Parental presence at induction of anesthesia: perceptions of a pediatric surgical department before and after program implementation.

INTRODUCTION

Parental presence at induction of general anesthesia (PPI) is highly desired by children and parents. However, it often faces resistance from medical personnel. We conducted a survey evaluating the perceptions of surgeons before and after establishment of a PPI program.

METHODS

Internal web-based surveys using Likert Scale questions were administered to all members of a pediatric surgical department before and after the introduction of PPI at a freestanding children's hospital. Pre and post results were compared by Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. A p-value ≤0.0026 was considered significant due to the Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

The survey was sent to 59 surgeons 1year before and 5years after gradual implementation of PPI. Response rates were 46% and 54%, pre and post implementation, respectively. After implementation, there was a statistically significant increased level of agreement with the statement: "PPI improves the parents' level of satisfaction" (p=0.0025) and a statistically significant decreased level of agreement with the statement "PPI lengthens the duration of induction" (p=0.0001). Before initiation, 56% wanted to see PPI implemented, while after implementation, 97% wanted PPI to remain.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of pediatric surgeons favored maintaining PPI after implementation. Resistance to initiation of PPI should not hinder implementation.

TYPE OF STUDY

Survey LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable.