Pediatrician’s Role in the Evaluation and Preparation of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Anesthesia

Document Overview

Document Title

Pediatrician’s Role in the Evaluation and Preparation of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Anesthesia

Authoring Society

American Academy of Pediatrics

Document Publication Date

Feb 17, 2026

Page Last Reviewed/Updated

May 5, 2026

Document Type

Consensus Statement

Country of Publication

United States

Full Text Freely Available

Yes

Full Text Guideline

publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2025-075744/206427/The-Pediatrician-s-Role-in-the-Evaluation-and

Source Citation

Agarwal, Rita et al. “The Pediatrician's Role in the Evaluation and Preparation of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Anesthesia.” Pediatrics, e2025075744. 17 Feb. 2026, doi:10.1542/peds.2025-075744

Document Scope, Criteria, and Use Cases

Document Objectives

Pediatricians play a key role in preparing patients and families for anesthesia and surgery by primarily addressing 2 major areas of concern. The first involves preparation and ensures that the patient is in optimal medical condition for surgery and that the patient and family are emotionally and cognitively ready for surgery. The second category concerns logistics and addresses the necessary communication and prerequisites to enable safe passage through the perioperative process. This revised report updates the recommendations for the pediatrician’s role in the perioperative preparation of patients.

Scope

Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D000760 - Anesthesia and Analgesia

D000758 - Anesthesia

D000760 - Anesthesia and Analgesia

D000758 - Anesthesia

Keywords

anesthesia, anesthesia and analgesia

Inclusion Criteria

Male, Female, Adolescent, Child

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Hospital, Operating and Recovery Room, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Physician Assistant