The management of preoperative anxiety in children: an update

The Effect of Oral Fluid Administration 1 Hour before Surgery on Preoperative Anxiety and Gastric Volume in Pediatric Patients

INTRODUCTION

Today, preoperative fasting guidelines have changed, allowing clear liquid intake up to 1 h before surgery. However, concerns remain regarding the risk of aspiration associated with clear liquid intake. This study aimed to investigate the impact of clear fluid given 1 h before surgery on child anxiety and gastric volumes.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, controlled study included 90 patients aged 5-12 years. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups by a computer-generated randomization: group F (n = 30): standard fasting group, group W (n = 30): patients who received oral water at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery, group C (n = 30): patients who received oral carbohydrate fluid at a dose of 5 mL/kg 1 h before surgery. All patients were assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS) before and 1 h after fluid administration. Antral cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured with ultrasonography after intubation, and gastric residual volume (GRV) was calculated. Hemodynamic data, blood sugar level, and parental satisfaction were also recorded.

RESULTS

The m-YPAS scores obtained after 1 h were significantly lower in group C than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Antral CSA and GRV values were lower in group C and group W than in the fasting group (p < 0.001). Parental satisfaction was highest in group C.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that allowing a carbohydrate-rich clear liquid intake 1 h before surgery can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients without increasing the risk of aspiration.

Design of Pediatric Outpatient Procedure Environments: A Pilot Study to Understand the Perceptions of Patients and Their Parents

OBJECTIVE

To understand parent and child perception of spaces experienced during outpatient procedures and to measure their anxiety in these spaces.

BACKGROUND

Same-day procedures are becoming prevalent among children in the United States. While studies conducted in different types of healthcare settings show that the physical environment influences healthcare experiences of patients, there is a lack of research on patient and family perceptions of the physical environment of the outpatient centers where such procedures are conducted.

METHODS

This study used ecological momentary assessment to collect patient experience and anxiety data at different points during the patient's journey through an ambulatory surgical center where pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) procedures were performed. Objective and subjective measures of anxiety were collected. A Qualtrics survey asked participants' perceptions about four spaces-waiting, preprocedure, procedure, and recovery.

RESULTS

Child participants reported liking murals, double chairs, patient beds, wall color, and access to a television. They disliked medical equipment and lack of child-friendly furniture. Most parents liked the murals, access to a television, and nature photos, while disliking the lack of privacy, lack of toys in waiting areas, and lack of child-friendly furniture. On average, both children and parents experienced the highest anxiety levels before and during the procedure and the lowest during recovery. Between the four spaces, no significant differences were observed in the heart rate variability and skin conductance responses for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the outpatient nature of the procedures, participants experienced anxiety before the GI procedure. Comfortable design features that provide distractions are preferred by children and their parents.

Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties of Melatonin Premedication in Pediatrics Undergoing Elective Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Placebo Study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety in children has been linked to various postoperative consequences, such as postoperative regressive behavioral issues, extended distress during the recovery period, eating disorders, and bedwetting. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose oral melatonin in alleviating preoperative anxiety among children in the Iraqi population.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized, double-blinded comparative study was undertaken, involving children aged four to 14 years scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization under general anesthesia. The study comprised a total of 80 children. The involved individuals were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 40 subjects. Group A received 0.5 mg/kg melatonin as premedication, while Group B received a placebo.

RESULTS

The two groups demonstrated similarity in mean age, weight, cardiac disease, and gender distribution. Statistically significant reductions in anxiety scores were observed in the melatonin group compared to the placebo group. Particularly, children administered 0.5 mg/kg melatonin exhibited the most substantial anxiolysis and venipuncture compliance (P < 0.05). Additionally, children who were premedicated with melatonin experienced decreased cognition, maximum sedation, successful parental separation, and psychomotor impairment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Melatonin demonstrated an effective sedation level without significant side effects, making it a preferred choice due to its efficacy, safety, current availability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other anesthetic agents used in premedication procedures.

Nature-based mindfulness programs using virtual reality to reduce pediatric perioperative anxiety: a narrative review

Over 75% of pediatric surgery patients experience preoperative anxiety, which can lead to complicated recoveries. Current interventions are less effective for children over 12 years old. New interventions, like mindfulness-based ones (MBIs), are needed to address this issue. MBIs work well for reducing mental health symptoms in youth, but they can be challenging for beginners. Virtual reality (VR) nature settings can help bridge this gap, providing an engaging 3-D practice environment that minimizes distractions and enhances presence. However, no study has investigated the combined effects of mindfulness training in natural VR settings for pediatric surgery patients, creating a significant gap for a novel intervention. This paper aims to fill that gap by presenting a narrative review exploring the potential of a nature-based mindfulness program using VR to reduce pediatric preoperative anxiety. It begins by addressing the risks of anxiety in children undergoing surgery, emphasizing its impact on physical recovery, and supporting the use of VR for anxiety reduction in hospitals. The review then delves into VR's role in nature and mindfulness, discussing theoretical concepts, clinical applications, and effectiveness. It also examines how the combination of mindfulness, nature, and VR can create an effective intervention, supported by relevant literature. Finally, it synthesizes the existing literature's limitations, findings, gaps, and contradictions, concluding with research and clinical implications.

Virtual Reality-Based Intervention to Reduce Preoperative Anxiety in Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Preoperative anxiety is common among adult patients undergoing elective surgery and is associated with negative outcomes. Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have been considered simpler, safer, and more effective for reducing anxiety in patients undergoing surgery than conventional care.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of a VR-based intervention with preoperative education in reducing preoperative anxiety among adult patients undergoing elective surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An assessor-blinded prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted to recruit adult patients aged 18 years or older who were scheduled for their first elective surgery procedure under general anesthesia within the next 2 to 4 weeks at a preanesthesia assessment clinic in Hong Kong from July to December 2022.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (an 8-minute immersive 360° VR video tour in the operating theater via a head-mounted display console) or a control group (standard care).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome of preoperative anxiety was measured using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (range, 6-30; higher scores indicate greater anxiety), and the secondary outcomes (ie, stress, preparedness, and pain) were assessed by Visual Analog Scale at 3 time points: baseline at beginning of clinical session (T0), at the end of the clinical session immediately after the intervention (T1), and before the surgery (T2). Pain, satisfaction levels, and postoperative length of stay were evaluated after the surgery (T3). Simulation sickness was assessed after the intervention by use of the Simulation Sickness Questionnaire. A generalized estimating equations model was applied to compare changes in outcomes over time.

RESULTS

A total of 74 participants (mean [SD] age, 46.34 [14.52] years; 38 men [51.4%] and 36 women [48.6%]) were recruited and randomized to the control group (37 participants) and intervention group (37 participants). Compared with the control group, the VR-based intervention group showed significantly decreased preoperative anxiety at T1 (β, -5.46; 95% CI, -7.60 to -3.32; P < .001) and T2 (β, -5.57; 95% CI, -7.73 to -3.41; P < .001), lower stress at T1 (β, -10.68; 95% CI, -16.00 to -5.36; P < .001) and T2 (β, -5.16; 95% CI, -9.87 to -0.45; P = .03), and higher preparedness at T1 (β, 6.60; 95% CI, 0.97 to 12.19; P = .02). Satisfaction levels were significantly increased in the intervention group vs the control group (mean [SD] score, 81.35 [9.24] vs 65.28 [8.16]; difference, 16.07; 95% CI, 12.00 to 20.15; P < .001). No significant differences in pain and postoperative length of stay were found.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The findings of this study suggest that a VR-based intervention is a feasible and effective way to reduce preoperative anxiety in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Given the promising results of this study, further study in the form of large-scale, multicenter, randomized clinical trials with broader implementation is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100051690.

The Effect of Computer Tablets on the Need for Medical Anxiolysis in Children in an Ambulatory Surgical Center

Background Preoperative anxiety is common in children undergoing surgery. When anxiety is identified or suspected, there are several strategies typically used to manage it. Perhaps the most common is anxiolytic premedication or parental presence at induction. Medications such as midazolam have been associated with adverse effects, such as a slower wakeup, and require timing of administration, while parental presence can be disturbing to the parent and divert the attention of the operating room team. A more recent option is distraction via electronic tablets. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively investigate and quantify any change in the use of midazolam, the most common anxiolytic approach at our institution, and any change in the length of time in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) following the introduction of tablet computers to a pediatric ambulatory surgical center. Methods We conducted an IRB-approved retrospective chart review of 13,790 pediatric patients ages one to 18 undergoing outpatient elective surgeries at the University of Florida (UF) Children's Surgical Center over a five-year period. A univariate analysis was conducted using the Fisher's Exact test and interrupted time series analysis to determine differences between midazolam administration and PACU times, with interruption occurring at tablet implementation. A multivariable analysis and sensitivity analyses were performed to confirm the findings of the univariate analysis. Results On univariate analysis, tablet availability was associated with both a decreased preoperative oral midazolam administration (odds ratio (OR) 0.158, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.140 to 0.179, P-value <0.001) and a decreased PACU length of stay (-17.4 min, 95% CI: -19.6 to -15.3 min, P-value <0.001). The association with decreased preoperative midazolam administration held after multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 0.207, 95% CI: 0.154 to 0.278, P-value <0.001), but PACU length of stay was not statistically significant (-9.1 min, 95% CI: -20.6 to 2.4, P-value = 0.12). These results were confirmed on sensitivity analysis, with tablet availability continuing to be associated with decreased preoperative oral midazolam administration but not with reduced PACU length of stay. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that computer tablets were associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of midazolam administration and consequently may reduce preoperative pediatric anxiety. We did not find an associated change in PACU length of stay following the introduction of tablets. Tablets present a unique distraction alternative to chemical anxiolysis for institutions seeking to reduce medication use in pediatric patients.

