Children's experience with receiving equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (EMONO) sedation during hospital procedures- A qualitative interview study

Background

Equimolar mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (EMONO) is administered to children during hospital procedures, but there is limited knowledge about children's experiences with receiving this intervention.

Objective

To describe how children experience receiving EMONO during hospital procedures, using their own words.

Method

A qualitative, exploratory study was conducted at a hospital in the southeast of Norway between March and May 2023. Six children aged 10 to 16 years participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used. The project was approved by Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education and Research (SIKT ref. no. 416290).

Results

The main findings were that children experience euphoria, dreamlike states, physical changes, altered sensory experiences, and care less about their fears related to the procedure.

Conclusion

Children in the study described physical, sensory, and emotional responses to EMONO, including both positive and negative experiences. Those with repeated exposure noted that each instance differed. All children reported less fear related to the procedure and expressed willingness to receive EMONO again in similar clinical situations. The children described dream-like sensations while maintaining partial awareness. Their statements support EMONO as a potentially valuable pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety and stress in children undergoing medical procedures in hospital settings.

Application to practice

Children's experiences with receiving EMONO can be used to better prepare, facilitate, and administer this intervention to children. It can help to understand potential reactions and to prevent and minimise uncomfortable experiences.