Parental satisfaction on moving from open bay to single-family rooms neonatal intensive care unit.

The effect of therapeutic storytelling on pain, fear, and anxiety levels in children undergoing burn dressing.

As early rapid genomic sequencing (rGS) is adopted in paediatric medicine, there is an urgency to understand and address family support needs. This mixed methods study (Peregrin*) examined the experiences of 96 parents, 1-5 years after receiving trio rGS results for their child with a severe early-onset condition. Quantitative outcome measures assessed parental well-being, life satisfaction, and family impact, comparing results to non-clinical population data, between mothers and fathers, and according to child's diagnostic outcome. Qualitative semi-structured interviews explored parents' satisfaction with support, engagement with support networks, and unmet needs. Quantitatively, mothers exhibited elevated anxiety and depression relative to population norms, and there was a lack of strong correlation in well-being metrics within couples. Parents of children with a genomic diagnosis reported poorer well-being, explained by greater medical complexity. Qualitatively, insufficient support was more frequently reported by those whose child had received a genomic diagnosis (36%) compared to those without (6%). Families drew on a range of formal and informal support sources, including condition-specific groups, though these were accessed by a minority of fathers. These findings highlight persistent and evolving support needs in families affected by complex childhood health conditions, which persist after rGS. Parents' support needs are highly individual, vary over time and across children's illness trajectory. There remain important gaps between parental needs and support, impacting on family well-being.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate differences in parental satisfaction with healthcare provided to children undergoing inguinal hernia repair, comparing two organizational models of treatment: conventional hospitalization (CH) and day surgery (DS). Secondary objectives were to examine demographic characteristics, postoperative pain intensity, hospital stay duration, and clinical outcomes across groups. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Split, between 1 May 2024 and 1 May 2025. A total of 133 parents of children who underwent primary inguinal hernia repair completed the study questionnaire. The sample included 105 boys and 28 girls, with a median age of 5 years (IQR 3–7). Participants were assigned to either CH (n = 65) or DS (n = 68). Pain intensity was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while parental satisfaction was assessed using the Croatian version of the PedsQL™ 3.0 Healthcare Satisfaction–Parent Report instrument. Results: Postoperative pain levels did not differ significantly between the CH and DS groups (p = 0.439). Parental satisfaction scores were high in both settings. However, CH was associated with significantly greater satisfaction in the domains of information provision (p = 0.042), family participation (p = 0.012), communication (p = 0.017), and emotional support (p = 0.031). No significant differences were observed in general satisfaction (p = 0.945), technical skills (p = 0.054), or total satisfaction scores (p = 0.055). Conclusions: Day surgery represents a safe and efficient treatment model for pediatric inguinal hernia, with comparable pain outcomes to conventional hospitalization. Although overall parental satisfaction was high in both groups, lower ratings in the DS group for communication, emotional support, and information provision highlight areas for targeted organizational and educational improvements to enhance the family experience in ambulatory pediatric surgical care.

Listening to Little Voices: A Reflective Evaluation of Patient and Parent Satisfaction in a UK Paediatric Ophthalmology Clinic

This article examines communication between families and a bilingual kindergarten-primary school (“Institution X”) in Hungary, as a producer of legitimacy and symbolic authority rather than a mere conduit for information. Integrating Goffman’s dramaturgical sociology, Bourdieu’s theory of habitus and symbolic capital, Baudrillard’s analysis of sign-value and hyperreality, and Dâncu’s account of symbolic communication, we develop an operational Institutional image capital (IIC) index combining front-stage practices, symbolic capital, and sign-governance. Using longitudinal institutional data (2012-2025) –parent satisfaction, mentoring evaluations, enrolments/transfers, media presence, and digital activity –we show a sustained increase in all sub-indices and in IIC (76.8 to 86.8, 2021-2025). Findings support five hypotheses: media/digital visibility and consistent communicative rituals are associated with higher parental trust, reduced conflict, and enrolment growth. The analysis demonstrates that (1) predictable front-stage routines stabilize interactional order; (2) public recognition of pedagogical expertise converts cultural into symbolic capital; and (3) proactive sign-management anchors meaning before rumor produces simulacra. We conclude that communication is constitutive of educational quality: it sustains symbolic contracts with the community, shapes the interpretive environment of learning, and secures the institution’s right to define legitimate educational narratives.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of auricular cartilage expansion for conchal-type microtia in the high-altitude setting of Xizang. Fourteen children (10mo-6y) with unilateral conchal-type microtia underwent single-stage cartilage expansion between October 2024 and February 2025. Procedures included helical cartilage release, antitragal cartilage grafting, conchal expansion, and local flap resurfacing. Outcomes were assessed at 6 months. All reconstructions survived completely. Mean operative time was 92±12 minutes. Auricular height improved 7.8±1.3mm and projection 5.5±1.1mm. Sutures were removed at 9.1±0.9 days. Parental satisfaction was 100%. No infections, exposures, or hypertrophic scars occurred. Cartilage expansion is a safe, culturally acceptable alternative to rib-cartilage methods for conchal-type microtia in Xizang. It avoids rib cartilage donor-site morbidity, shortens recovery, and expands access to specialized care in remote, high-altitude regions.

