Healthcare professionals attitudes towards guardian presence during anaesthetic care of preschool aged children:A qualitative Study

Background The presence of a guardian during paediatric anaesthetic care is increasingly recognised as an important component of family-centred care. International evidence suggests that the presence of a parent or guardian may reduce anxiety, improve cooperation, and enhance perioperative experiences for children. However, healthcare professionals hold differing attitudes towards the practice, which may influence its implementation. Aim To explore healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards guardian presence during the anaesthetic care of preschool-aged children. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Figure 1 (see attached photo). Shows the location of the study site in the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The map shows the geographical location of the tertiary hospital where the study was conducted within the eThekwini District of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Methods A qualitative exploratory-descriptive design was employed. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 16 healthcare professionals involved in paediatric anaesthetic care. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis. Results Healthcare professionals predominantly expressed positive attitudes towards the presence of guardians during anaesthetic care. Participants perceived guardians as important providers of emotional reassurance, comfort, and support. The presence of a guardian was believed to reduce anxiety, improve cooperation during induction, and facilitate recovery. However, concerns were raised regarding guardian anxiety, interference with procedures, workflow disruption, and safety within the operating theatre. Conclusion Healthcare professionals largely supported the presence of guardians during anaesthetic care because of its perceived benefits for children and families. Nevertheless, challenges associated with guardian preparedness and emotional responses highlight the need for institutional guidelines and structured support. Contribution The findings provide context-specific evidence on family-centred perioperative care in South Africa and may assist healthcare institutions in developing policies that support guardian involvement.