Development and validation of a prediction model for preoperative anxiety in children aged 2-12 years old

BACKGROUND

Children with preoperative anxiety are at risk of perioperative adverse events, such as reflux aspiration, prolonged induction time, wake agitation, and delirium. Identifying children at high risk of severe preoperative anxiety may help anesthesiologists intervene and manage them in advance.

AIM

The authors hypothesized that the risk of developing serious preoperative anxiety in children is predictable by variables related to basic information about the parent and child. We developed a clinical prediction model to identify patients vulnerable to severe preoperative anxiety among children aged 2-12 years.

METHODS

We enrolled patients aged 2-12 years who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia and divided them into derivation (n = 340, 70.8%) and validation (n = 140, 29.2%) groups. Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, and a high level of preoperative anxiety was defined as a score of >30. The following predictors were collected preoperatively: gender, age, weight, children's education level, only child, history of surgery, waiting time in the anesthesia waiting area, parental education level, parental anxiety, whether venous access had been established in the ward, and whether they had received anti-anxiety interventions. A prediction model was built using binary logistic regression analysis; bootstrap was applied for internal validation, and external validation was performed using the validation datasets.

RESULTS

The prediction model had good discrimination, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.961 (95% CI = 0.943-0.979) and 0.896 (95% CI = 0.842-0.950) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The predictive variables included in the final clinical model were pharmacological intervention (OR = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.002-0.025), nonpharmacological intervention (OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.104-1.127), parental education level (OR = 0.211, 95% CI = 0.108-0.411), parental anxiety (OR = 6.15, 95% CI = 2.396-15.786), only child (OR = 2.417, 95% CI = 1.065-5.488), history of surgery (OR = 3.513, 95% CI = 1.137-10.860), and age (OR = 0.692, 95% CI = 0.500-0.957).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, a clinical prediction model was developed and validated for the first time. The proposed clinical prediction model can help doctors identify children most likely to develop a high level of preoperative anxiety.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION IDENTIFIER

ChiCTR2100054409 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

Standardized Anesthesia InductioN Tool (SAINT) - The development and international adoption of an integrated electronic tool for documenting the induction of anesthesia in children

BACKGROUND

The induction of anesthesia in children poses a challenge for the anesthesiologist, the parent and child. Anxiety and negative behaviours and strategies that effectively mitigate should be documented accurately and be available for future patient encounters. To address the need for a structured and standardized electronic documentation tool.

AIMS

Our aim was to develop a comprehensive electronic tool to capture and report behaviours during induction of anesthesia.

METHODS

We performed a literature search on existing validated tools for documenting behaviours during anesthesia induction. We used the nominal group technique to achieve agreement on the components to include. We used Agile software development techniques to design and review the integrated electronic tool. Twelve international hospitals informed the development of the tool.

RESULTS

We developed an electronic tool, the Standardized Anesthesia InductioN Tool (SAINT). SAINT incorporates validated scales for documenting key stages of the anesthesia induction journey (separation from caregivers, mask acceptance, induction behaviour, parental presence, the use of adjuncts and their effectiveness). In addition, the standardised data elements used in SAINT allow for local reporting, quality metrics and can assist in data across multi-centre trials. To date the tool has been adopted by 133 institutions across four countries and is freely available.

CONCLUSION

We show that collaborative development and rapid adoption of the comprehensive induction tool SAINT has led to its rapid adoption in the routine practice of pediatric anesthesiology across several countries. Further studies on how the SAINT is being used for quality improvement or research are warranted.

Cardiorespiratory Response to Sedative Premedication in Preschool Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Midazolam, Clonidine, and Dexmedetomidine

PURPOSE

Sedative premedication in children may negatively impact their cardiorespiratory status during the perioperative course, and no clear consensus exists on the optimal premedication treatment for pediatric patients. The objective was to compare the perioperative cardiorespiratory responses to sedation using three different sedative premedication regimens in preschool children scheduled for surgery with total intravenous anesthesia.

DESIGN

A single-center randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

This is a planned secondary analysis of a study conducted at a 200-bed tertiary referral hospital. Ninety children participated in the study. They were aged 2-6 years and scheduled for ear, nose, and throat surgery with propofol/remifentanil anesthesia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg^-1 (MID), oral clonidine 4 mcg/kg^-1 (CLO), or intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 mcg/kg^-1 (DEX). The main outcome measures were the sedation level, based on the Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS), and cardiorespiratory status, monitored during the perioperative period.

FINDINGS

The final cohort had 83 children (MID, n=27; CLO, n=26; DEX, n=30), with similar intergroup patient characteristics. RSS scores were lower in the MID group than in the CLO and DEX groups before induction and within 30 min postsurgery (P<0.001 and P=0.006, respectively). A negative correlation existed between the RSS and heart rate (HR) (r=-0.570, P<0.001). Before anesthesia induction, the respiratory rate was lowest in the DEX group (MID 21.5±1.7 min^-1, CLO 20.6±2.6 min^-1, DEX 20.2±1.7 min^-1; P=0.042). The HR was lower in the CLO and DEX groups than in the MID group (MID, 102.8±10.0 min^-1; CLO, 87.4±9.6 min^-1; DEX, 87.6±7.9 min^-1; P<0.001). The HR was lower immediately after induction (P=0.009) and intraoperatively (P=0.025) in the CLO and DEX groups than in the MID group.

CONCLUSIONS

When used as premedication before propofol/remifentanil anesthesia, clonidine and dexmedetomidine provided deeper preoperative sedation compared to midazolam. From a clinical perspective, all three study drugs provided essentially stable cardiovascular and respiratory conditions during the entire perioperative period.

Systematic review of the development and effectiveness of digital health information interventions, compared with usual care, in supporting patient preparation for paediatric hospital care, and the impact on their health outcomes

Background and aim

Elective surgery can be overwhelming for children, leading to pre-operative anxiety, which is associated with adverse clinical and behavioural outcomes. Evidence shows that paediatric preparation digital health interventions (DHIs) can contribute to reduced pre-operative anxiety and negative behavioural changes. However, this evidence does not consider their design and development in the context of behavioural science. This systematic review used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to evaluate the design and development of DHIs used to support children up to 14 years of age and their parents, prepare for hospital procedures, and determine any correlation to health outcomes. It also considered whether any behavioural frameworks and co-production were utilised in their design.

Methods

A search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and HMIC databases was carried out, looking for original, empirical research using digital paediatric preparation technologies to reduce pre-operative anxiety and behavioural changes. Limitations for the period (2000-2022), English language, and age applied.

Results

Seventeen studies were included, sixteen randomised control trials and one before and after evaluation study. The results suggest that paediatric preparation DHIs that score highly against the TDF are (1) associated with improved health outcomes, (2) incorporate the use of co-production and behavioural science in their design, (3) are interactive, and (4) are used at home in advance of the planned procedure.

Conclusion

Paediatric preparation DHIs that are co-produced and designed in the context of behavioural science are associated with reduced pre-operative anxiety and improved health outcomes and may be more cost-effective than other interventions.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022274182.

Efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam versus intranasal ketamine as sedative premedication in pediatric patients: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Intranasal midazolam and ketamine have been widely used as sedative premedication in children. It is difficult to determine which one yields better sedative effects for clinical practice. We conducted the present meta-analysis by summarizing the evidences to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intranasal midazolam versus intranasal ketamine as sedative premedication in pediatric patients.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2022. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used intranasal midazolam and ketamine as sedatives in children were enrolled. The risk of bias in RCTs was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Condition of parental separation, anesthesia induction or facemask acceptance, sedation level, different hemodynamic parameters and adverse events were considered as the outcomes in our study.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies with 1066 patients were enrolled. Compared with midazolam, administration of intranasal ketamine might be associated with severer changes in hemodynamics parameters including mean blood pressure (SMD = -0.53, with 95% CI [-0.93, -0.13]) and heart rate (HR) (SMD = -1.39, with 95% CI [-2.84, 0.06]). Meanwhile, administration of intranasal midazolam was associated with more satisfactory sedation level (61.76% vs 40.74%, RR = 1.53, with 95%CI [1.28, 1.83]), more rapid onset of sedation (SMD = -0.59, with 95%CI [-0.90, -0.28]) and more rapid recovery (SMD = -1.06, with 95%CI [-1.83, -0.28]). Current evidences also indicated that the differences of various adverse effects between two groups were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Given that administration of midazolam via intranasal route provides more satisfactory sedative level with less fluctuation of hemodynamics parameters and more rapid onset and recovery, it might be considered as the preferred sedative premedication for pediatric patients compared to ketamine. However, the widespread evidences with low or moderate quality indicated that superiority of intranasal midazolam in pediatric sedation needs to be confirmed by more studies with high quality and large sample size in future.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The protocol of present study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022321348).

