Reducing secondhand smoke exposure of children undergoing surgery

Objective: To determine the attitudes and beliefs of both parents and surgical clinicians regarding interventions to reduce secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in children undergoing surgery. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 25 parents of children scheduled for elective procedures and 10 surgical clinicians. Results: Major themes identified in parent interviews included: (1) parents are receptive to learning about the surgical risks posed by SHS exposure; (2) many are already attempting to reduce SHS exposure, and; (3) parents are more accepting of SHS mitigation procedure than a recommendation to quit smoking. Clinicians were receptive to addressing perioperative SHS exposure. Conclusions: Both parents and clinicians are receptive to clinician-delivered interventions to reduce the SHS exposure of children scheduled for elective surgery.