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Preparing children with congenital heart disease for cardiac surgery
L A Campbell1, S E Kirkpatrick, C C Berry
1Children's Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, California, USA.
Insights
Preparing children for cardiac surgery using information and coping skills training significantly improved their hospital cooperation, home adjustment, school functioning, and faster health status recovery. Caregivers also reported increased confidence in managing their child's care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Cardiology
- Health Psychology
Background:
- Children undergoing cardiac surgery face significant psychological distress and potential long-term adjustment challenges.
- Standard pre-operative information may not adequately address children's coping needs during hospitalization and recovery.
- Caregiver confidence is crucial for effective pediatric post-operative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a comprehensive preparation program versus standard information for children undergoing cardiac surgery.
- To evaluate the impact of the intervention on child cooperation, emotional state, and functional health status.
- To assess the influence of the preparation program on caregiver confidence and perceived ability to manage child care.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 48 child-caregiver dyads.
- Intervention group received information and coping skills training; control group received routine information.
- Outcomes assessed included child behavior (cooperation, distress), adjustment (home, school), functional health status, and caregiver confidence.
Main Results:
- Children in the intervention group demonstrated greater cooperation and less distress during hospitalization.
- Intervention group children showed better post-discharge adjustment at home and improved school functioning.
- Faster improvement in functional health status was observed in the intervention group, alongside increased caregiver confidence.
Conclusions:
- A preparation program integrating information and coping skills training is highly effective for pediatric cardiac surgery patients.
- This intervention positively impacts children's immediate and long-term outcomes, including functional health recovery.
- Empowering caregivers with enhanced confidence contributes to improved pediatric post-operative care and child well-being.
Abstract:
Compared the effects of two methods of preparing children for cardiac surgery. Forty-eight child-caregiver dyads were assigned to a treatment group, receiving information and coping skills training, or a control group, receiving information as routinely provided. Treatment group children were more cooperative and less upset in the hospital; better adjusted at home after discharge; higher functioning in school; and their functional health status improved faster. Treatment group caregivers expressed greater confidence in their ability to care for their children in hospital and at home after discharge. Results are discussed in terms of the cognitive appraisal model of stress coping using a multidimensional assessment of treatment effects.