution by allowing trial stakeholders to see things from alternative perspectives. Specifically, it can help to make specific recommendations for improved trial design, generate questions which contextualize findings, and also explore disease experience beyond the trial. To make the most out of qualitative research embedded in quantitative design it would be useful to (a) agree specific qualitative study aims that underpin research design, (b) understand the impact of differences in epistemological truth claims, (c) provide clear thematic interpretations for trial researchers to utilize, and (d) include qualitative findings that explore experience beyond the trial setting within the impact plan.

Stress symptoms among adolescents before and after scoliosis surgery: correlations with postoperative pain

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to describe stress symptoms among adolescents before and after scoliosis surgery and to explore correlations with postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND

Scoliosis surgery is a major surgical procedure. Adolescent patients suffer from preoperative stress and severe postoperative pain. Previous studies indicate that there is a risk of traumatisation and psychological complications during the recovery period.

DESIGN

A prospective quantitative cohort study with consecutive inclusion of participants.

METHODS

A cohort of 37 adolescent patients aged 13-18. To assess the adolescents' experiences before surgery and at six to eight months after surgery, the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children - Alternative version, Youth Self-Report and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for children 12-18 were used. The Visual Analogue Scale was used for self-report of postoperative pain on day three.

RESULTS

Rates of anxiety/depression and internalising behaviour were significantly higher before surgery than six months after. Preoperative anger, social problems and attention problems correlated significantly with postoperative pain on day three. At follow-up, postoperative pain correlated significantly with anxiety, social problems and attention problems.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate a need for interventions to reduce perioperative stress and postoperative pain to improve the quality of nursing care.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Attention to preoperative stress and implementation of interventions to decrease stress symptoms could ameliorate the perioperative process by reducing levels of postoperative pain, anxiety, social and attention problems in the recovery period.

Incorporating Age-Specific Plans of Care to Achieve Optimal Perioperative Outcomes

When developing a nursing plan of care, a perioperative nurse identifies nursing diagnoses during the preoperative patient assessment. The ability to identify age-specific outcomes (ie, infant/child, adolescent, adult, elderly adult) in addition to those that are universally applicable is a major responsibility of the perioperative RN. Having an individualized plan of care is one of the best ways to determine whether desired patient outcomes have been successfully attained. Nursing care plans address intraoperative and postoperative risks and allow for a smooth transfer of care throughout the perioperative experience. A good nursing care plan also includes education for the patient and his or her caregiver. Within an overall plan of care, the use of methods such as a concept or mind map can visually demonstrate the relationships between systems, nursing diagnoses, nursing interventions, and desirable outcomes.