“Navigating risks and benefits”—Parental decision-making experiences and needs in pediatric strabismus surgery: A qualitative study

AIM: To investigate the experiences and needs of parents of children with strabismus during the surgical decision-making process. DESIGN: A qualitative research design using a descriptive phenomenological approach was employed. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 15 parents of children with strabismus admitted to a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province from September to October 2024. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven- step method. RESULTS: Four core themes and ten sub-themes emerged: (a) Risk Perception and Uncertainty; (b) Benefit Perception and Expectations; (c) Decision Generation and Preferences; and (d) Support Needs and Resource Utilization. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that parents of children with strabismus undergo complex psychological experiences during surgical decision-making, often exhibiting dependent decision-making tendencies. Healthcare providers should better understand the decision-making psychology of parents of children with strabismus. Enhanced communication and education, transparent information, and personalized support and guidance should be provided. These measures can help parents thoroughly evaluate the risks and benefits of surgery, enabling them to make better-informed and independent decisions. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: This research is essential for understanding parental roles as major stakeholders in surgical decisions. The findings support the development of comprehensive, patient-centered decision support systems.