文本框: A CHILD'S DAY SURGERY: THE EXPERIENCE OF PARENTS Wilson V., Monash University, Melbourne, Australia Objective: The majority of children who require surgical procedures now have these performed as day surgery. Day surgery is thought to be more cost-effective and has the added benefit of reducing the detrimental effects of hospitalisation for the child. However, parents are now expected to take their child home a few hours after surgery and this has led to an increased responsibility which may leave them with higher levels of anxiety and tension. This research study aims to uncover the experience of day surgery from the parents perspective in order to define what this change in care delivery means to both parents and children. Method: Using an interpretive methodology, this qualitative study describes the experiences, understandings and perceptions of parents whose child has undergone day surgery. Data collection involved in-depth conversational style interviews with parents, which were then transcribed verbatim to capture the richness of the text. Data was analysed using the principles of grounded theory. Results: The research findings identified six integrated categories: Discovery, Information Access, Advocacy, Anxiety and Fear, Coping and Aftermath. Each of these categories is described in detail, followed by a discussion on how these findings relate to the literature. In addition, an insight into the needs of this group of parents was obtained. Conclusion: Empowerment is the common thread that links each of the six categories together. Parents wanted to maintain some control over the situation in which they found themselves. The theme of empowerment is discussed within the framework of feeling valued, secure, safe and supported. Implications for paediatric nursing practice are highlighted along with recommendations for further study.

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