Paediatric anaesthesia
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial.
Virtual reality has been shown to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety of pediatric patients. A newer immersive technology, that of augmented reality, offers some practical advantages over virtual reality, and also seems to show beneficial effects on anxiety. The main objective of this study was to determine whether augmented reality could reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing elective day surgeries. A secondary outcome was to document the level of satisfaction from pediatric patients toward augmented reality intervention. ⋯ To our knowledge, this study is the first large randomized controlled trial to provide empirical evidence of reduction in anxiety for children and adolescents using augmented reality prior to induction of general anesthesia.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
Validity of the modified-Distraction-Short-Scale and Verbal-Numeric-Anxiety-Fear-Rating-Scale for children in a preoperative setting.
The perioperative period can be stressful for children and families. Minimizing child distress and investigating the quality of anesthetic care is important. There is a paucity of assessment tools available to assess perioperative anxiety in children. ⋯ The modified-Distraction-Short-Scale and the Verbal-Numeric-Anxiety-Fear-Rating-Scale are simple and valid tools for assessing children's perioperative anxiety or fear and evaluating coping behavior. These results suggest that both scales are useful tools for routine clinical practice and research.
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Paediatric anaesthesia · Feb 2024
It's time to stop using nitrous oxide for pediatric mask induction.
Mask induction of anesthesia for pediatric patients has included the use of nitrous oxide since the inception of pediatric anesthesia. However, the use of nitrous oxide precludes adequate preoxygenation. Additionally, pediatric physiology (less Functional Residual Capacity, higher oxygen consumption), increased risk of laryngospasm and lack of intravenous access increase the risk of a severe airway complication in the event of airway occlusion. Nitrous oxide does not facilitate tranquil mask placement on an unwilling child and does not meaningfully speed mask induction. Exposure to nitrous oxide has potential occupational health concerns and nitrous oxide has significant environmental detriment. ⋯ Utilizing other, evidence-based, techniques to facilitate tranquil mask placement will assure that patients have a pleasant induction experience and avoiding nitrous oxide will reduce the environmental impact, as well as improve the safety of, pediatric mask induction.