Laparoscopic repair of congenital inguinal hernia (CIH) has evolved with techniques to minimize invasiveness while ensuring efficacy. This study compares percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) with laparoscopic disconnection of the hernial sac and internal ring narrowing regarding feasibility, safety, operative time, cosmetic outcome, and recurrence rate. A prospective randomized study was conducted on 109 male patients with 120 CIHs. Patients were allocated into two groups: Group A (laparoscopic disconnection and internal ring narrowing) and Group B (PIRS). Perioperative parameters, postoperative complications, recurrence rates, and parental satisfaction with cosmetic results were assessed. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group B (8.5 ± 3.9min for unilateral cases) compared to group A (40.8 ± 9.9min) (p < 0.001). Postoperative spermatic cord edema occurred in 19.6% of Group A and 1.9% of Group B (p < 0.05). Recurrence rates were 5.4% in Group A and 1.9% in Group B (p > 0.05). Parental satisfaction with scarring was significantly higher in group B (p < 0.05). In this randomized trial, PIRS resulted in shorter operative time, lower incidence of spermatic cord edema, and higher parental satisfaction compared with conventional laparoscopic repair in pediatric patients with congenital inguinal hernia. II (Prospective randomized study).

The high competition between educational institutions encourages madrasas to build a strong school brand image as a strategy to attract and maintain stakeholder satisfaction, especially students and parents. This study aims to analyze the influence of school brand image on student and parent satisfaction in State Madrasah Aliyah (MAN) throughout Pekanbaru City. The method used is quantitative with an associative approach. The sample consisted of 668 respondents (334 students and 334 parents) from MAN 1 and MAN 2, selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using validity (Pearson), reliability (Cronbach's Alpha), normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov), linearity, homogeneity, Spearman's rho correlation, and coefficient of determination. The results show that perceptions of school brand image are in the category of quite good according to students (M = 81.06) and very good according to parents (M = 95.13). Student satisfaction was quite good (M = 76.98), while parental satisfaction was very high (M = 51.68). There was a significant influence between school brand image on student satisfaction (ρ = 0.662; Sig. = 0.000) and parents (ρ = 0.189; Sig. = 0.000), with contributions of 43.8% and 3.57%, respectively. These findings support the theory of Aaker, Keller, and Zeithaml regarding the role of institutional image in shaping satisfaction. Academically, this study broadens the understanding of brand management in the context of Islamic education, and practically provides input for madrasas in developing service strategies based on stakeholder perceptions.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic toys designed by nursing students on the pain and anxiety levels of sick children before treatment and on the satisfaction of parents and students. The sample consisted of hospitalised children between 3–6 years old, their primary caregivers, and third-year nursing students. Nursing students designed therapeutic toys in the paediatric nursing course and used them to play with children in the experimental group 30 minutes before treatment. The data were collected using Personal Information Form, Student Satisfaction Survey, Parent Satisfaction Survey, Wong-Baker FACES® Scale, and Children’s Fear Scale (CFS). The mean Wong-Baker FACES® scores were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The experimental group also had a significantly lower mean CFS score than the control group (F = 5.073; p = 0.028; η2 = 0.965). The results also showed that most mothers and nursing students were highly satisfied with the intervention.

