Items included in questionnaire (Appendix 2):
(1) surgery
(2) anesthesia
(3) pre-operative fasting and preparation
(4) post-operative treatment procedures
(5) post-operative pain
(6) hospitalization
I could also add the following:
(7) recovery at home (after discharge)
(8) economics
Responses:
(1) not anxious at all
(2) slightly anxious
(3) quite anxious
(4) very anxious
Measures suggested to help relieve anxiety:
(1) more explanations by doctors and nurses
(2) opportunity to talk to parents whose children have undergone anesthesia
(3) education about anesthesia using audio-visual aids
(4) accompanying child to operating theatre
(5) to be present at induction of anesthesia
I could add the following:
(6) talk with a social worker about home care during the recovery
(7) talk to a financial counselor
