Social Support During Anesthesia Induction in an Adult Surgical Population

ABSTRACT

A surgical procedure is a stressful experience for the patient and his or her support persons. In addition, the unfamiliar OR environment may be overwhelming for the surgical patient.

This project assessed whether there is a need for support-person presence during anesthesia induction in the adult surgical population at an academic hospital. A survey was used to measure the respondents' opinions related to different aspects of social support during the induction process.

The results of this project did not exhibit a significant need for a support person to be present during anesthesia induction. AORN J 89 (February 2009) 307–320. © AORN, Inc, 2009.

Key words: anesthesia induction , social support , adult surgical patient

1 Ian P. Mayne, BSc(Hons), is a third year medical student at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

2 Cora Bagaoisan, RN, MSN, is an advanced practice nurse educator, OR, at the University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario, Canada.

PII: S0001-2092(08)00643-1

doi:10.1016/j.aorn.2008.09.015

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