2025-06-032025-06-032025-05-19https://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/67108This study evaluated the anxiety assessments that different healthcare workers conduct on pediatric patients before they undergo general anesthesia. Research has shown that pre-anesthesia anxiety in pediatrics can lead to negative surgical outcomes and an increased need for pain management therapies after surgery. The purpose of this project was to explore the use of pre-anesthesia anxiety assessment tools in pediatrics, gain more knowledge about the anxiety assessments healthcare workers use before pediatric patients go under anesthesia, with a long-term outcome being recommendations for practice. The three research questions I hoped to answer were: how is anxiety typically assessed, what assessment tools are used (if there are any specific tools used), and are there specific barriers and facilitators of using assessment tools? Participants responded to an 11-question anonymous Qualtrics survey sent via email and QR code. The results were that healthcare providers typically conducted their assessments by observing the patient's behavior and speech, asking close ended "yes" or "no" questions, and incorporating the parents in the assessment. The two assessment tools that were focused on in this research project were the mYPAS and the 0-10 scale, and when asked if the participants were willing to incorporate either of these two scales into their regular practice, many said they would need more information. The main barrier participants reported for routinely completing an anxiety assessment was a lack of time. By improving pre-anesthesia anxiety assessments, pediatric patients will experience better post-surgical outcomes, more holistic care, and a better continuity of care.