Psychological and emotional aspects of children undergoing elective surgery

Abstract

Within the scope of pediatric surgical care, a multitude of emotional and psychological factors intertwine, especially during the preoperative phase. Both children and their parents are susceptible to a wide range of emotions, including fear, anxiety and stress. In addition, a child's age, temperament, and previous encounters with medical procedures may also influence their emotional reaction to the impending surgery. To analyze through literature how emotional and psychological factors can impact pediatric surgical procedures. This is a literature review designed to highlight what has already been said in the scientific literature about understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of children who undergo elective surgeries. For this, the following inclusion criteria were listed: preferably be from the last five years, be available free of charge in full, be in Portuguese, English or Spanish and the theme be in accordance with the proposal of the article developed. Articles that did not correspond to the classification above were excluded. The emotional and psychological consequences of surgery on children and their families can go beyond the moments before the operation. Research shows that programs designed to mentally prepare children can help lower stress levels during and after surgery. Furthermore, if healthcare professionals take into account the emotional and psychological aspects of pediatric surgical care, this may result in better outcomes and greater satisfaction with the treatment received. By recognizing and meeting the emotional and psychological needs of children and their families, medical professionals can provide a more complete and empathetic level of care. Additionally, there are programs and techniques designed to help children and their families deal with these emotions and prepare for surgery. These programs may include teachings about the surgical procedure, methods for relaxing and strategies for dealing with feelings of anxiety and stress. Due to the aforementioned facts, emotional and psychological factors play a significant role in pediatric surgical care. The preoperative phase is particularly crucial, as anxiety and fear can affect both the child and their parents. It is essential that healthcare providers address these concerns and provide support to alleviate stress and promote a positive experience for everyone involved. By recognizing the emotional and psychological aspects of pediatric surgical care, healthcare providers can ensure that children and their families receive the best care possible.