Description Designing positive patient experiences is a critical component of quality care. Literature suggests that positive parental involvement/presence increases comfort, reduces stress, increases coping and patient satisfaction, which aligns with positive patient experiences.

Through patient feedback, Humber River Hospital identified an opportunity to improve positive experiences for paediatric patients going into the operating room (OR). Older children had the choice to walk, whereas, younger children chose a wheelchair ride with their parent, riding toy, or wagon ride. Presently, we offer the choice of a child-sized electric powered Tesla car for older children to drive into the OR with their parent.

AimPilot using an electric powered toy Tesla car to enhance children’s experience to the OR.

Actions Taken ■ A pilot was conducted during December

2017-September 2018

■ Paediatric Patient/parent feedback was collected though child life questionnaires

■ The healthcare team used the electric powered child sized Tesla car to:

» Reduce stress and anxiety on the way to the operating room

» Increase coping, create positive experiences

» Introduce fun!

Summary of ResultsThe electric powered Tesla car was used with n=375 paediatric surgical patients during the pilot. Structured assessments conducted by Certified Child Life Specialists illustrate the use of the Tesla reduced children’s anxiety and stress, increased coping and enhanced positive experiences (Figure 1 and 2) on the way to the OR.

Enhancing the experience to the operating room for paediatric surgeries

Alexandra Christofides, MSc(c), CLPPC, CCLS; Jhanvi Solanki, RN, MScN, MBA; Laurie Thomas, RN, BN,CPN(C), IMHL(c); Steven Bernstein, BSc, MD, FRCPC; Sebastian Rodriguez-Elizalde, MD, FRCPC; Shirley Solomon, MSc; Barbara Collins, RN, MBA; Jennifer Yoon, RN, MSc (QI/PS); Vanessa Burkoski, RN, BScN, MScN, DHA; Scott Jarrett, BSc, MBA, MLT; Trevor Hall, MSc, Fellow (Quality Improvement)

Figure 1. Patient/parent feedback

Figure 2. Patient/parent feedback