Occupational performance challenges for children with congenital heart disease: a literature review

Paediatric specialists have advocated for exercise training programs for children with congenital heart disease without addressing other common deficits, such as behavioural and psychological problems. Despite evidence of the role of occupational therapy in rehabilitation for adults with cardiac disease, there has been little published about occupational therapy for children with congenital heart disease.

This literature review on the outcomes of congenital heart disease, guided by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance, highlights the comprehensive needs of these children.

The findings of the review are that congenital heart disease can have wide-ranging neurological and psychosocial implications. This suggests that occupational therapists should be concerned about limitations in the participation of these children in age-appropriate childhood occupations related to self-care, productivity or leisure.

As cardiac rehabilitation program planning becomes more commonplace for children, comprehensive programs that promote optimal occupational performance need to be developed, implemented and evaluated.