Paediatric day-case tonsillectomy - parent satisfaction questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: To assess parent or guardian satisfaction with a newly instituted day-case tonsillectomy programme at a tertiary paediatric institution.

Methods: After receiving ethical approval, an anonymous questionnaire was sent to the parent or guardian of every patient who underwent day-case tonsillectomy between July 2018 and December 2020.

Results: A total of 135 patients were included. The parent or guardian of each patient was sent a questionnaire to be filled in and returned. Ninety-two completed surveys were returned. There were high satisfaction levels, with 91.3 per cent of parents or guardians feeling comfortable bringing their child home, and 92.4 per cent of parents or guardians would recommend day-case tonsillectomy to another parent or guardian. Of the parents or guardians, 10.9 per cent needed to contact healthcare services in the 24 hours following surgery.

Conclusion: Day-case tonsillectomy has proven to be a safe, efficient service at our institution, with high satisfaction levels from patients and parents or guardians. Areas for improvement focused on communication at the time of discharge regarding follow up and analgesia.

Keywords: Child; Health Care Surveys; Patient Satisfaction; Perioperative Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tonsillitis.