Parental experiences of caring for children who have learning disabilities and procedural anxiety in hospital: An interpretive phenomenological study

BACKGROUND

Children with learning disabilities (LD) are more likely to have health conditions that require hospital attendance than children without LD. Like all children, they can experience fear and distress related to procedural anxiety. Parents play a key role in managing procedural anxiety in children with LD. No previous published qualitative studies have explored parental experiences of caring for a child with LD and procedural anxiety in hospital.

OBJECTIVES

To explore how parents experienced caring for their child with LD and procedural anxiety in hospital.

METHODS

A purposive sample of six participants were recruited through a Facebook group for parents of children with LD. Remote semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone, Microsoft Teams or Whatsapp. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS

Five key themes were generated: (1) Emotional toll: parents characterized their experiences as highly emotional; reporting feeling stressed, anxious and worried. (2) Restraint and holding: parents spoke of their experiences of restraint which was largely viewed as negative and sometimes inappropriate. (3) Advocacy: parents articulated their responsibility as advocates for their children. (4) Going it alone: parents were extremely proactive in managing their child's anxieties but some also felt highly-pressurized and isolated. (5) Inconsistency and uncertainty: parents experienced inconsistency and uncertainty in their children's care from healthcare professionals which led to anxiety and frustration.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children with both LD and procedural anxiety experienced many challenges. Parents' expertise must be utilized by clinicians when caring for children with LD and procedural anxiety whilst ensuring appropriate support for parents. Nurses require specific training in psychosocial interventions to enhance care for children with LD and procedural anxiety. Further research identifying effective nursing strategies to enhance parental experiences would be beneficial to improve care to this patient group.

Comparative Study of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine Versus Intranasal Ketamine as Premedicant in Children

Background: Pre-operative anxiety in children not only makes induction difficult but it is also associated with an increase in the requirement of analgesics, the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), emergence delirium (ED), and postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes. It can be reduced effectively by pharmacological interventions. In a quest to find the ideal premedicant and non-invasive way of its administration, we decided to compare intranasal (IN) dexmedetomidine with IN ketamine as a premedicant in pediatric patients.

Aims and objectives: To compare sedation score, mask acceptance score (MAS) during induction, the incidence of ED, and other adverse events in both groups.

Material and methods: Some 60 children, between 1 and 8 years of age of either sex undergoing surgical procedures were included in this study and randomly divided into two groups (Group D and Group K). Thirty minutes prior to induction of anesthesia, patients of Group D received dexmedetomidine 1 mcg kg^-1 in 1 mL of 0.9% saline intranasally and patients of Group K received ketamine 5 mg kg^-1 in 1 mL of 0.9% saline intranasally through calibrated dropper (0.5 mL in each nostril) in a recumbent position. Incidences of sneezing or coughing after IN administration of study drugs were recorded. The subsequent sedation scores were assessed using MOASS at 15 min, then at 30 min following premedication at the time of parental separation. After shifting patients to operation theater inhalation induction was done. MAS at induction and any adverse effects were recorded.

Results: Children in Group K were found to be significantly more sedated at 30 min after administration of premedication and mask acceptance was also better (p value < 0.0001 with a confidence interval, CI=95%). But the incidence of ED and PONV was high.

Conclusion: Intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 mcg kg^-1) is clinically less effective as a premedicant in terms of sedation and mask acceptance in older children as compared to ketamine (5 mg kg^-1), but associated with fewer incidence of ED and PONV. We recommend the usage of IN dexmedetomidine in a higher dose (1.5-2 mcg kg^-1), through nebulization/atomizer for the desired level of sedation and mask acceptance.

Preoperative sedation in children with congenital heart disease: 50% and 95% effective doses, hemodynamic effects, and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine the 50% and 95% effective doses (ED50 and ED95, respectively), hemodynamic effects, and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine for preoperative sedation in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) with a left-to-right shunt.

DESIGN

Double-blind sequential allocation trial.

SETTING

Pediatric preoperative waiting area.

PATIENTS

86 pediatric patients ASA physical status II-III scheduled for cardiac surgery, aged1-month to 6-years-old with left-to-right type CHD.

INTERVENTIONS

Children were divided into three groups according to age: infants (1 month-1 year), toddlers (1-3 years), and preschoolers (3-6 years). The first patient in all groups received intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg), using the up-and-down Dixon method, and the and the next patient's dose was dependent on the previous patient's response.

MEASUREMENTS

Assessment using the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale and the Mask Acceptance Scale was performed before and every 5 min after treatment. Pulse oxygen saturation and heart rate were recorded at baseline, at 10-min intervals, and after admission to the operating room. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure was measured before anesthesia induction.

MAIN RESULTS

The respective ED₅₀ (95% confidence interval [CI]) and ED₉₅ (95% CI) values for preoperative sedation using intranasally administered dexmedetomidine were 3.1 (2.8-3.3) and 3.5 (3.3-4.0) μg/kg for infants; 3.4 (3.2-3.6) and 3.9 (3.7-4.4) μg/kg for toddlers; and 2.4 (2.2-2.6) and 2.9 (2.6-3.3) μg/kg for preschoolers. ED₅₀ was lower for preschoolers than for toddlers (p < 0.001) and infants (p = 0.044). No obvious difference in ED50 was found between infants and toddlers. There was no significant difference in sedation onset time among the groups, and no adverse events were observed during sedation in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intranasal dexmedetomidine can be safety used for preoperative sedation in children with CHD and is effective for sedation when dosed appropriately. Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov (ChiCTR2100047472); registered 20 June 2021.

Effects of clown visits on stress and mood in children and adolescents in psychiatric care—Protocol for a pilot study

Scientific evidence has shown that healthcare clowning can decrease the level of stress and anxiety in pediatric patients. However, little attention has been devoted to the potentially beneficial impact of clown visits in the child and adolescent psychiatry setting. Therefore, this pilot study aims at investigating short-term effects of clown visits by RED NOSES Clowndoctors Austria on stress and mood levels of children and adolescents in psychiatric care. The sample will consist of approximately 50 children and adolescents in inpatient psychiatric wards who receive clown visits on a weekly basis over four consecutive weeks. The examined intervention, i.e., the clown visits, is an integral part within the selected psychiatric institutions. Using a non-controlled pre-/post-test design, the level of salivary cortisol and self-reported stress and mood will be measured as primary outcomes before and immediately after each clown visit. Additionally, self-reported effects on care staff at the health care facilities will be assessed based on a questionnaire after each clown visit within the same time period of four weeks. Secondary outcome measures (i.e., health-related quality of life, emotional and conduct problems, perceived chronic stress) will be assessed at baseline and at close-out assessment after the four intervention weeks. Further control variables and potential moderators are included at baseline. Due to the nested data structure, multilevel modeling will be used to analyze the data. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the stress-reducing and mood-improving effects of clown visits on inpatients in child and adolescent psychiatry. Results will be relevant for the design of future large-scale RCTs and might provide valuable implications for the use of healthcare clowning to reduce stress and improve mood in children and adolescents in psychiatric care. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT04844398).

Smartphone Interventions Effect in Pediatric Subjects on the Day of Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

Background: A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or standard care as control. Methods: A systematic literature search up to June 2021 was performed and nine studies selected 785 pediatric subjects on the day of surgery at the start of the study; 390 of them were using smartphone interventions, 192 were control, and 203 were using oral midazolam. They were reporting relationships between the effects of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or control. The mean difference (MD) with its 95% CIs was calculated to assess the effect of smartphone interventions on the anxiety of the pediatric subjects at induction on the day of surgery compared to oral midazolam or control using the continuous method with a fixed or a random-effects model. Results: Smartphone interventions in pediatric subjects were significantly related to lower anxiety at induction on the day of surgery (MD, -19.74; 95% CI, -29.87 to -9.61, p < 0.001) compared to control and significantly related to lower anxiety at induction on the day of surgery (MD, -7.81; 95% CI, -14.49 to -1.14, p = 0.02) compared to oral midazolam. Conclusion: Smartphone interventions in pediatric subjects on the day of surgery may have lower anxiety at induction compared to control and oral midazolam. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Preoperative anxiety in preschool children: A randomized clinical trial comparing midazolam, clonidine, and dexmedetomidine

INTRODUCTION

Anxiety in pediatric patients may challenge perioperative anesthesiology management and worsen postoperative outcomes. Sedative drugs aimed to reducing anxiety are available with different pharmacologic profiles, and there is no consensus on their effect or the best option for preschool children. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of three different premedications on anxiety before anesthesia induction in preschool children aged 2-6 years scheduled for elective surgery. The secondary outcomes comprised distress during peripheral catheter (PVC) insertion, compliance at anesthesia induction, and level of sedation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 90 participants aged 2-6 years, who were scheduled for elective ear-, nose-and-throat surgery. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups: those who were administered 0.5 mg/kg oral midazolam, 4 µg/kg oral clonidine, or 2 µg/kg intranasal dexmedetomidine. Anxiety, distress during PVC insertion, compliance with mask during preoxygenation, and sedation were measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, Behavioral Distress Scale, Induction Compliance Checklist, and Ramsay Sedation Scale, respectively.

