LAUSR

Aims To quantify and evaluate stakeholder satisfaction of our paediatric anaesthetic room (PAR), which at present contains limited child-friendly interventions. Methods We conducted a survey using anonymous paper questionnaires offered to patients, parents and staff over two weeks (29th March – 12th April 2017). Questionnaires were dispensed by nurses and anaesthetic trainees in the paediatric ward and PAR, and collected anonymously via collection boxes. Inclusion criteria:paediatric patients undergoing elective surgery, parents accompanying patient to PAR; all staff using the PAR (paediatric consultant anaesthetists and operating department practitioners; paediatric nurses and play-therapists accompanying patients) Exclusion criteria:stakeholder refusal; not fluent in English. Our survey investigated stakeholder satisfaction of the PAR and elicited particular feedback on lighting, colour, toys, and multimedia (tablet/television/music). At the time of the survey, there was no functioning television, no available tablets or music, and soft toys were not routinely used (none were used during the survey period). Results We collected 58 responses: 9 patients, 20 parents, 29 staff. Patients: In the PAR, 4/9 (45%) felt indifferent, 3/9 (33%) felt negatively and only 2/9 (22%) felt positively. All respondents wanted a change in colour and décor, and all wanted to play with toys. Almost all (8/9, 89%) wanted some form of multimedia. Parents: 13/20 parents (65%) felt the general environment, colour and décor were not child-friendly. The same proportion felt available toys and multimedia were insufficient. 9/20 (45%) felt lighting was poor. Staff: 26/29 (90%) felt the PAR was not child-friendly and the colour/décor was poor. 28/29 (98%) felt there was insufficient multimedia, 21/29 (72%) felt selection of toys was inadequate and 16/17 (94%) felt they preferred a previous PAR they had worked at. Conclusion Our survey identified stakeholder dissatisfaction, which has initiated plans for further needs-assessments and renovation. Our patients were largely indifferent towards the PAR environment, which was in contrast to parents and staff. Evidence suggests parental distress is associated with child distress during induction of anaesthesia, and it is therefore imperative that parents must be consulted in our re-design process which should focus on relieving distress of both parent and child.