The school age child with congenital heart disease

Lynn Boyle1, Michelle M Kelly, Kathryn Reynolds

  • 1Lynn Boyle is Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Villanova University, College of Nursing, Driscoll Hall, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. The author can be reached via e-mail at lynn.boyle@villanova.edu Michelle M. Kelly is an Assistant Professor, Villanova University, College of Nursing, Driscoll Hall 398, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. Kathryn Reynolds is Visiting Clinical Instructor, Villanova University, College of Nursing, Driscoll Hall, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. Misty Conlon is Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Villanova University, College of Nursing, Driscoll Hall, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA. Felisha Taylor is Clinical Adjunct Faculty, Villanova University, College of Nursing, Driscoll Hall, 800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA.

Insights

Congenital heart disease (CHD) survival is increasing, necessitating early education for school-aged children. Nurses play a key role in preparing young CHD survivors and their families for lifelong self-care and a healthy transition to adulthood.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Nursing Education

Background:

  • Increasing survival rates for congenital heart disease (CHD) in the United States present new challenges for healthcare providers.
  • Approximately 1 in 150 adults live with CHD, a demographic shift requiring proactive patient and family preparation.
  • Advances in CHD treatment necessitate a focus on long-term management and transition to adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the critical need for early healthcare education for school-aged children with CHD.
  • To emphasize the role of nurses in preparing children and families for the transition to adulthood.
  • To outline the multidisciplinary approach required to manage the unique needs of school-aged children with CHD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current epidemiological trends in congenital heart disease.
  • Analysis of the developmental, physical, intellectual, and emotional needs of school-aged children with CHD.
  • Discussion of the essential role of pediatric nurses in patient and family education and transition planning.

Main Results:

  • Significant decrease in CHD mortality rates between 1987 and 2005.
  • Projected continued increase in CHD survival due to treatment advancements.
  • Identification of the school-age period as crucial for initiating self-care education.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric nurses must adopt a proactive, multidisciplinary approach to educate children with CHD and their families.
  • Early and ongoing education empowers children with CHD to manage their health needs into adulthood.
  • Successful transition to adulthood for CHD survivors requires addressing their comprehensive physical, intellectual, emotional, and developmental needs.

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