Family stress after pediatric heart transplantation

Parents of ten children who underwent cardiac transplantation at the authors' institution participated in this study to evaluate the effect of heart transplantation on the family. Parents completed the Hymovich Chronicity Impact and Coping Instrument (CICI) and/or the Feetham Family Function Survey (FFFS) 3 to 24 months (mean, 8.4 months) after the transplant. Results indicate that parents face significant psychological and social stresses after their child's heart transplantation related to (1) the uncertainty of the child's future health and well-being, (2) role strain, (3) social isolation, and (4) financial burdens. Recommendations for nursing practice are suggested.