Caregivers' reactions to preoperative procedures in outpatient pediatric surgery

Abstract

Objective: To identify pediatric caregivers' reactions in outpatient surgery settings. Methods: A quantitative descriptive/exploratory survey-based study involving application of a semi-structured questionnaire to 62 caregivers in two hospitals. Results: Most caregivers (88.7%) were mothers who submitted to preoperative fasting with their children. Nervousness, anxiety and concern were the most common feelings reported by caregivers on the day of the surgery. Conclusion: Medical instructions regarding preoperative procedures had significant positive impacts on patient care, and on patient and caregiver stress levels.