Anaesthetists' attitudes to parental presence at induction of general anaesthesia in children.

Attitudes of anaesthetists of various grades working in different types of hospital in England and Wales, to parental presence in the anaesthetic room during induction of anaesthesia in children were assessed by means of a postal questionnaire. Of the 300 questionnaires sent out, 244 (82%) were completed. The majority of anaesthetists were in favour of parental presence in the anaesthetic room for induction of anaesthesia in children over the age of 1 year undergoing routine day case surgery. A small but significant number expressed reservations about some aspects of parental presence. The grade of anaesthetist and type of hospital did not appear to influence the response.