An approach to pediatric perioperative care. Parent-present induction.

Allowing a parent to be present for the induction of mask anesthesia may minimize the stressors of separation experienced by pediatric patients undergoing a surgical procedure. A parent-present anesthesia induction program has been implemented at Children's Hospital in Boston in response to issues which have been voiced by parents and staff members, regarding separation and emotional trauma. Patient and parent selection are important variables to a successful program. Preparation of the parent for parent-present anesthesia induction is evaluated by an ongoing quality improvement survey.