The presence of parents during anaesthesia induction

Abstract

The literature supporting the presence of parents in the anaesthetic room during anaesthesia induction of their children is considerable, but in Malta up to this very day, parents are still prevented from accompanying their children until they are asleep. The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of anaesthetists and nurses about parents' presence and to identify the factors accounting for the current practices. This study was conducted at Karen Grech Theatre and the two sample populations identified consisted of 12 nurses and 12 anaesthetists from various grades. A descriptive non experimental approach was chosen using a questionnaire to both the theatre nurses and the anaesthetists. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis was undertaken. The data revealed that while anaesthetists and theatre nurses are aware of the positive effects parents' presence has on children, the respondents were mainly concerned about parental anxiety being transferred to the child. The results suggested that although the respondents had reservations about this practice, the majority would want to accompany their own children. Factors which could inhibit parents' presence in the anaesthetic room were identified. The implications of this study were discussed.