New Digital Tool Could Improve Screening for Anxiety, Depression in Children Before Surgery

A new computerized mental health assessment tool, the Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT), may allow healthcare providers to quickly screen for anxiety and depression in children undergoing surgery, according to recent research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 annual meeting. In a pilot study, more than half of the children assessed showed signs of anxiety before surgery, and over one-third displayed symptoms of depression.

Led by Dr. Elizabeth Pealy, assistant professor of anesthesia and critical care at the University of Chicago Medicine, the study tested the feasibility of KCAT as a screening tool in the preoperative area of a pediatric surgical center. The tool, designed to be adaptive and administered via tablet, allowed for assessments that took just over two minutes on average. Study results revealed a notable prevalence of anxiety and depression in this pediatric population, suggesting the tool’s value in a clinical setting where mental health assessments are often challenging.

The rising incidence of anxiety and depression among children in the U.S. has made it increasingly difficult for anesthesiologists to identify these conditions before surgery. Unidentified anxiety in particular can lead to issues such as uncooperative behavior during anesthesia induction, extended recovery time, heightened postoperative pain, and lower patient satisfaction. For anesthesiology teams, KCAT offers a practical way to identify at-risk children efficiently, helping clinicians make informed decisions about the need for interventions to address anxiety before and after surgery.

The tool’s ability to provide real-time assessments in the perioperative setting may help enhance pediatric care, according to study co-author Dr. Sarah Nizamuddin. By capturing mental health data quickly, KCAT allows providers to proactively consider options to support children who may be anxious or depressed. The study’s authors recommend further research to determine best practices for using KCAT findings to adjust pre- and postoperative care, aiming to improve outcomes for pediatric patients facing surgery.