To evaluate and compare the sedative, anxiolytic, and post-operative effects of oral melatonin and nitrous oxide inhalation sedation in 5 to 8-year-olds for reducing dental anxiety in children. In this randomised clinical trial, 78 cooperative children were allocated to three groups: Tell-Show-Do (control), N₂O inhalation sedation, and oral melatonin sedation. Anxiety was assessed using Venham's Anxiety Scale, pulse rate, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and salivary cortisol using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Sedation was evaluated with the Houpt Sedation Rating Scale, and post-operative effects and parental satisfaction were recorded after 24h. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-tests, with within-group changes expressed as Cohen's d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Both N₂O and melatonin groups showed significant reductions in Venham's Anxiety Scores compared with the control group (p < 0.001, d = 0.82 [95% CI: 0.61-1.02] for N₂O; p = 0.002, d = 0.68 [95% CI: 0.47-0.89] for melatonin). Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain scores decreased substantially in both sedation groups (p < 0.001, d = 1.57 for N₂O; d = 3.68 for melatonin), indicating strong analgesic and behavioural control. Salivary cortisol levels also decreased significantly in the N₂O (p < 0.001, d = 0.91 [95% CI: 0.70-1.12]) and melatonin groups (p < 0.001, d = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.54-0.94]), whilst changes in the control group were nonsignificant (p = 0.48). Pulse rate declined significantly in both sedation groups (p < 0.001), whereas SpO₂ remained stable across all groups. No significant difference was found between N₂O and melatonin in sedation efficacy (p = 0.28) or post-operative recovery (p = 0.31). Both nitrous oxide inhalation sedation and oral melatonin effectively reduced anxiety and pain, with melatonin emerging as a potential alternative to nitrous oxide for paediatric dental procedures. The study protocol was registered at https://ctri.nic.in under the identifier CTRI/2023/08/056173.

Background: Virtual reality (VR) coping has recently flourished into a popular distractor in pediatric medical environments. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of VR versus standard care for reducing anxiety during routine outpatient ECGs. A secondary objective was to examine if the use of VR results in higher patient, parent, and ECG technician satisfaction when undergoing these procedures. Methods: Patients being clinically evaluated in a pediatric cardiology clinic with an ECG were prospectively enrolled after informed consent and randomized to VR and non-VR (standard care) groups. Patients completed pre- and post-ECG surveys using the validated Children’s Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) and the Children’s Fear Scale (CFS). In addition, patient, parent, and technician satisfaction were evaluated via post-procedure experience surveys. ECGs were reviewed by a pediatric cardiologist for presence of motion artifact and compared with electronic medical records for diagnostic accuracy. Differences between groups (VR vs non-VR) were measured using Student t-tests, while within group (pre vs post) differences were measured using repeated measures (Proc Mixed). The study was reviewed and approved by Stanford University IRB (#74232). All analyses were conducted using SAS OnDemand for Academics (Cary, NC). Results: Among 70 randomized patients, 1 was unable to finish the procedure, leaving 35 in the VR group and 34 in the non-VR group. No difference in technician time was observed between the groups (p = 0.32). Both groups showed significant reductions in post-ECG anxiety and fear scores (p &lt; 0.01 for both). However, no significant difference was seen between the VR and Non-VR groups for the decrease in anxiety (p=0.94) or fear (p=0.33). The majority of patients, parents, and technicians reported VR as a helpful distraction tool, with 91-95% of patients and parents feeling more relaxed and 79% of technicians finding VR improved efficiency. Additionally, 87-100% of respondents felt VR technology was engaging for the child and useful for other patients. Conclusion: While VR and Non-VR decrease anxiety and fear at similar rates, surveys indicate that children find VR to be a beneficial tool and the technology eases parents’ fears when watching their child undergo a new procedure. The use of VR also appears to aid in technician efficiency, suggesting the addition of this distractor has merit as a valuable tool in additional outpatient settings and patient groups.

Comparison of Esthetic Outcomes After Endoscopic versus Open Treatment for Sagittal Craniosynostosis According to Lausanne Classification.

ImportanceEffective anesthesia with minimal side effects is essential for pediatric patients undergoing adenoidectomy.MethodsA single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at Gaoming District People’s Hospital (China, January 2022-October 2023). Two-hundred fifty-six children (ASA I-II, age 3-12 years) scheduled for elective plasma radiofrequency adenoidectomy were randomized to 4 groups (n = 64 each). Group A received 0.9% normal saline; groups B, C, and D received continuous infusions of benzenesulfonate remimazolam at 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mg/kg/h, respectively, combined with 6% sevoflurane for induction and 2% to 3% for maintenance. Primary outcomes were emergence time and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay. Secondary outcomes included incidence of adverse events, peak Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scores, and parental satisfaction.ResultsMedian awakening time was longer in groups B, C, and D than in group A (P < .001). PACU stay was shorter in groups C and D versus group A (P < .05). Postoperative pain scores (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability) were lower in groups C and D than in groups A and B (P < .05). Peak PAED scores were lower in groups B, C, and D than in group A (P < .05); negative behavioral changes on postoperative day 3 were also reduced (P < .05). Parental satisfaction was higher in groups B, C, and D than in group A (P < .001). No serious adverse events occurred.Conclusion and RelevanceBenzenesulfonate remimazolam (0.6 mg/kg/h) combined with sevoflurane provides effective, safe anesthesia for pediatric plasma radiofrequency adenoidectomy, balancing induction efficacy, sedation depth, and safety. This regimen reduces emergence delirium, postoperative pain, and negative behavioral changes while enhancing parental satisfaction, supporting its use in pediatric adenoidectomy and warranting further investigation in other pediatric procedures.

