Parents whose children anxiously face surgery now have a new calming alternative instead of sedative drugs.
A recent study in France assessed 112 children who were having day surgery. The kids were between 4 and 10 years of age. Roughly half of them took a sedative and the others were given an iPad.
They could play games like Angry Birds or Monster Dash twenty minutes before anesthesia was administered.
The iPad provided a positive distraction and the children were easier to anesthetize.
Anxiety levels were similar to the other group given the sedative Midazolam. However, parental satisfaction was higher in the group using the iPads.
iPads or other tablet devices don’t have sedative side-effects like drowsiness, dizziness or nausea. For other ways to calm a child before surgery, here are my prescriptions:
1. Talk with Your Child About the Procedure
It can ease stress and uncertainly.
2. Answer Questions Age-Appropriately
Avoid scary language like “you’ll be given gas” or “you’ll be put to sleep” as children may be confused if a family pet died this way.
3. Take a Tour of the Hospital or Facility
Getting a glimpse ahead of time can ease the fear of the unknown.
4. Practice Coping Skills
Deep breathing and positive mental imagery are great calming techniques.
Your child having surgery can certainly be scary. But, you have to put your game face on. Don’t cry or vent in front of them. You need to be supportive, loving and calm. Practice the coping skills daily with your child.
Taking deep breaths can help you relieve stress in any situation.
