%0 Journal Article
%T Exploring Preoperative Experiences and Informational Needs Among Chinese School-Age Children Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Qualitative Study.
%A Chen J
%A Ye X
%A Wang D
%A Xu H
%J J Pediatr Health Care
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 19
%M 38904594
%F 1.838
%R 10.1016/j.pedhc.2024.05.005
%X <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To understand preoperative experiences and information needs of Chinese school-aged children undergoing elective surgery to design standardized preoperative education programs to alleviate preoperative anxiety.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Semi-structured interviews combined with drawing, writing, and telling techniques were conducted in 12 children. The paintings were interpreted alongside children's verbal expressions. All data were analyzed using thematic analysis.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Three themes emerged: Origins of Surgical Knowledge: Proximity-based knowledge, media exposure, past personal medical experiences, ward-mate interactions, healthcare staff education; Pre-Surgery Experiences: Anticipation of pain, post-op sensations and impact on life, fantasizing about the operation, being aware of risks, demonstrating psychological resilience, being curious about anesthesia experience, enjoying a break; Preoperative Informational Needs: 55 identified.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Lack of standardized preoperative education creates a gap between children's knowledge and actual surgical experiences. Developing preoperative education tailored to individualized informational needs and developmental level helps fill their gaps, alleviate preoperative anxiety and improve health outcomes.