BackgroundIn Peru, more than 9,000 individuals with Down syndrome (DS) experienced disruptions in healthcare access due to strict limitations on appointment availability and widespread hospital and clinic closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines changes in parental satisfaction with healthcare access before and during the pandemic (2021 vs. 2019), as reported by caregivers of children with DS.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey between October 2022 and April 2023 among parents of children with DS, aged 2–12 years, affiliated with the Peruvian Association for Children with Down Syndrome. The survey collected information on family demographics, comorbidities, medical care, and satisfaction with healthcare access. The primary outcome was the change in parental satisfaction between 2019 and 2021. The secondary outcome assessed healthcare utilization. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between healthcare utilization and satisfaction, adjusting for type of disability, parental education level, and type of health insurance.ResultsA total of 223 participants were included in the analysis. Developmental delay (75%) and cardiac conditions (41%) were the most commonly reported comorbidities. In 2019, 68.2% of children (n = 152) attended at least one medical appointment, compared to 53.8% (n = 120) in 2021. Among children with visits in both years (n = 72), satisfaction with healthcare access declined by 10.9 points (95% CI: 4.8–16.9; p < 0.01). For those receiving pediatric care during both years (n = 43), satisfaction decreased by 11.8 points (95% CI: 3.4–20.1; p < 0.01). In 2021, all specialties except pediatrics showed a discrepancy between needed and received care, with early intervention services showing the largest gap.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 emergency significantly impacted healthcare access satisfaction among children with DS. Strengthening pediatric training in genetic conditions is critical, particularly in low-resource settings where access to specialists is limited.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-025-05990-1.

Written educational materials have been found to be effective in the delivery of pre-operative information. However, creating personalized educational materials using large-language models (LLM) such as GPT-4 tailored to parental educational level has not yet been described in pediatric cardiology. A prospective single-center quality improvement study from December 2023 to March 2024 was completed with ChatGPT used to generate two pediatric cardiac catheterization information sheets at two different reading levels (6th and 10th grade) to improve procedural understanding by families. Surveys were distributed according to the highest level of education of theparent, along with a clinic satisfaction survey using a Likert scale. Twenty-six families were recruited. ChatGPT rapidly and accurately generated information sheets at the reading level requested. Mean pre- and post-education sheet Likert scale scores for "do you feel well-informed why your child's cardiac catheterization is being done?" were 4.27 and 4.85, respectively, with a significant mean improvement of 0.57 (p < 0.01). Families responded that the education sheet improved their overall satisfaction of the clinic visit with a mean survey score of 4.5 ± 0.8. 96% of families responded that the education sheet improved their understanding of the child's procedure. Our study demonstrates that LLMs such as GPT-4 can be valuable tools to adjust medical education to a specific reading level and augment a pre-procedural visit with healthcare professionals by improving clinic satisfaction and understanding of an otherwise complex procedure.

BackgroundNeonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in the early postnatal period, and timely identification is essential to prevent complications such as bilirubin encephalopathy and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. With early hospital discharge becoming more common, effective home-based monitoring strategies are urgently needed. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a structured obstetric nursing intervention in improving early detection of jaundice, reducing the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia and hospital readmission, and enhancing parental confidence and satisfaction through home-based monitoring.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 295 full-term neonates born at Xingtai People’s Hospital between January 2022 and December 2024. Infants were divided into two groups based on postnatal care: the intervention group (n = 125) received structured obstetric nursing interventions, including parental training on jaundice recognition, use of transcutaneous bilirubin meters, scheduled virtual follow-ups, and remote video assessments; the control group (n = 170) received standard discharge instructions without structured follow-up. Primary outcomes were timely jaundice recognition, incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (≥20 mg/dL), and hospital readmission within 7 days. Secondary outcomes included maternal anxiety scores and parental satisfaction.ResultsThe intervention group had a significantly higher rate of timely jaundice detection (91.2% vs 75.3%, P < 0.001), and a lower incidence of severe hyperbilirubinemia (2.4% vs 10.0%, P = 0.011). Readmission within 7 days was also reduced in the intervention group (5.6% vs 14.1%, P = 0.009). Additionally, maternal anxiety on postpartum day 7 was lower (mean STAI score: 32.1 ± 5.0 vs 40.8 ± 6.2, P < 0.001), and parental satisfaction was significantly higher in the intervention group (P < 0.001).ConclusionA structured obstetric nursing program for home monitoring of neonatal jaundice can significantly enhance early recognition, reduce the severity and complications of hyperbilirubinemia, and improve parental experience. These findings highlight the value of integrating nursing-led telehealth strategies into routine postnatal care.

