Reducing Pre-operative Anxiety Amongst Children Coming For Elective General Surgery
Care Process & Redesign
National University Health System Quality Improvement
National University Health System
31 December 2020
To achieve an Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) score of ≤4 amongst children aged 2 to 12 undergoing elective surgeries. The program effectively reduced pre-op anxiety, with plans for expansion across surgical disciplines.
Year Submitted: 2020
Published Date: 31 December 2020
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Clinical Practice Improvement, Productivity, Cost Saving, Value Based Care, Patient Satisfaction
About this Content
Aims
To achieve an Induction Compliance Checklist (ICC) score of ≤4 amongst children aged 2 to 12 undergoing elective surgeries from 58% to 80% in 6 months.
Background
Children coming for elective surgery often experience anxiety, leading to increased post-op pain, delayed discharge, and behavioral changes. Causes include inadequate preparation and resistance during anaesthesia induction.
Methods
Developed Red Flags table, role-play boxes, educational pamphlets, and structured workflows. Staff training and refined pre-medication protocols.
Results
ICC scores improved to 87% (baseline: 54%). Positive ICC scores reduced disruptive behavior scores from 46% to 19%, highlighting effective interventions.
Conclusion
The program effectively reduced pre-op anxiety, with plans for expansion across surgical disciplines.
Lessons Learnt
Multi-disciplinary teamwork, bite-sized task delegation, and parental education played critical roles in reducing children's anxiety.
Keywords
Clinical Improvement, Paediatric Care, Anxiety Reduction, Anaesthesia Induction, Pre-Operative Preparation, Elective Surgery, Induction Compliance Checklist
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National University Health System |
Organization(s) Involved | National University Hospital |
Platform(s) | National University Health System Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Nursing, Medical |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Paediatrics, Surgery, Psychology |
Project Lead(s) | Melody Long |
Project Member(s) | Tan Pei Shan |
Connect with this contributor!
Melody Long - melody_long@nuhs.edu.sg