Transition Intervention for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pediatric Healthcare
• Transition Medicine

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on effective interventions for preparing adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) for adult care.
• Successful transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is critical for long-term outcomes in CHD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a nurse-led transition intervention on minimizing care gaps for adolescents with CHD.
• To assess the intervention's effect on knowledge and self-management skills during the transition to adult cardiology care.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized clinical trial involved 16- to 17-year-olds with moderate or complex CHD.
• The intervention group received two 1-hour sessions on CHD education and self-management, compared to usual care.
• Primary outcome: excess time to adult CHD care; Secondary outcomes: CHD knowledge and transition readiness scores.

Main Results:

• Intervention participants were 1.8 times more likely to have their first adult appointment within one month of the recommended time.
• This likelihood increased to 3.0 times more likely at six months of excess time.
• The intervention group demonstrated significantly higher scores on CHD knowledge and self-management assessments at multiple follow-up points.

Conclusions:

• A nurse-led intervention effectively reduces delays in transitioning adolescents with CHD to adult care.
• The intervention significantly improves CHD-specific knowledge and self-management capabilities.
• This approach supports better continuity of care and health outcomes for young adults with CHD.