Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026-05-05
Abstract
Preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients can negatively impact overall surgical experiences. There are multiple negative effects of preoperative anxiety, including both short- and long-term effects. A needs assessment helped identify a gap in Child Life Specialist (CLS) care coverage at a pediatric outpatient facility in a metropolitan city in the Midwest. CLSs have primary role in preparing patients and families for pediatric surgery. Therefore, an educational offering was created for 15 registered nurses at an outpatient surgical facility to help ensure quality care when CLSs are unavailable. This program aims to increase staff knowledge and comfort regarding preoperative anxiety reduction in pediatric patients. The educational offering utilizes evidence-based practice methods of reducing pediatric patient anxiety in the preoperative setting. This scholarly project explores the following research question: Does the implementation of an anxiety-reduction education program for perioperative nurses increase overall knowledge and comfort level in assessing for and managing preoperative anxiety in the pediatric population? Nurses’ knowledge and comfort level will be measured in a pre- and post-intervention survey that uses a 5-point Likert scale in addition to a return demonstration activity. Patient anxiety scores will be measured using the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale Short Form (M-YPAS-SF) before and after implementation of anxiety reduction method(s). Following implementation of the educational program, it is expected that nurses’ knowledge and comfort level in assessing and managing preoperative anxiety will increase and pediatric anxiety assessment scores will decrease.
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