Preoperative assessment and preparation for safe paediatric anaesthesia

Publication date: Available online 30 June 2018Source: Anaesthesia & Intensive Care MedicineAuthor(s): Matthew Harvey, Tim GearyAbstractThe delivery of anaesthesia to children and young people provides unique challenges. A careful, systematic approach to assessment and preparation can deliver a positive experience for the child, carers and staff while mitigating potential complications. Preparation for anaesthesia should encompass information gathering, assessment and planning for anatomical, physiological, social and behavioural elements specific to the child and the surgery. Delivery of appropriate information, consent and fasting are also key elements of ensuring positive perioperative outcomes. We consider the common components of preparation for the delivery of safe paediatric anaesthesia.
Source: Anaesthesia and intensive care medicine - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research