Optimizing Workflow, Safety and Children’s Comfort in the Operating Theatre: A Mixed-Method Study Exploring Nurses’ and Caregivers’ Experiences and Possible Areas for Improvement

Few studies focus on essential information and training for responsible caregivers in the operating theatre (OT). Our study explored challenges, opportunities and critical information for caregivers close to the child until induction, drawing on the experiences of nurses and caregivers. Methods: A mixed-method exploratory sequential design was adopted in the OT and surgery wards of a maternal and child health hospital in Italy (2021–2023). Results: Twelve nurses were involved in 2 focus groups. The content analysis yielded 3 themes and 6 subthemes. Two questionnaires were developed for nurses and caregivers based on qualitative findings. The quantitative phase included 25 nurses and 140 caregivers. Results from the quantitative strand confirm findings from the qualitative strand. However, discrepancies in information needs highlight gaps. Conclusions: Optimizing family comfort and workflows in the OT depends on caregivers’ awareness of their role near the child, emphasizing mindful presence and awareness of their body movements—watching, touching and fidgeting.