Table 10 Expectations of the parents towards the upcoming procedure and their feelings before and after the operation (n, in brackets %). The emotions listed were mentioned at least twice in the open feedback

Expectations towards the procedure^a

n = 31

n = 24

n = 55

The procedure will go well

12 (39%)

8 (33%)

20 (36%)

Get explicit diagnosis, get more information, get certainty

7 (23%)

11 (46%)

18 (32%)

Relieve child’s symptoms, everyday life gets easier

10 (32%)

5 (21%)

15 (27%)

Get guidelines for the treatment

2 (7%)

1 (4%)

3 (5%)

Get positive news, nothing surprising is found

1 (3%)

2 (8%)

3 (5%)

No expectations

2 (7%)

0 (0%)

2 (4%)

Feelings about the upcoming procedure^a

n = 37

n = 30

n = 67

Anxious

16 (43%)

15 (50%)

31 (46%)

Calm and restful

17 (46%)

13 (43%)

30 (45%)

Feel good, hopeful, content

3 (8%)

2 (7%)

5 (7%)

Worried

2 (5%)

2 (7%)

4 (4%)

Uncertain

0 (0%)

3 (10%)

3 (4%)

Annoyed

3 (8%)

0 (0%)

3 (4%)

Feelings after the procedure^b

n = 38

n = 30

n = 68

Relief

24 (63%)

23 (77%)

47 (69%)

Pleased, happy

11 (28%)

5 (17%)

16 (24%)

Anxious

2 (5%)

2 (7%)

4 (6%)

Boredom

2 (5%)

1 (3%)

3 (4%)