title: [Preparation, premedication and parental presence].
abstract: 40% to 60% of children undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia develop anxiety in the preoperative period. Multiple factors contribute to the genesis of this disorder. Preoperative anxiety may complicate the induction of anaesthesia and can cause behavioural modifications in children even long after surgical procedures have been completed. It is important to focus on prevention of such problems. A preparation program, premedication and parental presence during induction of anaesthesia are valid tools for achieving this goal. We are herewith presenting a play preparation program carried out by play specialists and offered to all children prior to surgery. This approach proved effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in children and their mothers.
authors.affiliation: I Servizio di Anestesia e Rianimazione, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bortone
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Picetti
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000777:Anesthetics; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D010290:Parents; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication; D011300:Preoperative Care
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives