• Kristi D Wright, Mateen Raazi, and Kirstie L Walker.
• Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, SK, Canada. Electronic address: kristi.wright@uregina.ca.
• J Clin Anesth. 2017 Jun 1; 39: 45-52.

Study ObjectiveLimited evidence-based, interactive, Internet-delivered preoperative preparation programs for children and their parents exist. The purpose of this investigation was to develop and examine the effectiveness of the Internet-delivered, preoperative program (I-PPP) in alleviating prepoperative anxiety in children undergoing outpatient surgery. In Study 1, the I-PPP was developed and then evaluated by parent/child dyads and health care professionals. In Study 2, the effectiveness of I-PPP was examined.DesignThis study was a development and effectiveness study.SettingFor Study 1, participants were recruited from the community. For Study 2, participants were recruited from the Royal University Hospital.PatientsIn Study 1, participants were 9 parent/child dyads and 5 health care professionals. In Study 2, participants were 32 children (3-7years) scheduled for outpatient surgery and one parent for each child.InterventionIn Study 1, I-PPP modules were created and parent/child dyads and health care professionals evaluated I-PPP modules and treatment credibility. In Study 2, child patients and their parents completed the I-PPP prior to day of surgery.MeasurementsObserver-rated anxiety of child participants was measured during the day surgery experience. Parent state anxiety was measured prior to completing I-PPP, pre- and post-surgery. Post-surgery parents provided comments regarding the I-PPP. Post-surgery child behaviour change was assessed.Main ResultsFor Study 1, ratings for I-PPP components and treatment credibility surpassed our acceptability criterion. Minor changes were made to I-PPP. For Study 2, mYPAS scores were stable across day surgery. mYPAS scores in current study at induction did not differ significantly from benchmark studies. Significant reduction in parent anxiety was observed pre- to post-surgery. Parents positively endorsed the program. Negative post-operative behaviours were observed in a proportion of children.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that I-PPP represents a viable option for preoperative preparation for children and their parents.Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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