We focused on evaluating how melatonin may help alleviate anxiety in children about to undergo general anaesthesia. In our exploration, we included insights from children, their caregivers, and health professionals involved in the Melatonin for Anxiety prior to General Anaesthesia In Children (MAGIC) trial. Through semi-structured interviews, we gathered thoughts from 37 participants about their experiences and perspectives regarding melatonin compared to the standard premedication, midazolam.
Our findings revealed a nuanced picture. While melatonin showed promise as a potential alternative to midazolam, it was reported to be less effective in reducing pre-operative anxiety. However, there is a clear demand for a premedication with fewer side effects than midazolam, which is often considered due to its established compliance despite its drawbacks. It's important to note that acceptance of melatonin varies among different groups involved, with many remaining open to alternatives.
Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of factoring in both effectiveness and side effects when choosing premedications for anxious children.