The OR team dims the
lights and covers all the
medical equipment, instru-
ments and IV supplies with
drapes to help make the
room less threatening.
They place signs on the
OR doors that warn non-
essential personnel to stay
away. The team also does
the time out before the
patient arrives.
When we bring the
patient to the OR, the par-
ents or caregivers come
along and stay until the
patient is asleep. Typically,
while the patient is awake,
only the parents, the anes-
thesia provider, a nurse
assistant and sometimes an
anesthesia resident is present. Everything is quiet. Everyone in the
room is completely tuned in to the patient and focused on a successful
induction.
Once the patient is asleep, the family is escorted to the waiting room.
We do a surgical pause before the surgeon begins and then we proceed
with the surgery. During the operation, the child-life specialist stays with
the family members, debriefs the preop interactions and events, and
helps them prepare for recovery and discharge home.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 3
SETTING THE MOOD Dimly lit pre- and post-op rooms make the overall sur-
gical experience less threatening and overwhelming for patients with autism.
The OR itself should also have as little light as possible, and drapes over
equipment, devices and supplies help calm patients as well.
McMaster
Children's
Hospital
