• Cheryl H T Chow, Ryan J Van Lieshout, Louis A Schmidt, Kathleen G Dobson, and Norman Buckley.
• MiNDS Neuroscience Graduate Program, chowcht@mcmaster.ca.
• J Pediatr Psychol. 2016 Mar 1; 41 (2): 182-203.

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of Audiovisual (AV) interventions at reducing preoperative anxiety and its associated outcomes in children undergoing elective surgery.MethodsA systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies where the primary outcome was children's preoperative anxiety was conducted. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, behavioral changes, recovery, induction compliance, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. The risk of bias of each study was assessed.ResultsIn all, 18 studies were identified. A meta-analytic approach and narrative synthesis of findings were used to summarize the results of the studies.ConclusionsThis systematic review suggests that AV interventions can be effective in reducing children's preoperative anxiety. Videos, multi-faceted programs, and interactive games appear to be most effective, whereas music therapy and Internet programs are less effective. While AV interventions appear potentially useful, adequately powered RCTs are required to conclusively pinpoint the components and mechanisms of the most effective AV interventions and guide practice.© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

25 keywords...

hide…