Special Needs Assessment and Plan (SNAP) for Perioperative Patients on the Autism Spectrum and Other Developmental Disabilities

Limitations in social interaction and communication difficulties in patients with developmental disabilities, including autism, impact the level of stress experienced during hospitalization. The CDC and HRSA have identified that one in six U.S. children have developmental disabilities, with 1 in 59 diagnosed with autism. Autistic patients require preoperative services, but the stress that they experience may be greater than patients who do not have developmental disabilities. Evidence supports using a Special Needs Assessment and Plan (SNAP) to screen for potential special needs and to create a plan of care for patients with developmental disabilities.
Source: Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: ASPAN National Conference Abstract Source Type: research