• Lisbet Andersson, Katarina Karlsson, Pauline Johansson, and Sofia Almerud Österberg.
• Faculty of Health and Caring Science, Linnaeus University, Växjö, Sweden.
• Paediatr Anaesth. 2020 Sep 1; 30 (9): 998-1005.

IntroductionChildren experience anesthetization as stressful, and many preoperative measures have been tested for reducing their anxiety. There is, however, little research about children's own experiences and thoughts about being anesthetized.AimsThe aim of the present study was thus to explain and understand the meaning of being anesthetized as experienced by children.MethodsA qualitative lifeworld hermeneutic approach was used. Data were collected through nonparticipant video observations, field notes, and interviews. The participants were children (n = 28) aged 4-13 years who required general elective minor surgery performed in four Swedish hospitals.ResultsThe four interpreted themes describe the children's experiences of being anesthetized: Being powerless, Striving for control, Experiencing an ambiguous comprehensibility, and Seeking security. The children struggled with anxiety as a result of their inability to protect themselves from perceived external threats while being anesthetized. In order to meet their needs, it would be beneficial for them to receive appropriate information in a calm, supportive, and protective environment.ConclusionThe reasons for children experiencing anxiety when being anesthetized are multifaceted, and this study highlights the importance of listening to each child's own voice and striving to create an individually adapted caring and safe environment with as much protection as possible.© 2020 The Authors. Pediatric Anesthesia published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

9 keywords...

hide…