RESULTS

Six children who refused premedication were excluded, leaving 84 enrolled patients. At baseline, all groups had similar levels of preoperative anxiety and distress. During anesthesia preparation, anxiety was increased in the children who received clonidine and dexmedetomidine; however, it remained unaltered in the midazolam group. There were no differences in distress during PVC insertion or compliance at induction between the groups. The children in the clonidine and dexmedetomidine groups developed higher levels of sedation than those in the midazolam group.

CONCLUSIONS

In preschool children, midazolam resulted in a more effective anxiolysis and less sedation compared to clonidine and dexmedetomidine.

Comparing a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation App (VR-MRI) With a Standard Preparatory Manual and Child Life Program for Improving Success and Reducing Anxiety During Pediatric Medical Imaging: Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

The experience of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be anxiety provoking, particularly for pediatric patients and their families. Alternative methods to improve success and experiences without the use of sedation are needed.

Objective

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)—based simulation app (VR-MRI) with a standard preparatory manual (SPM) and a hospital-based Child Life Program (CLP) on success and anxiety during a simulated pediatric MRI scan. Our secondary aim is to compare caregivers’ reported anxiety, procedural data, caregiver usability, child satisfaction, and fun.

Methods

This unblinded, randomized, triple-arm clinical trial involved 92 children aged 4-13 years and their caregivers. Recruitment was conducted through posters, public libraries, community centers, and social media. At a 2-hour session, participants were instructed to prepare for a simulated MRI head scan using one of three randomly assigned preparation materials: the VR-MRI app, SPM, or the CLP. Data were collected before preparation, during a simulated MRI head scan, and after the simulated scan. The primary outcomes were the success of the simulated MRI scan (MoTrak head motion tracking system), and child-reported anxiety (Venham picture test). We secondarily measured caregivers’ reported anxiety (short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), procedural data (minutes), usability (Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use Questionnaire), and child-reported satisfaction and fun (visual analog scales).

Results

A total of 84 participants were included in the final analysis (VR-MRI: 30/84, 36%; SPM: 24/84, 29%; and CLP: 30/84, 36%). There were no clinically significant differences between the groups in terms of success during the MRI simulation (P=.27) or the children’s reported anxiety at any timepoint (timepoint 1, P=.99; timepoint 2, P=.008; timepoint 3, P=.10). Caregivers reported being significantly more anxious after preparing with the manual than caregivers in the other 2 groups (P<.001). Child and caregiver anxiety had a significant relationship, increasing together with moderate effect (r₈₄=0.421; P<.001). Participants using VR-MRI took the most time to prepare (P<.001) and participants using the manual took the least time (P<.001). No statistically significant relationships were found between time preparing and time completing the simulated assessment (P=.13). There were no differences found in ease of use (P=.99), ease of learning (P=.48), and usefulness (P=.11) between the groups; however, caregivers reported being significantly more satisfied with the VR-MRI app and CLP than SPM (P<.001). Children reported the most satisfaction with the CLP (P<.001). There were no differences in how much fun the preparation materials were perceived to be (P=.37).

Conclusions

Digital preparation experiences using VR-based media could be a viable solution to improve the success of nonsedated MRI scans, with outcomes comparable with hospital-based in-person preparatory programs. Future research should focus on validating the results in a real MRI setting.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03931382; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931382

Effect of parental presence on anxiety during induction of anaesthesia in children undergoing elective day case surgery

Background

Surgical operation and anaesthesia induction are fearful events which may interfere with the smooth conduct of anaesthesia and postoperative recovery in children. Indeed, the fear of needles, syringes and unknown hospital environment often compound their anxiety. Various modalities such as use of clowns, music, low intensity light in the induction room, pharmacological agents and parental presence during induction of anaesthesia have been utilized with the aim of gaining the cooperation of the children during induction. However, their use has yielded conflicting results. This prospective study was conducted among children whose ages were between 2 and 15 years. They were randomized into parental presence and parental absence (un-accompanied) or control groups. The anxiety levels of children and parents in both groups were compared at baseline, separation and during induction of anaesthesia.

Results

The ages of the children ranged between 2 and 15 years with a mean age of 6.78 ± 2.50 years. The mean age of patients in the parental presence at induction (PPIA) was 7.14 ± 3.68 years while in the control group was 6.42 ± 3.31 years. The difference was not statistically significant, p < 0.05. The mean anxiety score of patients in the PPIA at reception, separation and induction of anaesthesia were 26.6 ± 9.2, 38.4 ± 18.3 and 54.1 ± 22.8 compared to 27.3 ± 8.04, 41.4 ± 21.7 and 58.6 ± 23.1 in the control group respectively, p < 0.05. The mean anxiety score of parents in the PPIA at reception, separation and induction of anaesthesia were 52.2 ± 6.7, 51.7 ± 7.8 and 51.9 ± 7.9 compared to 53.0 ± 6.5, 52.4 ± 6.2 and 52.9 ± 7.9 in the control group respectively, p < 0.05. Among the cohort of preschool age group, children in the control group were more anxious at induction compared to the PPIA group, p = 0.01. As the age increases, the anxiety state of the children decreases, t = − 0.398, p < 0.001. The mean score of parental satisfaction in the PPIA and the control groups were comparable, 8.1 ± 7.1 vs 7.3 ± 1.1 respectively, p = 0.395.

Conclusion

The presence of parents during induction of anaesthesia did not influence the anxiety states of children in our study. Anxiety at induction tends to reduce as the age of patients increases.

Preoperative anxiety in children aged 2-7 years old: a cross-sectional analysis of the associated risk factors

BACKGROUND

Preoperative anxiety in children is harmful. Despite this, there is a scarcity of studies examining the incidence of preoperative anxiety and its related effects in China. This study investigated preoperative anxiety in children aged 2 to 7 in the pediatric surgery department of a tertiary hospital in China. The factors influencing preoperative anxiety in these children were identified.

METHODS

The researchers used the Chinese version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (CmYPAS) and the Short Form of CmYPAS (CmYPAS-SF) to assess the preoperative anxiety state of children aged 2 to 7 who underwent elective surgery in the pediatric department of a tertiary hospital in China from July 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020 were enrolled in this study. The generalized estimating equation model was used to analyze the factors influencing preoperative anxiety in children.

RESULTS

The preoperative anxiety rate of 220 children in the tertiary hospital was 67.6%. Multivariate analysis revealed that children who attended elementary school had a lower risk of preoperative anxiety compared to children who did not attend school [odd ratio (OR) =0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.19 to 0.79, P=0.010]. Children whose caregivers felt very worried experienced an increased risk of preoperative anxiety compared to children whose caregivers were not worried about the surgery at all (OR =3.40, 95% CI, 1.35 to 8.56, P=0.009). Children who were very resistant, cried violently, twisted their bodies during puncturing the needle were 5.8 times more likely to experience preoperative anxiety compared to children who were very cooperative. The risk of preoperative anxiety in children who cooperated with a staff member was about 1.5 times higher than that of children who were very cooperative.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of preoperative anxiety in children aged 2 to 7 in the tertiary hospital in China was similar to the children in other countries. The caregivers' degree of concern priored to the operation and the degree of cooperation from the children during puncturing the indwelling needle were the main factors influencing the occurrence of preoperative anxiety.

Investigation of the Role of Complementary Medicine on Anxiety of Patients Before and After Surgery: A Review Study

Every year millions of patients undergo surgery worldwide. Anxiety is a common pre- and postoperative problem. Nonpharmacologic anxiety control has been demonstrated to be more suitable in patients. The objective of this study was to apprise the evidence of the effect of various complementary therapies on pre- and postoperative anxiety among patients. A comprehensive literature search was made on Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed Irandoc, SID Science, ScienceDirect, Ovid, Mag Iran, and Google Scholar for original research studies published between 1980 and 2019. Original articles that reported the effect of complementary therapies in patients undergoing surgery were included. Ninety-six studies were analyzed. All of the studies have documented the effects of complementary therapies on improving pre- and postoperative outcomes of patients. Although methods varied considerably, most of the studies included in this review reported positive results. Therefore, there is some evidence that complementary therapies can lead to positive pre- and postoperative outcomes. Therefore, the efficiency and use of complementary medicine, along with the use of therapeutic techniques in classical medicine, can provide a new model for reducing anxiety before and after surgery. It is recommended that nurses conduct additional reviews or clinical studies so that effective approaches to integrated medical care can be developed and patients' health enhanced.

"Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day" Virtual Reality (DocVR) for Pediatric Preoperative Anxiety and Satisfaction: Pediatric Medical Technology Feasibility Study

Background

Preoperative anxiety is a common occurrence among children and is associated with a host of maladaptive postoperative behaviors. Consequently, increased attention has been placed on interventions to reduce preoperative anxiety and its associated outcomes. Child Life preparation prior to surgery includes evidence-based practices such as age-appropriate distraction and therapeutic play. Virtual reality (VR) is a promising addition to the Child Life toolbox to address anxiety prior to surgery. The current study evaluates the implementation and feasibility of a VR experience, “Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day Virtual Reality Experience” (DocVR), developed by Disney Junior in collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, to target pediatric preoperative anxiety.

Objective

The primary aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of DocVR for preoperative anxiety. A secondary aim was to improve patient, caregiver, and health care provider satisfaction with the preoperative experience.

Methods

In this study, 51 patients (age 6-14 years) scheduled for surgery in the ambulatory surgery center and the main operating room at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles were approached to participate in Disney’s DocVR experience. The patients played the DocVR experience for an average of 18 minutes (3-55 minutes). Irrespective of surgical procedure, patients and their families were eligible, as long as they had no known marked cognitive or visual impairments that would interfere with completing the survey and engaging in the DocVR experience.

Results

Patients who tried the DocVR experience (n=51) responded overwhelmingly positively to both the VR technology and to the game itself. Patients experienced a statistically significant decrease in anxiety following DocVR game play (Z=–3.26, P=.001). On the Facial Affective Scale, the percentage of patients who chose the face with the most positive facial expression to represent their affect increased from 23% (12/51) pre-VR to 49% (25/47) post-VR. Furthermore, 97% (38/39) of patients reported feeling more comfortable at the hospital, and 74% (28/38) reported feeling less scared at the hospital after playing the game. The game was enjoyed by 94% (46/49) of patients, and 88% (30/34) of patients reported feeling both “Interested” and “Involved” in the game.

Conclusions

DocVR is a feasible and beneficial VR experience to relieve pediatric preoperative anxiety and improve satisfaction in the preoperative area. The VR experience resulted in a decrease in overall anxiety and an increase in overall positive affect during the preoperative time. Patients also responded positively to the game, confirming their interest in the content and affirming the quality of the DocVR experience. The positive response to the game indicates that DocVR has the potential to make the overall preoperative experience less anxiety-producing and more comfortable, which leads to improved patient satisfaction. Naturally, improved patient outcomes lead to improved caregiver and health care provider satisfaction.

Self-produced audio-visual animation introduction alleviates preoperative anxiety in pediatric strabismus surgery: a randomized controlled study

Background

Hospital anxiety caused by strabismus surgery has an unpleasant and disturbing feeling for both children and their parents. This study aimed to determine the effect of viewing a self-produced audio-visual animation introduction on preoperative anxiety and emergence agitation of pediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery.

Methods

In this prospective randomized study, 1 hundred children scheduled for strabismus surgery with aged 3 ~ 6 years. The children were randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 50 for each), Group A: using a self-produced audio-visual animation introduction; Group C: controlled group without audio-visual animation introduction. Children’s preoperative anxiety was determined by the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) at different time points: the night before surgery(T1), at pre-anesthetic holding room(T2), and just before anesthesia induction(T3). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to record the anxiety of parents at T1,T2 and T3. The incidence and the degree of emergence agitation were recorded.

Results

The mYPAS scores at T2 and T3 were higher than T1(p < 0.05) in both groups. The average score of mYPAS in Group A was significantly lower than in Group C at T2 and T3(p < 0.05). The STAI scores in Group A at T2 and T3 were significantly lower than in Group C(p < 0.05). The incidence of agitation in Group A was lower than that in Group C(p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Based on the findings, viewing a self-produced audio-visual animation can effectively alleviate the preoperative anxiety for both children and their parents in pediatric strabismus surgery, and it was effective for reducing emergence agitation as well.

Trial registration

The trial was prospectively registered before patient enrollment at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Clinical Trial Number: ChiCTR1900025116, Date: 08/12/2019).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-01922-6.

Pediatric Distraction on Induction of Anesthesia With Virtual Reality and Perioperative Anxiolysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Perioperative pediatric anxiety is common and can have a negative psychological impact on children undergoing surgery and anesthesia. Studies have shown an incidence of anxiety at induction of up to 50%. Audiovisual distraction, including virtual reality (VR), is a noninvasive, nonpharmacological modality that may reduce perioperative anxiety. The goal of this study was to determine whether immersive audiovisual distraction with a VR headset during induction of general anesthesia (GA) in pediatric patients reduced preoperative anxiety.

METHODS

In this randomized-controlled, parallel-group study, 71 children 5-12 years of age scheduled for elective surgery with GA were randomly allocated to a VR group or a non-VR (No VR) control group. VR group patients underwent audiovisual distraction with a VR headset during induction in the operating room, whereas the control group received no audiovisual distraction. The primary outcome was the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS), which was measured at 3 time points to assess patient anxiety: in the preoperative holding area before randomization, on entering the operating room, and during induction of GA. The primary outcome was analyzed using univariate analysis and a linear mixed-effects model. Secondary outcomes included postinduction parental anxiety measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, pediatric induction compliance, and parental satisfaction.

RESULTS

Average patient age was 8.0 ± 2.3 years (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), and 51.4% of patients were female. Baseline variables were not substantially different between the VR group (33 patients) and the No VR group (37 patients). No patients received preoperative anxiolytic medication. Baseline mYPAS scores were not different between the groups, with scores of 28.3 (23.3-28.3) (median [interquartile range {IQR}]) in both. The change in mYPAS scores from baseline to time of induction was significantly lower in the VR group versus control group (0.0 [0.0-5.0] vs 13.3 [5.0-26.7]; P < .0001). In the mixed-effects model, the VR group had an estimated 6.0-point lower mYPAS score (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-11.3; P = .03) at room entry than the No VR group, and 14.5-point lower score (95% CI, 9.3-19.8; P < .0001) at induction versus control. Randomization to VR did not alter parental anxiety (0 [-2 to 2]), pediatric induction compliance (0 [0-0]), or parental satisfaction (-3 [-8 to 2]) (difference in medians [95% CI]).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates a reduction in pediatric preoperative anxiety with the use of VR. Preoperative VR may be an effective noninvasive modality for anxiolysis during induction of anesthesia in children.

The impact of parental health mindset on postoperative recovery in children

BACKGROUND

Mindset, or one's beliefs about the ability to change one's outcomes, has been studied in the educational domain but not in surgical settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of parental health mindset on children's recovery.

METHODS

Participants were part of a larger National Institutes of Health-funded trial that included 1470 children undergoing outpatient tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We used measures of parental coping style (Monitor Blunter Style Scale; MBSS) and medication attitudes (Medication Attitudes Questionnaire; MAQ) to validate the Health Beliefs Scale (HBS; Criterion validity, Cohen's kappa). HBS categorizes parents as having a growth mindset, or the belief that health can be changed, or a fixed mindset, which reflects the belief that individuals cannot change their health. Next, we identified demographic and personality variables (eg, temperament, anxiety) as predictors for the HBS. Finally, we examined the relationship between the HBS with postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

Findings supported criterion validity of the HBS. Parents with a growth mindset reported seeking out more medical information (MBSS, 7.15 ± 3.32 vs 6.22 ± 3.38, P < .001, CI = -1.387 to -0.471) and reported fewer misconceptions regarding analgesic use (MAQ, 22.11 ± 4.09 vs 21.41 ± 4.25, P = .035, CI = 0.046 to 1.229). In assessing outcomes, we found that fixed-mindset parents rated their children's postoperative pain as more severe on days 1 (9.22 ± 3.82 vs 8.37 ± 3.71, P = .007, CI = 0.234 to 1.459) and 3 (8.13 ± 4.28 vs 7.27 ± 4.28, P = .007, CI = 0.094 to 1.638) and reported that their children received more doses of ibuprofen on postoperative day 1 (2.91 ± 1.24 vs 2.44 ± 1.44, P = .041, CI = 0.089 to 0.848). There was no difference in children's self-reported pain scores between groups (P = .585).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings, coupled with recent mindset intervention studies in the educational space, suggest that parent mindset is an important target for clinical intervention in the context of children's surgical recovery.

Magnitude and Factors Associated with Preoperative Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Anesthesia and surgery are common sources of anxiety and stressful experiences in children. This unpleasant sensation depends on several factors. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of preoperative anxiety and associated factors in pediatrics patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital North West Ethiopia 2020.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted from March to September 2020 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. After obtaining ethical approval from the institutional review board. All consecutive ASA physical status I & II boys and girls with the age of 2–12 years scheduled for a variety of elective (general, urologic, ENT, ophthalmic and other surgical) operations were included. The level of anxiety was measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale short form (m-YPAS-SF) observational tool. Parental anxiety was assessed using Spielberger’s short version of state-trait anxiety. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between preoperative children’s anxiety and independent variables. The strength of the association was present by adjusted odds ratios.

