Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Parent readiness for discharge from a tertiary care pediatric cardiology unit
Michelle Schuh1, Sheena Schendel2, Sunjidatul Islam3
1Discharge Coordinator, Division of Cardiology, Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Insights
Most parents felt ready for pediatric cardiac discharge after multidisciplinary education. However, enhanced teaching on community services is needed to prevent post-discharge challenges for families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric cardiology
- Cardiac surgery
- Patient discharge readiness
Background:
- Pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery units manage complex cases requiring significant parental preparation for home care.
- Effective discharge planning is crucial for ensuring positive patient outcomes and reducing readmissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure parents' perceived readiness for discharge from a pediatric cardiology/cardiac surgical inpatient unit.
- To identify specific areas of knowledge and potential gaps in parental preparedness.
Main Methods:
- An observational study surveyed 181 parents/guardians on discharge day and two weeks later.
- Multidisciplinary teaching was provided by a discharge coordinator, nurse, dietitian, and pharmacist.
Main Results:
- 96% of parents felt ready for discharge, with high self-rated knowledge (>90%) on medical care and follow-up.
- Only 68% felt knowledgeable about community services.
- 20% faced unexpected home challenges (infection, GI issues, pain).
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary teaching effectively prepares most parents for pediatric cardiac discharge.
- Enhanced education on community resources is necessary to address knowledge gaps.
- Further research should identify parents needing additional support to prevent post-discharge difficulties.
Purpose:
This study aimed to measure parents' readiness for discharge from a pediatric cardiology/cardiac surgical inpatient unit.
Design And Methods:
An observational study was conducted at a single tertiary care pediatric cardiac surgical program; parents received teaching from a discharge coordinator, bedside nurse, and, if needed, dietician and pharmacist. We surveyed parents/guardians on the day of discharge and 2 weeks later.
Results:
We enrolled 181 participants, 53% with children <12 months of age. Length of hospital admission ranged from ≤7 days (54%) to >4 weeks (8%). The most common diagnoses were ventricular septal defect (n = 39), atrial septal defect (n = 28), and coarctation of the aorta (n = 20). Home enteral feeding was required for 21 (12%) children, and 167 (92%) were discharged on medications. Nearly all parents (n = 173, 96%) felt they were ready to take their child home as planned. With respect to medical needs, problems to watch for, who and when to call, what their child was allowed and not allowed to do, and knowledge about follow-up, >90% of respondents rated their knowledge 8+ (range 0-10). Only 68% of respondents rated their knowledge ≥8 regarding services available in their community. Twenty percent experienced challenges at home for which they felt unprepared. These included infection, pain, and gastrointestinal concerns.
Practical Implications:
Most parents felt ready for discharge following multidisciplinary teaching. Greater emphasis is needed on teaching families about services available in the community. Further study is required to determine which parents need additional support and education to avoid unanticipated challenges post discharge.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:31Discharge Summary Forms
Here's a detailed look at the key components and guidelines for preparing a discharge summary:
01:26Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
01:28Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
01:21Planning Nursing Care I