the INSIDE Story Almost 100 staff learned how to manage anxious children before surgery at a Great Ormond Street course held at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Calming children who are showing symptoms of anxiety before their operation does more than give them a better experience of hospital - it is critically important in reducing pain perception, post-operative analgesia, prolonged recovery time and dysfunctional behaviour. Almost 4000 children a year undergo surgery at EKHUFT. In November, almost 100 of the staff who care for them took part in the renowned POEMS course provided by Great Ormond Street to learn Photo: Dr Gustav Strandvik, Dr Matthew Gardner, Dr Rich Martin, Dr Agnes Fong and Dr Shola Ninan. techniques for detecting, reducing and preventing anxiety in children receiving medical care. The charity paid just over £5,200 for the day which averaged around £50 per person for this specialist training which would normally cost around £200 per person if delivered at Great Ormond Street. The course, organised by Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Gustav Strandvik was eye-opening and practical, potentially improving the outlook for thousands of children in east Kent. “It was great to have such a fantastic turnout from all the sites and different disciplines,” said Dr Strandvik. “It will make a big difference to many children.”
Children, surgery and anxiety • •
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Between 50 and 75% of children having surgery experience anxiety in the anaesthetic room Between 24 and 60% of children will display dysfunctional behaviour, such as eating disorders, problems sleeping, nightmares, temper tantrums, bed-wetting and problems with authority, within the 3 weeks following surgery. Between 4 and 12% of children continue to display these patterns of behaviour one full year following surgery. 17