Results

The magnitude of preoperative anxiety in children in the operation room was 75.44% (95% confidence interval (CI): 68.36, 81.34). Age (AOR: 3.83; 95% CI: 1.58, 9.30), previous surgery and anesthesia (AOR: 6.73, 95% CI: 1.25, 36.19), outpatient surgery (AOR: 5.16, 95% CI: 1.32, 20.23) and parental anxiety (AOR: 3.26, 95% CI: 1.30, 20.23) were significantly associated with preoperative children anxiety.

Conclusion

The magnitude of preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients was considerably high in our setup. Younger age, previous surgery and anesthesia, outpatient surgical setting, and parental anxiety were the independent risk factors for preoperative anxiety. Therefore, the operating staff should assess the child’s anxiety and should consider appropriate anxiety reduction methods during the preoperative visit of pediatric patients and their families.

Evaluation of Preoperative Anxiety in Turkish Paediatric Patients and Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale

Objective

Preoperative anxiety has been related with postoperative behaviour changes, and it is characterised by subjective feelings. The modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) is a tool, which indicates preoperative anxiety in children older than 2 years. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting the level of preoperative anxiety after conduct validity and reliability of the Turkish version of mYPAS.

Methods

After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, 330 children aged 5-16 years were included in the study. Relationships between possible anxiety factors and anxiety levels were evaluated after validity and interrater reliability of the Turkish version.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient between the three observers was 0.9949 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9939-0.9958) for the playroom assessments and 0.9952 (95% CI: 0.9942-0.9960) for the operating room assessments. The anxiety level was significantly lower in premedicated patients (p<0.001). There was a negative correlation between age and anxiety level (p<0.001, r=-0.350).

Conclusion

The Turkish version of mYPAS has high validity and reliability and is suitable for use in the paediatric population of our country. Premedication significantly decreased preoperative anxiety, and younger patients tended to have higher anxiety level. For the 5-12 years age range, the level of anxiety decreased with age. More clinical studies are needed to investigate factors that contribute to preoperative anxiety.

Pre-operative Anxiety in Pediatric Surgery Patients: Multiple Case Study Analysis with Literature Review

Pre-operative anxiety affects millions of pediatric surgery patients each year and can have both short and long-term adverse effects in the post-operative period. As a result, it is particularly important for healthcare providers and others involved in the child's care, such as the parents, to be aware of interventions that can be used to reduce the onset of pre-operative anxiety and, thus, the likelihood of negative post-operative changes. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the issue of pre-operative anxiety through a review of the literature and analysis of case studies. First, the paper looks at the causes of pre-operative anxiety and its effect on the development of maladaptive behavioral, emotional, and physiological changes. It then discusses the ways pre-operative anxiety can be measured and current methods for reducing the post-operative adverse outcomes associated with it. After doing so, it proposes the need for additional research and the use of precision medicine by physicians.

Understanding child anxiety before otoplasty: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Pre-operative anxiety in pediatric patients is a major concern in surgical care due to the future medical and behavioral consequences that can occur. The objective of this study was to understand the factors that lead to pre-operative anxiety before otoplasty.

METHODS

Participants at a Canadian pediatric hospital were identified to discuss their experience with otoplasty and any anxiety they experienced using a semi-structured interview. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a qualitative semantic thematic approach. Major themes were identified and supporting quotes were extracted from the interviews.

RESULTS

Ten participants were enrolled in the study. Three main themes (and seven subthemes) were identified: concern for post-operative well-being (perception by others, physical well-being, and negative experiences), fear of the unknown (surgical uncertainty, vulnerability), and support (family and friends, surgeon).

CONCLUSIONS

Otoplasty was shown to be an emotional experience for participants with multiple sources of anxiety being identified. While most anxiety sources were similar to those for other pediatric surgeries, a number were specific to otoplasty and its post-operative care plan. This understanding of anxiety will allow physicians and care teams to better prepare patients and their families for otoplasty and enhance the patient's overall experience.

High Parental Anxiety Increases Narcotic Use in Adolescent Patients Following Spinal Fusion

BACKGROUND

Parental mental status and behavior may influence postoperative recovery and the use of pain medication. The purpose of this study is to identify if parents with high anxiety are associated with prolonged narcotic use in adolescent patients following posterior spinal fusion surgery. Prolonged narcotic use in this study was defined as opioid use at their first postoperative visit.

METHODS

AIS patients age 11 to 20 years undergoing posterior spinal fusion and a parent were prospectively enrolled. At the preoperative appointment, patients completed the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale and parents completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. High parental anxiety was defined as 1 SD above the normative mean. At the first postoperative visit, patients were asked about medication use.

RESULTS

A total of 58 patients (49 females and 9 males) were enrolled. Overall, 29% (17/58) of parents had a high general anxiety trait on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and 71% (41/58) had normal general anxiety. Of the patients whose parents had high general anxiety, 47% (8/17) were still taking narcotics at their first postoperative visit compared with 20% (8/41) of patients with normal anxiety parents (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with high general anxiety parents were more than twice as likely to still be on narcotics at their first postoperative visit. This information can be used to counsel families on the impact of anxiety on narcotic usage.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-prognostic studies-investigating the effect of a patient characteristic on the outcome of the disease.

Melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients: a systematic review

The favourable safety profile and ubiquitous nature of melatonin has led to an increase in its use in various clinical settings in adults and children. We performed a systematic review of published studies on the use of melatonin for anaesthetic indications in paediatric patients. To identify relevant articles, PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched. Study title and abstract screening, and full text review were performed by two reviewers. Twenty-seven eligible studies investigating melatonin use for anaesthetic indications were identified. Due to significant heterogeneity in study methodology, a quantitative synthesis of the published findings was not possible. The identified studies were therefore categorised by the indication for melatonin: analgesia, diagnostic sedation and as an anaesthetic adjunct. Melatonin use for anaesthetic-related indications is safe; may provide analgesia for inflammatory-associated pain in neonates and children before venepuncture; may decrease the need for, or replace, general anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures; and may serve as an anaesthesia adjunct before induction in paediatric patients.

Promethazine and Oral Midazolam Preanesthetic Children Medication

AIMS

Several kinds of drugs have been investigated in preschool children as a preanesthetic sedation after various routes of administration for surgeries. This study aims to compare the efficacy of promethazine and oral midazolam for premedication in children aged 3 to 9 years who were scheduled for surgeries.

METHODS

This is a double-blind randomized controlled study conducted on 93 patients between the age of 3 and 9 years at Loresten University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Khoramabad, Iran. The subjects were grouped into P (promethazine), M (midazolam), and C (control). About 0.3 mg/kg of oral promethazine was administered to patients in group P, 0.5 mg/kg of oral midazolam was administered to patients in group M, and 3 mL of normal saline as placebo was administered to patients in group C. Patient satisfaction, sedation and emotional score, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate (RR), and heart rate (HR) were recorded.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups. However, the period after medication, it was observed that SBP, diastolic blood pressure, RR, and HR in group C were statistically significantly higher than those in groups M and P. These 2 groups are similar in terms of SBP, RR, and HR. The emotional scores were comparable for the 2 groups. It was between 3.97 ± 0.6 to 1.7 ± 0.5 in group M and from 3.45 ± 1.17 to 2.745 ± 0.997 in group P in a Kruskal-Wallis test.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that both test groups reduce stress at the time of anesthetic induction and separation from their parents with similar effect. Both of the anesthetics are easily administered without the necessity of an additional equipment. A shorter period to maximal sedation for midazolam is an advantage, thus, making the drug helpful, mostly in the outpatient setting.

A Comparative Evaluation of Oral Clonidine, Dexmedetomidine, and Melatonin As Premedicants in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Subumbilical Surgeries

INTRODUCTION

Sedative premedication is the mainstay of pharmacological therapy in children undergoing surgeries. This study compares preoperative melatonin, clonidine, and dexmedetomidine on sedation, ease of anesthesia induction, emergence delirium, and analgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and five children, 3-8 years, either sex, ASA I/II, posted for infraumbilical surgery, randomized to receive clonidine 5 mcg/kg (Group C), dexmedetomidine 3 mcg/kg (Group D), and melatonin 0.2 mg/kg (Group M) 45 minutes before surgery. Preoperative Sedation/Anxiety and Child-Parent Separation Score (CPSS) were assessed. Identical anesthesia technique was utilized. Emergence delirium (Watcha score) and postoperative pain (Objective Pain Scale score) were monitored postoperatively.

RESULTS

Patients were demographically comparable. Sedation score >Grade 3 was absent. Grades 1/2/3 were present in 10/19/6 (Group C), 2/26/7 (Group D), and 7/26/2 (Group M). Grade 1 CPSS was present in 42.6% (Group C), 37.1% (Group D), and 28.6% (Group M). Pediatric Anesthesia Behavior Score (PABS) was comparable between Groups C and D (p = 0.224; 95% CI -0.090 to 0.604) and Groups C and M (p = 0.144; 95% CI -0.633 to 0.061) while PABS was better in Group D compared to Group M (p = 0.0007; 95% CI -0.890 to -0.195). Watcha scores were 33/2/0/0 (Group C), 34/1/0/0 (Group D), and 32/2/1/0 (Group M) immediately after extubation. Scores were 31/4/0/0 (Group C), 33/2/0/0 (Group D), and 31/4/0/0 (Group M) at 30 minutes and 28/7/0/0 (Group C), 29/6/0/0 (Group D), and 24/11/0/0 (Group M) at 1 hour. The scores were comparable (p > 0.05). Objective Pain Scale scores were comparable between Groups C and D and Groups C and M (p > 0.05). Lower scores were present in Group D compared to M (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Melatonin, clonidine, and dexmedetomidine are efficacious for producing preoperative sedation, reducing anxiety, postoperative pain, and emergence delirium.

