Postoperative thirst in children: Experience of children's, parents and health professionals

Purpose: Thirst is one of the most distressing symptoms experienced by pediatric patients after surgery. This study aimed to explore and document the experiences of children, parents, and health professionals regarding postoperative thirst, providing insights to develop care strategies that address the emotional and psychological needs of pediatric patients. Design: A qualitative approach was employed to gather in-depth insights into the experiences of children, parents, and health professionals regarding postoperative thirst. Methods: Purposive sampling was employed in a Pediatric Surgery Unit, involving a total of 40 participants: ten children, sixteen parents, and fourteen health professionals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants, and the transcribed data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: The content analysis revealed five themes: physical symptoms, feeling of discomfort, lack of knowledge, coping strategies, and suggestions. Conclusions: This qualitative study highlights the critical importance of addressing postoperative thirst in enhance the physical and emotional well-being of pediatric patients, emphasizing that thirst is not merely a physical symptom but a multidimensional experience that significantly affects children and their families. Implications to practice: This findings supports health professional should be educated on recognizing and managing postoperative thirst as a symptom in postoperative care. Integrating evidence-based thirst management strategies into postoperative care protocols can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce anxiety, and promote recovery, ultimately advancing the quality of pediatric surgical care. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.