Psycho-care strategy for children during anaesthesia recovery
After having undergone anaesthesia and surgery, the child entered an anaesthesia recovery period. This stage is not only a gradual process of physical recovery but also a period of challenge to the psychological state of the child. Owing to their limited level of cognitive and psychological development, children are vulnerable to ill feelings of fear, anxiety and so on in the face of unknown circumstances, physical discomfort and possible pain. Therefore, an effective psycho-care strategy during anaesthesia recovery period is essential to enable the child to pass the recovery period smoothly, promote physical rehabilitation and reduce the potential risk of trauma.
I. PSYCHOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT OF ANATIC REHABILITY
(i) Fear and insecurity
Upon awakening from anaesthesia, children often find themselves in a strange environment, surrounded by various medical equipment and strangers. This feeling of unfamiliarity can lead to fear and anxiety. In addition, the physical discomfort and pain caused by the operation can exacerbate the fear of the children.
(ii) Separation anxiety
During anaesthesia recovery, the children may be separated from their parents, causing anxiety. They yearn for the company and comfort of their parents and lack a sense of security.
(iii) Vulnerability to suggestion
The child’s mind is susceptible to suggestion. The speech, expression and behaviour of medical personnel can have a significant impact on the psychological state of the child. Children may be even more disturbed when medical personnel show stress, anxiety and impatience.
II. Importance of psychological care during anaesthesia recovery
(i) Promoting physical rehabilitation
Poor mental state affects the physical rehabilitation of the child. Fear, anxiety, etc. may lead to physical stress on the child, affect physical functions such as breathing, cycling, and prolong the recovery period. Active psychological care, on the other hand, helps children to relax and contribute to their recovery.
(ii) Reduction of psychological trauma
A child who has experienced severe psychological trauma during anaesthesia recovery may have a negative impact on his or her future psychological development. Effective psychological care reduces the psychological trauma and protects the mental health of children.
(iii) Improved quality of care
Psychological care is an important component of overall care. Psychological care during anaesthesia recovery can improve the quality of care, meet the needs of the child and his/her family, and upgrade hospital services.
III. Psycho-care strategy for children during anaesthesia recovery
(i) Creating a comfortable environment
1. Keep the ward quiet, clean and sweet. A comfortable atmosphere can be created using soft lights, colourful decorations, etc.
2. Adjust the temperature and humidity of the ward to make it suitable for the physical recovery of the baby.
Reduce the noise of medical equipment and avoid stimulating children.
(ii) Increased communication with children
To communicate with the children in a gentle and cordial manner, so that they feel the love and security.
2. To explain to the children, in simple and comprehensible language, the circumstances in which they live and the treatment under way to reduce their fear and anxiety.
To listen to the children’s feelings and needs, and to respond and support them positively.
(iii) Providing emotional support
1. To allow parents to be with them during the period of recovery from anaesthesia, to give them emotional support and comfort.
Health-care workers can express their love for their children by touching them, hugging them, and so on, enhancing their sense of security.
3. To encourage children to express their feelings, such as fear, pain, etc., and to give them understanding and compassion.
(iv) Fragmentation
1. Provide children with some interesting toys, books or music to distract them and alleviate their discomfort and pain.
2. Play games, tell stories, etc. with the children, so that they can spend the recovery period in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.
3. To create an interesting virtual environment for small children by using innovative means such as virtual reality technology to distract them.
(v) Pain management
1. Use effective pain assessment tools to keep abreast of the pain levels of infants.
2. Select appropriate pain management methods, such as medical pain, physical pain, etc., depending on the degree of pain of the child.
3. In the treatment of pain, the purpose and methods of treatment are explained to the child, so that the child is psychologically prepared.
Psychological care during the period of anaesthesia is an important and complex task. Medical personnel need to be fully aware of the psychological characteristics of the child and to adopt an effective psycho-care strategy to provide the child with a comfortable environment, emotional support and pain management, and to help the child through the recovery period. At the same time, health-care providers are constantly improving their professional and psychological training to provide better guarantees for the healthy development of their children. A combination of psycho-care strategies can facilitate the physical rehabilitation of children, reduce psychological trauma, improve the quality of care and provide a good basis for their future development.