The effectiveness of web-based mobile health interventions in paediatric outpatient surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness of web-based mobile health interventions on paediatric patients and their parents in the day surgery context, where the primary outcome was children's pre-operative anxiety and secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and parents' anxiety and satisfaction with entire course of the day surgery.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

DATA SOURCES

CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science were systematically searched without time limits (up to December 2018).

REVIEW METHODS

Studies were appraised using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A random effect meta-analysis of children's pre-operative anxiety was performed.

RESULTS

Eight studies with a total of 722 patients were included in the analysis. The effectiveness of web-based mobile health interventions, including age-appropriate videos, web-based game apps, and educational preparation games made for the hospital environment, was examined in pre-operative settings. A meta-analysis (N = 560 children) based on six studies found a statistically significant reduction in pre-operative anxiety measured by the Modified Yale Pre-operative Anxiety Scale with a moderate effect size. Three studies reported parental satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Web-based mobile health interventions can reduce children's pre-operative anxiety and increase parental satisfaction. Web-based mobile health interventions could be considered as non-pharmacological distraction tools for children in nursing. There is not enough evidence regarding the effectiveness of reducing children's postoperative pain and parental anxiety using similar interventions.

IMPACT

Web-based mobile health interventions reduce children´s pre-operative anxiety and could therefore be considered as non-pharmacological distraction tools for children in nursing.

Specialist hospital treatment and care as reported by children with intellectual disabilities and a cleft lip and/or palate, their parents and healthcare professionals

BACKGROUND

Research into hospital treatment and care of children with intellectual disabilities is extremely limited, but available literature points to difficulties. Some children have a co-occurring condition alongside an intellectual disability which requires ongoing treatment, such as a cleft lip/palate. To date, their experiences remain untapped.

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews with 23 participants; five children with intellectual disabilities (aged 11-16), their parents (n = 9) and nine healthcare professionals working in cleft care. Thematic analysis determined patterns across the data.

RESULTS

Three key themes were found: struggles (stress and distress, and power imbalance), tensions (perceived levels of choice and control in decision making, lack of training around intellectual disability assumptions and jargon) and good practice (appropriate communication and information, and tailored treatment).

CONCLUSION

Good practice was evident, but was ad hoc. Individualized treatment and communication based upon children's needs are required as is further investigation into general anaesthetic induction for children with intellectual disabilities.

Positive Distraction in Pediatric Healthcare Waiting Spaces: Sharing Play Not Germs through Inclusive, Hands-Free Interactive Media

Purpose: To investigate the value of shared opportunities for positive distraction in pediatric healthcare environments. Methods: Self-selected activities of 271 young people (5-19 years) with diverse neurodevelopmental conditions were observed in an ambulatory pediatric rehabilitation clinic. Shared opportunities included hands-free media (nature video or interactive media) and an aquarium. Anxiety was self-reported on the State Trait Anxiety Scale upon arrival and after 10 minutes in the waiting space. Results: Young people engaged more with shared opportunities for distraction (n = 170/271) than personal items brought from home (n = 119/271), p = 0.02. Personal electronic devices were used by 67 young people, but did not positively impact anxiety. Interactive media and the aquarium significantly reduced anxiety (p < 0.04) while the nature video appeared to increase anxiety (p = 0.036). Age influenced activity preference and anxiety. Shared, hands-free interactive media engaged individuals of diverse age and mobility. Conclusion: Shared opportunities for positive distraction in healthcare facilities are valuable, particularly hands-free interactive media.

Effect of transportation method on preoperative anxiety in children: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of a wagon as a transport vehicle instead of the standard stretcher car to reduce children's anxiety of separation from parents. The secondary goal was to evaluate whether this anxiolytic effect was related to age.

METHODS

We divided 80 children (age 2-7 years) into two groups. The stretcher group was transferred to the operating room on a conventional stretcher car, whereas the wagon group was transferred using a wagon. The level of anxiety was evaluated three times using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS): in the waiting area (T0), in the hallway to the operating room (T1), and before induction of anesthesia (T2).

RESULTS

The mYPAS score was significantly lower in the wagon group (36.7 [31.7, 51.7]) than in the stretcher group (51.7 [36.7, 83.3]) at T1 (P = 0.007). However, there was no difference in the mYPAS score between the two groups at T2 (46.7 [32.5, 54.2] vs. 51.7 [36.7, 75.0], respectively, P = 0.057). The baseline anxiety tended to be lower with increasing age (r = -0.248, P = 0.031). During transportation to the operating room, the increase in the mYPAS score (T1-T0) was greater as the age of children decreased in the stretcher group (r = -0.340, P = 0.034). However, no correlation was observed in the wagon group (r = -0.053, P = 0.756).

CONCLUSION

The wagon method decreased preoperative anxiety, suggesting that it may be a good alternative for reducing preoperative anxiety in children.

POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AND STRESS RESPONSE: DOES CHILD'S GENDER HAVE AN INFLUENCE?

Surgical procedure causes multisystem stress response reactions. The aim of this study was to assess whether gender has an impact on the level of neuroendocrine response to surgical stress and intensity of postoperative pain in children undergoing inguinal hernia repair surgery, as well as satisfaction of their parents with preoperative and postoperative care. The study included 60 children aged 3-6 years, all of them the only child in the family. All children included in the study were categorized as American Society of Anesthesiologists PS Class I, and divided into two groups: group 1 composed of 30 boys and group 2 composed of 30 girls. After oral premedication with midazolam, general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation was performed in all patients. Ketorolac, 1 mg.kg^-1, was administered for postoperative analgesia. Serum cortisol was measured in all children preoperatively and postoperatively. The quality of postoperative analgesia was evaluated by Wong-Baker (FACES) scale, along with parental satisfaction. Male children who were the only child in the family had stronger neuroendocrine response to surgical stress and stronger intensity of postoperative pain. The parents of the girls expressed greater satisfaction with preoperative and postoperative care.

Development of CliniPup, a Serious Game Aimed at Reducing Perioperative Anxiety and Pain in Children: Mixed Methods Study

Background

An increasing number of children undergo ambulatory surgery each year, and a significant proportion experience substantial preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. The management of perioperative anxiety and pain remains challenging in children and is inadequate, which negatively impacts the physical, psychosocial, and economic outcomes. Existing nonpharmacological interventions are costly, time consuming, vary in availability, and lack benefits. Therefore, there is a need for an evidence-based, accessible, nonpharmacological intervention as an adjunct to existing pharmacological alternatives to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. Technology-enabled interventions have been proposed as a method to address the unmet need in this setting. In particular, serious games hold a unique potential to change health beliefs and behaviors in children.

Objective

The objective of this research was to describe the rationale, scientific evidence, design aspects, and features of CliniPup, a serious game aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery.

Methods

The SERES Framework for serious game development was used to create the serious game, CliniPup. In particular, we used a mixed methods approach that consisted of a structured literature review supplemented with ethnographic research, such as expert interviews and a time-motion exercise. The resulting scientific evidence base was leveraged to ensure that the resulting serious game was relevant, realistic, and theory driven. A participatory design approach was applied, wherein clinical experts qualitatively reviewed several versions of the serious game, and an iterative creative process was used to integrate the applicable feedback.

Results

CliniPup, a serious game, was developed to incorporate a scientific evidence base from a structured literature review, realistic content collected during ethnographic research such as expert interviews, explicit pedagogical objectives from scientific literature, and game mechanics and user interface design that address key aspects of the evidence.

Conclusions

This report details the systematic development of CliniPup, a serious game aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery. Clinical experts validated CliniPup’s underlying scientific evidence base and design foundations, suggesting that it was well designed for preliminary evaluation in the target population. An evaluation plan is proposed and briefly described.

A Web-Based Serious Game for Health to Reduce Perioperative Anxiety and Pain in Children (CliniPup): Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

As pediatric ambulatory surgeries are rising and existing methods to reduce perioperative anxiety and pain are lacking in this population, a serious game for health (SGH), CliniPup, was developed to address this unmet need. CliniPup was generated using the SERES framework for serious game development.

Objective

The goal of the research was to clinically evaluate CliniPup as an adjunct therapy to existing pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing perioperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing ambulatory surgery.

Methods

CliniPup was evaluated in a prospective randomized controlled pilot trial in 20 children aged 6 to 10 years who underwent elective surgery and their parents. Study participants were randomly assigned to the test (n=12) or control group (n=8). Children in the test group played CliniPup 2 days prior to surgery, and children in the control group received standard of care. On the day of surgery, pediatric anxiety was measured with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale and parental anxiety was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Pediatric postoperative pain was assessed by the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Child and parent user experience and satisfaction were also evaluated in the test group using structured questionnaires.

