Psychological preparation of children for surgery

Research shows that 40 % to 60 % of children, especially of pre-school and early school age, experience anxiety and stress before a surgery requiring general anaesthesia. Subsequently, some of them show post-traumatic stress symptoms, which continue to affect the child’s overall condition, recovery, and compliance with any other medical care. Children under seven years of age are considered to be the most endangered group. Several preventive measures can be taken that reduce the risk of developing a post-traumatic stress response. This algorithm endeavours to draw healthcare professionals’ attention to the critical points of the entire procedure of preparing a child for the surgery under general anaesthesia in terms of psychology, that can help children better manage medical intervention.