Educational professionals' experiences of supporting pupils with CHD: implications for collaboration between paediatric cardiology services and schools

Children and young people living with CHD are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental, psychosocial, and educational challenges. Educational professionals play a key role in supporting these pupils but often receive limited condition-specific information, and little is known about how communication between healthcare services and schools can be improved. This study explored educational professionals' experiences of supporting pupils with CHD and opportunities to strengthen collaboration between paediatric cardiology services and schools.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with educational professionals (n = 15) from mainstream primary, post-primary, and specialist schools in Northern Ireland. Interviews explored experiences of supporting pupils with CHD, communication, information needs, and training requirements. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings were complemented by a pre-post evaluation of an online CHD teacher training webinar.

Four interrelated themes were identified: (1) Desire for structured communication; (2) need for individualised information relating to the educational environment; (3) managing uncertainty in the classroom; and (4) striving for inclusivity via flexibility. Participants relied on parents for clinical information and reported limited direct communication with healthcare professionals. Teachers requested practical, child-specific guidance to support classroom decision-making. Webinar findings demonstrated improved knowledge and confidence following training.

Educational professionals are committed to supporting pupils with CHD but often do so with limited clinical guidance and fragmented communication pathways. Strengthening communication between paediatric cardiology services and schools, alongside practical, child-specific resources, may reduce uncertainty, improve teacher confidence, and promote more consistent educational support for pupils with CHD.