Views, Experiences, and Challenges of Anesthetists and Anesthesia Technologists on Parental Presence During Induction of Anesthesia in Children: A Mixed Method Study

INTRODUCTION: Parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA) has a potential positive impact on the pediatric patient, parents, and anesthesia staff. Several studies have explored the effectiveness of PPIA. However, there are no recent studies that explore the anesthesia staff's views, experiences, and challenges toward PPIA. The aim of this study was to discover the views, experiences, and challenges of anesthetists and anesthesia technologists regarding PPIA within a hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This study followed a mixed-method design with a qualitative descriptive approach. A methodologic triangulation of data collection, comprising phase one, quantitative Likert-scale questionnaires, and phase two, qualitative semi-structured interviews. Thirteen anesthetic practitioners were recruited in the questionnaire phase, and then six anesthetic practitioners participated in the interviews. The quantitative data set was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and results are given using descriptive statistics. The qualitative data set used thematic analysis and results are given using themes and participants' quotes. RESULTS: The data analysis identified representative themes and revealed no major differences in the opinions and experiences of anesthetists and anesthesia technologists on PPIA support. Based on the anesthesia staff's experiences, they believed in PPIA benefits, such as reduction in sedation use, minimizing the child's anxiety, and enhanced level of cooperation with the staff. Several points were raised indicating that there were challenges of PPIA with anxious parents and hospital policy being the main concern. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence from anesthetic practitioners that PPIA is seen in a positive light within the Saudi hospital. The study's findings support further research to improve pediatric anesthesia practice, including a review of the hospital guidelines and policy.