Parental presence during anaesthesia induction for outpatient surgery of the infant

We conducted a randomized controlled trial of parental presence during anae sthesia induction for outpatient surgery in 73 infants (aged 1-12 months). Effects of parental presence on infant and parental outcomes, including anx iety, health care attitudes and satisfaction with the anaesthesia and surge ry experience were evaluated. Results demonstrated that parental presence h ad no impact on infant behavioural distress during induction. In addition, parents who were present demonstrated comparable anxiety levels and health care attitudes before and after surgery, as well as comparable levels of sa tisfaction with the surgical experience compared to parents who were absent during induction. We discuss reasons for the lack of treatment effects fro m parental presence, and new directions for future research to identify sub groups of children who may most benefit from the opportunity to have parent s involved in the perioperative period.