Date of Award

3-25-2008

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Medical Doctor (MD)

First Advisor

Zeev N. Kain

Abstract

Previous studies have investigated the physiological and behavioral effects of parental presence in the operating room during the induction of anesthesia (PPIA) both on the child and the parent. Since the characterization of anxiety in infants presents a unique challenge due to their inability to communicate verbally, these studies have typically focused on children greater than two years old. In the present study we addressed this understudied population directly by using highly reliable and validated behavioral instruments as well as analyzing sleep patterns and signs of distress in the infants. The hypothesis tested was the same as in the older child populations: parents and infants of parents who are present in the OR during the induction of anesthesia will demonstrate less behavioral and physiological anxiety than those parents and infants who do not experience PPIA. According to randomized controlled study design, the subjects were randomly assigned into either (1) the PPIA group (parents present in the OR until the infant is asleep) or (2) the Control group (parents not present in the OR). To date we have enrolled 10 patients to this study (n=10). Patient recruitment is ongoing. Because of the small sample size, data are unstable and thus a detailed discussion is beyond the scope of this abstract. Parental presence is a highly significant issue for parents of children undergoing induction of anesthesia. This topic is particularly important within the context of family centered care. Further data are needed to finalize our conclusions.

Comments

This is an Open Access Thesis.

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