title: Picture book support for preparing children ahead of and during day surgery.
abstract: Aim To develop and evaluate the use of a specific picture book aiming to prepare children for anaesthesia and surgery. Methods An intervention comparing two different information methods before ear, nose and throat day surgery was performed. The intervention involved using a specific information sheet and a specific picture book. Parents (n=104) of children aged 2-12 years completed open-ended questions that were analysed with qualitative content analysis. They were divided into two groups: one group received routine information and one received routine information and the intervention. Findings The picture sheet and picture book were valuable aids to prepare small children for anaesthesia and surgery by explaining the procedures that would take place. The parents expressed that knowledge of the procedures made them and the child feel secure. Conclusion Peri-operative information through pictures supports children and their parents during day surgery and may be helpful in future healthcare visits.
authors.affiliation: Vrinnevisjukhuset, Gamla Övägen, Norrköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.affiliation: Department of otorhinolaryngology, Vrinnevi Hospital, Norrköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Svensson
authors.affiliation: Department of anaesthetics, operations and speciality surgery centre and department of medical and health sciences, Linköping University, 58185 Linköping, Sweden.
authors.forename: Gunilla Hollman
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Frisman
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000451:nursing*; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000451:nursing*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000451:nursing*; D001877:Books; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000451:nursing*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000451:nursing*
keywords: acute care; anaesthesia; anxiety; child health; day surgery; paediatric nursing; peri-operative