Parent satisfaction with pediatric anesthesia- a cross-sectional, multicenter study in Norway.

Abstract

Background: Parental satisfaction with anesthetic care is utilized as a proxy for child satisfaction. The evidence base regarding parent satisfaction with pediatric anesthesia care is limited. The aim of the current study was to assess (1) parent satisfaction with pediatric anesthesia in three hospitals, (2) potential differences across hospitals, and (3) potential associations between parent satisfaction and the child's age, surgical specialty, hospital, whether the parent previously had followed a child to surgery, and relation to the patient.

Methods: The Norwegian version of the “pediatric anesthesia parent satisfaction survey” questionnaire (NPAPS) was used. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis test and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results: In total, 234 parents responded. Most respondents agreed that their child had received the highest quality care during the surgical experience (96.4%–97.4%). Nearly all respondents agreed that their questions were responded to (94.6%–97.6%), information was understandable (96.4%–97.4%), the amount of information was appropriate (96.4%–97.4%), the child's integrity was respected (94.6%–97.4%), the child was treated respectfully and professionally (96.45%–97.6%), and that personnel paid attention to the parent's concerns (93.8%–94.7%). Respondents disagreed with being explained how the child might feel physically and emotionally after anesthesia (9.5%–10.5%) and also disagreed with being satisfied with the way the child fell asleep and woke up from anesthesia (5.3%–7.1%). No factors were associated with the level of parent satisfaction, and there were few differences between hospitals.

Conclusion: Even if parents are overall satisfied with anesthesia care, improvement areas regarding the preparation of parents and control of postoperative symptoms were detected.