Parental perception on the effects of early exposure to anaesthesia on neurodevelopment

Abstract

Several studies have investigated the effects of general anaesthesia on neurodevelopment in children, with conflicting results. The potential for early general anaesthesia exposure to impact neurodevelopment in children may cause significant concern for parents. Administering a questionnaire in 200 parents, we aimed to explore their knowledge, concerns and perceptions, and determine factors which influence parents’ willingness for their children to participate in relevant research studies. A significant proportion of parents (40%) were concerned that general anaesthesia may affect their child s neurodevelopment. Generally these concerns arose from the parents’ own beliefs or preconceived ideas and only 25.5% had encountered prior information in this domain. Parents with children aged 2 years or younger, those whose children had previous general anaesthesia exposure, and those who had encountered information about potential neurodevelopmental effects were most likely to be concerned. The majority of parents (68%) would agree to participate in research studies, especially if they were able to receive the test results. Anaesthetists should pre‐emptively initiate discussions to address any potential misconceptions regarding the effects of general anaesthesia on neurodevelopment in children.