MetroHealth Medical Center
Department of Perioperative Services
Parental Presence in the Operating Room During Anesthesia Induction
In selected cases, a parent may accompany their child into the operating room and remain with them during the initial induction of anesthesia. The objective is to improve the quality of care for our pediatric patients (and their families) by providing parental comfort and support in order to minimize the fear of the unknown associated with separation anxiety.
It is anticipated that this policy will be most beneficial for younger school-age children in good general health.
The Department of Perioperative Services, the Department of Anesthesia, the Department of Surgery, and the Department of Pediatrics — Child Life and Education Program jointly support the practice of parental presence during anesthesia induction.
Criteria
1. The decision to permit a parent into the operating room must be made jointly by the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist on a case-by-case basis. The decision to invite the parent into the OR is to be agreed upon, prior to offering the option to the parent.
2. The surgeon and or anesthesiologist will initiate discussion of the visitation option before the patient is taken to the operating room and will include nursing, anesthesia personnel, and surgeons. Nursing, anesthesia, or the surgeon will discuss and implement parent teaching and education.
A. The purpose and positive aspects of parental presence during anesthesia induction is to be discussed with the parent.
B. The purpose of a parent being present during induction of anesthesia is to provide comfort during the initial phase of anesthesia, not for the purpose of observing surgery. The parent leaves the operating room immediately after induction of anesthesia, before the preoperative prep and drape begin.
3. Parents must be dressed in attire appropriate to enter an operating room.
4. Only one parent may accompany the child into the operating room.
5. Parent must agree to leave the OR when asked by the attending anesthesiologist or any member of the surgical team.
6. The parent will be escorted back to the holding area, as soon as initial induction is complete. Directions for the waiting room will be given.
Written:9/90
Reviewed/Revised:10/93, 1/95, 8/96, 1/01, 6/01
Approved: OR Committee 7/91
Distribution: Operating Room
Reprinted with permission: MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland.
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