Parental involvement in perioperative anesthetic management.

Parents desire increased input into their child's health care and are taking a larger role in their medical treatment. They are present for a greater amount of time during the hospitalization of their child by staying at the bedside, being physically present during critical events such as cardiac arrest and invasive procedures, and participating in the medical decision-making process. This review discusses the pros and cons of parental presence during the perioperative anesthesia care of the pediatric patient.