Appreciation of a Child's Journey: Implementation of a Cardiac Action Research Project

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Patient Experience Improvement
• Action Research Methodology

Background:

• Hospitalization presents unique challenges for children with cardiac conditions.
• The need for supportive, child-centered programs in pediatric cardiac care is significant.
• Symbolic recognition can positively impact a child's coping mechanisms during treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the action research process used to develop, implement, and evaluate the Heart Beads program.
• To describe the Heart Beads program's role in enriching the hospital experience for pediatric patients with cardiac conditions.
• To outline the program's journey from a small project to a nationwide initiative.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an action research approach, fostering collaboration between clinicians, researchers, patients, and families.
• Followed the five phases of action research: identification, investigation, program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Focused on creating a patient-centered program recognizing children's cardiac treatments and endurance through unique beads.

Main Results:

• The Heart Beads program was successfully developed and implemented using a phased action research approach.
• The program has gained popularity and significance among children at a tertiary pediatric hospital.
• Positive engagement and recognition of patient experiences through symbolic beads were observed.

Conclusions:

• The action research methodology provides a robust framework for developing and implementing patient-centered healthcare programs.
• The Heart Beads program effectively enriches the hospital experience for children with cardiac conditions.
• The program's successful expansion demonstrates its value and potential for wider adoption in pediatric cardiac care across Australia.