BACKGROUND: Adequate preoperative information for pediatric patients and their families can prevent preoperative anxiety and improve postoperative outcome. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey to determine the preoperative information needs of children and their parents before anesthesia for elective surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two healthcare centers enrolled children from 10 to 17 years of age who had planned elective surgery under general or regional anesthesia, and their parents and anesthesiologists. A questionnaire was designed for the study. Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire on the day of the preoperative visit of the pediatric anesthesiologist.

RESULTS: There were 158 respondents, including 43 children (27.2%) undergoing elective surgery, 92 parents (58.2%), and 23 pediatric anesthesiologists (14.6%). The most helpful way of providing information, according to 12 children (41.4%), 53 parents (67.1%), and 17 pediatric anesthesiologists (77.3%), was in written form as a leaflet. The most common requests for information included: the postoperative regimen, 78 parents (96.3%) and 28 children (90.3%); recovery from anesthesia, 77 parents (95.1%) and 29 children (93.5%); postoperative pain management, 78 parents (96.3%) and 26 children (83.9%); and duration of anesthesia, 78 parents (96.3%) and 23 children (74.2%).

CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative survey of children and their parents showed that the most requested information was about the postoperative regimen, recovery from anesthesia, postoperative pain management, and duration of anesthesia. Both children and parents preferred to have preoperative information provided in written form, and the best time to provide information was on the day before surgery.

Keywords: preoperative period, Questionnaires