We present the findings of an annual parent/carer satisfaction survey for an opt-out, NHS-funded special schools eye care service provided by SeeAbility at 31 London special school and college sites between April 2022 and March 2023. The survey was anonymous with an option to provide a name to allow follow-up to free-text comments. During this period, 2799 eye examinations were completed, and 1800 pairs of glasses were provided through the service. This service offers eye care, spectacle dispensing, and ongoing support with spectacle use. Each child receives a plain English report that explains their visual abilities, needs, and limitations to help families and educators understand how best to support them. The response rate to the survey was 19.2%. Of the respondents, 96% were satisfied with the service, and 91.6% reported a better understanding of their child’s visual abilities, needs, and limitations ( n = 417). School was the preferred setting for eye care delivery among 84% of parents, with 80% also preferring it as the place for their child’s glasses to be dispensed and fitted. Thematic analysis of open-text responses to service feedback requests (using NVivo 14) revealed positive responses and favourable outcomes associated with the service, specifically the successful completion of eye examinations and visual correction with spectacles, leading to improved visual outcomes.

PurposeChildren with facial and cervical birthmarks display unique physical and psychological complexities that demand multifaceted, long-term care following laser treatment. Integrated care based on the integrated care models is a promising approach to address these needs. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of integrated care for children with large facial and cervical birthmarks who were undergoing laser treatment.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed clinical data of children who received laser treatment under general anesthesia at our clinic from March 2022 to August 2024. Children were divided into a control group, which received conventional care, and a study group, which received integrated care based on the integrated care models in addition to conventional care. Outcomes compared between the groups included the children’s FPS-R and medication awareness rates on the seventh day post-discharge, parental satisfaction at seven days and three months, and the incidence of adverse reactions within three months.ResultsA total of 153 children were enrolled in the study, with 76 in the study group and 77 in the control group. Under the premise of comparable clinical characteristics, the study group exhibited significantly lower FPS-R (P=0.012) on the seventh day and higher parental satisfaction at both seven days and three months post-discharge (P<0.001) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in parental medication awareness rates between the groups, despite the study group achieving 100%. No significant differences were observed in the rates of adverse reactions; however, the control group reported severe local or systemic reactions, whereas the study group experienced only transient, mild adverse reactions.ConclusionThis study provided the first evidence of the efficacy of integrated care in laser treatment for pediatric facial and cervical birthmarks, particularly in alleviating pain levels and enhancing parental satisfaction. It also mitigated the severity of post-discharge adverse reactions. Integrated care improves treatment outcomes and the care experience for families of these special children, warranting further investigation.

Abstract Many European countries have experienced sustained educational expansion. Although the subjective well-being of upwardly mobile individuals has been studied, less is known about the implications of intergenerational mobility in education on parental well-being. Using multivariate regression models based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), this study examines whether children’s educational mobility is associated with their parents’ well-being, as measured by life satisfaction, and if so, whether low-educated parents profit more than middle-educated parents, and through which mechanisms. Parents with upwardly mobile children reported higher life satisfaction than those with nonmobile and downwardly mobile children. The effect was slightly stronger for parents with low education than for those with medium education. For parents with more than one child, each additional upwardly mobile child amplified the positive association with life satisfaction. However, we were unable to identify the substantial mechanisms responsible for the association between children’s educational mobility and parents’ life satisfaction. Emotional closeness, financial support, and instrumental help were associated with parental life satisfaction in general but did not differ enough between parents with and without upwardly mobile children to explain the mobility-related difference in parental life satisfaction. Intergenerational mobility in education represents a potentially relevant and “new” category of social inequality in old age, as social class in later life may also be affected by the educational capital of adult children. We discuss the need for further studies to understand the role of educational mobility for parental well-being in later life.