Supporting Optimal Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants and Children With Congenital Heart Disease

Area of Science:

• Pediatric critical care
• Developmental pediatrics
• Congenital heart disease (CHD) outcomes

Background:

• Improved survival rates in infants and children with CHD have highlighted the increased prevalence of developmental delays.
• Risk factors for these delays may be intrinsic, necessitating supportive care strategies.
• High-technology interventions in pediatric cardiac intensive care units (CICUs) must be complemented by developmentally supportive nursing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review developmentally supportive interventions for infants and children with CHD.
• To identify strategies for implementing developmental care in CICUs.
• To emphasize the importance of developmental support for improving outcomes and promoting family-centered care.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on developmentally supportive interventions.
• Identification of key interventions including massage, kangaroo care, and pain management.
• Discussion of change implementation strategies for integrating developmental care into CICU settings.

Main Results:

• Several developmentally supportive interventions are available, including massage, kangaroo care, cue-based feeding, and procedural preparation.
• Effective pain and anxiety management are crucial components of developmental support.
• Implementation requires a multi-level approach with support from all healthcare professionals.

Conclusions:

• Developmentally supportive nursing interventions are essential for infants and children with CHD at risk for developmental delay.
• Integrating these interventions into CICUs can improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
• Promoting family-centered care through developmental support is a key goal.