'I felt weird and wobbly.' Child-reported impacts associated with a dental general anaesthetic

Abstract

Aim: This qualitative study sought to obtain children's accounts of having dental extractions under general anaesthesia (GA). The aim was to gain greater understanding of the physical and psychological impacts from a child's perspective.

Method: Ten children, aged 6-11 years, maintained a video diary to document their feelings and experiences before, and following their hospital admission. Two semi-structured home interviews supplemented the video diary data and analysis was guided by narrative approaches.

Results: This research revealed new insights into children's experiences of having teeth removed under GA. Several of the post-operative impacts correlated with those previously reported by parents/carers. These were notably nausea, bleeding and tiredness, although children used different terminology. However, additional physical and psychological outcomes, both positive and negative, emerged from the children's narratives. Negative aspects included hunger, disturbed eating, being scared/worried and experiencing discomfort from the IV cannula. Interestingly, pain was not a strong theme. Positive outcomes were also reported, such as satisfaction with the resolution of their dental problem and receipt of rewards and attention from family members.

Conclusion: These accounts have implications for improving patient experiences and outcomes throughout the dental GA care pathway. A review of pre-operative fasting protocols should be a priority.