Psychological preparation as a factor in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients
A narrative literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2026.60.Suppl.1.3331Keywords:
surgical procedure, fear, children, psychological preparation, surgeryAbstract
Introduction: Psychological preparation of children before surgery significantly reduces preoperative anxiety. However, the approach must be tailored to each child’s individual characteristics. The aim of this literature review was to examine the importance of appropriate psychological preparation for children undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia, as well as its impact on reducing preoperative anxiety.
Methods: A narrative literature review with a systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, CINAHL Ultimate, and ScienceDirect databases (2013–2023), and using the COBISS search engine. An English-language search string and Slovenian keywords were used. The search yielded 113 results. Of these, seven randomised controlled trials were included in the final analysis.
Results: In six studies, non-pharmacological approaches (picture books, virtual reality, smartphone games, toy-car transport, informational brochures) significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and/or improved cooperation during anaesthesia induction, while one tablet-based intervention did not reach statistical significance. In one study, psychological preparation was found to be as effective as oral midazolam, and virtual reality effectively prevented anxiety escalation during induction, and also reduced parental anxiety.
Discussion and conclusion: As unified guidelines for the most appropriate approach have not yet been established, it is essential to adapt to the individual needs of each child. Proven effective measures include educational and behavioural interventions, distraction techniques, parental presence, and appropriate communication by healthcare staff, all of which significantly reduce preoperative anxiety.
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