Down to the wire: Patient and family experiences of k-wire removal in a paediatric specialist clinic.

INTRODUCTION:K-wire removal is a common procedure in the paediatric outpatient clinic that is a source of pain and anxiety. This study examined the current parental experience of k wire removal. METHODS:Twenty-six parents of children having k-wires removed in a paediatric outpatient clinic were asked to complete an electronic survey immediately post procedure. Questions explored prior knowledge, sedation and analgesia for the procedure. Data analysis used descriptive statistics. RESULTS:Verbal information from the ward prior to the procedure was the greatest information source for parents 22/26(85%). Thirty-eight % (10/26) of parents had expected sedation but only 6/10(23%) reported receiving sedation information. Only 7/26(27%) of parents reported their child receiving analgesia from themselves or medical staff pre-procedure. DISCUSSION:Parents recommended the need for more procedural information beforehand, especially regarding pain and sedation. Parents were unaware of the option of sedation and wanted analgesia before the procedure.