Utility of a Structured Teaching Approach, Rehearsal, and Training for Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder to Avoid Physical Restraint During Induction of Anesthesia

Abstract

PurposeWe aimed to determine whether the use of a structured teaching approach, rehearsing, and training (SRT) for anesthesia induction in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) could reduce the need for physical restraint. DesignRetrospective observational study MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 63 patients (4 to 40 y old) with ASD who underwent general anesthesia for dental treatment. Patients were divided into SRT (n = 22) and non-SRT (n = 41) groups. In the SRT group, patients were presented with a visual guide based on a structured teaching approach at the pre-anesthetic consultation. The guide comprised photographs of the places, tools, and processes that the patient would experience prior to anesthesia induction. Patients then practiced these processes (rehearsal). Patients in the non-SRT group were administered anesthesia in a conventional manner without SRT. FindingsThe percentage of patients needing physical restraint was significantly lower in the SRT (3/22, 13%) than in the non-SRT group (21/41, 51%, P < .001). ConclusionsThe SRT method reduces the need for physical restraint in patients with ASD during anesthesia induction.