The introduction of play specialists as operating department escorts for children

Attending theatre for a surgical procedure can be a very stressful time for both children and their parents and guardians, with ward staff accompanying patients to the operating department to provide support. A local Trust proposed a change from the deployment of registered nurses to the utilisation of play specialists as escorts for children on their journey to theatre and during the induction of anaesthesia to improve patient experience, levels of registered staff remaining on the children’s ward and theatre efficiency. It was found that in children who had not received premedication, this substitution can be completed successfully, providing that the play specialists receive sufficient training to carry out this role effectively.