Results

Despite the small sample, preoperative anxiety scores were significantly lower (P=.01) in children who played CliniPup prior to surgery compared to controls. Parental preoperative anxiety scores were also lower in the test group (P=.10) but did not reach significance. No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain scores between groups (P=.54). The evaluation of user experience and satisfaction revealed that both children and parents were satisfied with CliniPup and would recommend the game to peers.

Conclusions

Results of the pilot trial introduce CliniPup as a potentially effective and attractive adjunct therapy to reduce preoperative anxiety in children undergoing ambulatory surgery with a trend toward positive impact on parental preoperative anxiety. These results support the use of the SERES framework to generate an evidence-based SGH that results in positive health outcomes for patients. Based on these preliminary findings, we propose a research agenda to further develop and investigate this tool.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03874442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03874442 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78KZab8qc)

Safety and Efficacy of a Propofol and Ketamine Based Procedural Sedation Protocol in Children with Cerebral Palsy Undergoing Botulinum Toxin A Injections

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy often undergo intramuscular botulinum toxin (BoNT-A) injections. These injections can be painful and may require procedural sedation. An ideal sedation protocol has yet to be elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a propofol and ketamine based sedation protocol in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy requiring BoNT-A injections.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

The sedations took place in a procedural sedation suite at a tertiary children's hospital from February 2013 through September 2017.

PATIENTS

164 patients with diagnoses of cerebral palsy undergoing propofol and ketamine based sedation for injections with botulinum toxin A.

METHODS

An initial bolus of 0.5 mg/kg ketamine followed by a 2 mg/kg bolus of propofol was administered with supplemental boluses of propofol as needed to achieve deep sedation during the intramuscular BoNT-A injections.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Propofol dosages, adverse events, serious adverse events, and sedation time parameters were reviewed.

RESULTS

345 sedations were successfully performed on 164 patients. The median total dose of propofol was 4.7 mg/kg (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.5, 6.3). Adverse events were encountered in 10.1% of procedures including hypoxemia responsive to supplemental oxygen (9.6%) and transient apnea (1.4%). The mean procedure time, recovery time, and total sedation time were 10, 11 and 33 minutes, respectively. With regard to patient variables, including age, weight, dose of propofol, sedation time, and Gross Motor Function Classification System classification, there was no association with increased incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Our sedation protocol of propofol and ketamine is safe and effective in children with cerebral palsy undergoing procedural sedation for intramuscular injections with BoNT-A. The adverse events encountered appeared to be related to airway and respiratory complications secondary to musculoskeletal deformities, emphasizing the importance of airway monitoring and management in these patients.

LEVEL

IV.

Observational Study of Pediatric Inpatient Pain, Nausea/Vomiting and Anxiety

Background: The prevalence and severity of pain, nausea/vomiting, and anxiety (PNVA) among hospitalized children is not well established. We describe the prevalence and severity of PNVA among hospitalized patients from oncology, general pediatrics, and cardiology services in a tertiary care center. Methods: Patients were recruited on admission and enrolled if their caregiver consented, spoke English, and were anticipated to stay 2-30 days. Symptoms were measured weekdays using age-validated tools. PNVA symptoms were described and compared. Results: We enrolled 496 (49.4%) patients of 1005 admitted. Patients were predominantly Caucasian (57.9%) on their first admission (53.6%). The average (SD) age was 8.6 years (5.9) in oncology, 4.2 (5.3) in general pediatrics and 2.6 (4.0) in cardiology. 325 (65.6%) patients reported anxiety, 275 (55.4%) reported nausea and 256 (52.0%) reported pain. Mean (SD) severity out of 10 was 3.7 (2.5) for anxiety, 3.2 (2.1) for nausea and 3.0 (1.5) for pain. Prevalence of PNVA was no different between clinical programs, but pain (p = 0.008) and nausea (p = 0.006) severity were. PNVA symptom co-occurrence was positively correlated (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Anxiety was the most common and severe symptom for hospitalized children. Patients in oncology demonstrated the least severe pain and nausea with no difference in anxiety between services.

Effectiveness of acupressure on anxiety of children undergoing anesthesia

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly used pediatric surgeries with high stress levels for children and their parents. The present study was designed and implemented regarding the fact that limited studies have ever been carried out about the effects of complementary therapies such as acupressure on the preoperative anxiety levels in children throughout the world.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Present study was a randomized clinical trial that was done in three groups with 144 children aged 5-12 years undergoing tonsillectomy. In present study, the children were allocated in three groups: intervention, control and sham. In the intervention group, the acupressure was applied on the Yintang point and in the sham group, was applied at a sham acupoint. No intervention was performed in the control group. Before and after intervention, the pediatric anxiety levels were measured using instruments. The results were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests, chi-square (χ2) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The significance level was considered p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The total anxiety score in children was (70.39 ± 20.93) in the control group, (67.83 ± 16.78) in the intervention group and (71.40 ± 21.82) in the sham group, not significant difference (p > 0.05). The different in the overall anxiety score among children before intervention compare to after intervention was as following: Control group (-3 ± 17.46), intervention group (8.42 ± 32.98) and sham group (-4.32 ± 24.47).

CONCLUSION

Like other surgical procedures, the tonsillectomy has serious stress for children. Our study demonstrates that the acupressure has a significant effect on the level of preoperative anxiety in children undergoing surgery. Therefore, nurses can use this technique to reduce the pediatric anxiety.

Comparative Study of Oral Midazolam Syrup and Intranasal Midazolam Spray for Sedative Premedication in Pediatric Surgeries

Introduction:

Midazolam is a water-soluble benzodiazepine which is frequently administered by intravenous and oral routes. Its nasal spray has become recently available.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, after obtaining clearance from the ethical committe, 66 patients between the age group of 4 and 10 years comparable in demographic variables were randomly allocated into two groups of 33 each. Group “O” received oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) 20 min before induction. Group “N” received intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) 20 min before induction. The heart rate and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean) and oxygen saturation (SPO₂) were recorded.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 15.0 software. The values were represented in number (%) and mean±sd.

Results:

Satisfactory sedation scores were better in nasal spray group than oral group. Satisfactory ease of induction scores, recovery times, and postanesthesia recovery scores were better in the nasal spray group than in the oral group.

Conclusion:

Nasal midazolam spray is acceptable and is a good alternative to oral midazolam as premedication in the pediatric population.

Preoperative Evaluation of the Pediatric Patient

The article reviews frequently encountered preoperative concerns with a goal of minimizing complications during administration of pediatric anesthesia. It is written with general anesthesiologists in mind and provides a helpful overview of concerns for pediatric patient preparation for routine and nonemergent procedures or interventions. It covers unique topics for the pediatric population, including gestational age, respiratory and cardiovascular concerns, fasting guidelines, and management of preoperative anxiety, as well as the current hot topic of the potential neurotoxic effects of anesthetics on the developing brain.

Web-Based Learning for Children in Pediatric Care: Qualitative Study Assessing Educational Challenges

Background

Hospitalization is a significant and stressful experience for children, which may have both short-term and long-term negative consequences. Anaesthesia-Web is a Web-based preparation program that has been well received and is being used worldwide to reduce stressful experiences, increase understanding, and exchange information in pediatric care. A deeper theoretical and educational understanding encompassing children’s learning processes on Anaesthesia-Web may optimize and support the development and design of similar websites for children in pediatric care.

Objective

The objective of this study was to elucidate key educational principles in the development and design of websites for children in pediatric care.

Methods

A directed qualitative content analysis was applied to analyze the content and design of Anaesthesia-Web from a theoretical and educational perspective. preunderstanding, motivation, learning processes, and learning outcome were used to analyze the learning possibilities of Anaesthesia-Web for children prior to contact with pediatric care.

Results

We found 4 themes characterizing children’s learning opportunities on Anaesthesia-Web in the analysis: “In charge of my learning”; “Discover and play”; “Recognize and identify“; and “Getting feedback”. The analysis showed that Anaesthesia-Web offers children control and enables the use of the website based on interest and ability. This is important in terms of motivation and each child’s individual preunderstanding. Through discovery and play, children can receive, process, and apply the information on Anaesthesia-Web cognitively, emotionally, and by active participation. Play stimulates motivation and is very important in a child’s learning process. When facing pediatric care, children need to develop trust and feel safe so that they can focus on learning. On Anaesthesia-Web, children can recognize situations and feelings and can find someone with whom to identify. Several features on the website promote feedback, which is necessary to judge learning achievements, confirm understanding, and embody the need for repetition.

Conclusions

Web-based preparation programs are important learning resources in pediatric care. Content and design needs to change from simply providing information to embracing the importance of a child’s need to process information to learn and fully understand. By developing Web-based preparation programs that include educational principles, Web-based technology can be used to its fullest advantage as a learning resource for children. The 4 educational themes described in this study should help future similar website developments within pediatric care.