In this study parents' and anaesthetists' views were compared, by mean
s of a questionnaire, to assess the benefit of parental presence at in
duction. One hundred and ninety four unpremedicated children aged 1-16
years underwent daycase surgery. One hundred and eighty four parents
accompanied their child and felt that their child benefited from this.
Anaesthetists rated only 72% of parents as being helpful. Parents who
had undergone anaesthesia in the past were less likely, 60% compared
with 79% (p < 0.01), to consider themselves as upset than parents who
had not. Thirty one percent (44/140) of anaesthetists, compared with 4
3% (60/140) of parents, felt the child was upset at induction (p < 0.0
1). Parents judging themselves to be upset at induction were significa
ntly more likely to consider their child as upset (p < 0.01). Most par
ents feel that they are of help in the anaesthetic room regardless of
whether or not they find it an upsetting experience. Ninety eight per
cent would want to accompany their child in the future and we believe
this should be allowed unless there are overriding considerations.