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Zhang Y, Zhou H, Bai Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Hu Q, Yang M, Wei W, Ding L, Ma F. Development and validation of a questionnaire to measure the congenital heart disease of children's family stressor. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1365089. [PMID: 38751578 PMCID: PMC11094312 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1365089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) face tremendous stressors in the process of coping with the disease, which threatens the health of families of children with CHD. Studies have shown that nursing interventions focusing on family stress management can improve parents' ability to cope with illness and promote family health. At present, there is no measuring tool for family stressors of CHD. Methods The items of the scale were generated through qualitative interviews and a literature review. Initial items were evaluated by seven experts to determine content validity. Factor analysis and reliability testing were conducted with a convenience sample of 670 family members. The criterion-related validity of the scale was calculated using scores on the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Results The CHD Children's Family Stressor Scale consisted of six dimensions and 41 items. In the exploratory factor analysis, the cumulative explained variance of the six factors was 61.085%. In the confirmatory factor analysis, the six factors in the EFA were well validated, indicating that the model fits well. The correlation coefficient between CHD Children's Family Stressor Scale and SAS was r = 0.504 (p < 0.001), which indicated that the criterion-related validity of the scale was good. In the reliability test, Cronbach's α coefficients of six sub-scales were 0.774-0.940, and the scale-level Cronbach's α coefficient value was 0.945. Conclusion The study indicates that the CHD Children's Family Stressor Scale is valid and reliable, and it is recommended for use in clinical practice to assess CHD children's family stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Yunnan Provincial Hospital of Infectious Disease, Kunming, China
| | - Yangjuan Bai
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhisong Chen
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qiulan Hu
- ICU in Geriatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Mingfang Yang
- Urology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Neurosurgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lan Ding
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Department of Nursing, Kunming Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
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Gramszlo C, Karpyn A, Christofferson J, McWhorter LG, Demianczyk AC, Neely T, Zyblewski S, Shillingford A, Kazak AE, Sood E. Meeting Parents' Needs for Education and Preparation following Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosis: Recommendations from a Crowdsourced Study. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e446-e455. [PMID: 35863373 PMCID: PMC10008463 DOI: 10.1055/a-1906-8786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article characterizes the educational needs of parents following fetal or neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis and generates recommendations for meeting these needs. STUDY DESIGN Online crowdsourcing methods were used to collect qualitative data from 95 parents of children with CHD regarding their needs for education and preparation following fetal or neonatal diagnosis. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods and themes were organized around the substructure of met and unmet needs. RESULTS Two themes represented consistently met needs, whereas 10 themes represented needs that were either inconsistently met or consistently unmet. Parents reported needing more information about social, emotional, and financial supports, preparation for long-term care, and guidance toward reputable online resources. Parents also provided recommendations for meeting these needs. CONCLUSION Parents' needs for education and preparation following CHD diagnosis are much broader in scope than what they currently receive. Addressing these may support parental coping and active participation in medical decision-making. KEY POINTS · CHD counseling after diagnosis may provide opportunities to promote parents' mental health.. · Guidelines recommend that this counseling should include emotional and decision-making support, however, it is unclear what parents actually receive.. · This study found that parents' needs for education and preparation following CHD diagnosis are much broader in scope than what they currently receive..
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Gramszlo
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
| | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | | | - Linda G. McWhorter
- Division of Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
| | - Abigail C. Demianczyk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Trent Neely
- Brothers by Heart/Sisters by Heart, El Segundo, CA
| | - Sinai Zyblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Amanda Shillingford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anne E. Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erica Sood
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE
- Division of Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Karni-Visel Y, Dekel R, Sadeh Y, Sherman L, Katz U. "You Have to Find a Way for This Child to Be at the Center": Pediatric Cardiologists' Views on Triadic Communication in Consultations on Congenital Heart Defects. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38557305 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2024.2329422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are present at birth and require ongoing management of personal, family, and medical aspects of care, including communication between family and medical staff. Effective communication is considered one of the main objectives of patient-centered care. Communication in pediatric medicine is especially challenging because it includes children and their parent(s), and children's cognitive and communication skills are still developing. Based on the model of behavior in pediatric communication , this study focused on pediatric cardiologists' views of the roles of children, parents, and physicians in the triadic encounter and their experiences in communicating information on pediatric CHDs in medical encounters. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 experienced pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons (five women and 12 men) at three medical centers in Israel. The grounded theory approach was used to identify three main categories: (1) the positioning (centrality) of the child in the setting (ideal vs. actual situation), (2) addressing parents' emotional needs, and (3) the physician's role as mediator between parent(s) and child. In each category, three elements are discussed: The physician's agenda, obstacles and challenges, and the physician's practical methods. Physicians strongly support children's involvement in triadic encounters yet face challenges in effectively integrating them into the information exchange process during cardiology consultations. Struggling to balance the principles of patient- and family-centered care, and without clear guidelines, they rely on their personal beliefs and experiences to formulate communication strategies that address parents' and children's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Karni-Visel
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University
| | - Rachel Dekel
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University
| | - Yaara Sadeh
- School of Social Work, University of Haifa
- Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer
| | - Liat Sherman
- Pediatric Heart Institute, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer
| | - Uriel Katz
- Pediatric Heart Institute, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel HaShomer
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University
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Ahmed A, Crabtree VM, Sirrine E, Elliott A, Antoniotti N, Horn S, Turner E, Parris KR. Development and Implementation of a Telemental Health Program for Caregivers in a Children's Hospital Setting. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:126-133. [PMID: 37311170 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Caregivers of children with chronic illness, such as hematology-oncology conditions, face numerous stressors, and a subset experience persistent distress and poor psychological outcomes. Many logistical and ethical barriers complicate the provision of mental health care to caregivers in children's hospital settings. Telemental health (TMH) is one method to increase access and reduce barriers. Methods: A partnership was established with an outside TMH agency to provide mental health care to caregivers of children with hematology-oncology conditions. Development and implementation strategies are described, and feasibility was measured on four dimensions. Results: One hundred twenty-seven (n = 127) caregivers were referred for TMH services in the first 28 months of program implementation. Of the total, 63/127 (49%) received TMH services for at least one session. Most caregivers had a child in active medical treatment (89%). A small portion (11%) of caregivers were bereaved or had a child in hospice care. Program feasibility was enhanced by hospital leadership support and availability of staffing, financial, and technology resources. Available resources also contributed to the practicality of program development and swift implementation and integration within the defined hospital system. Discussion: Partnership with an outside TMH agency increased access to care and reduced barriers to treating caregivers in a children's hospital setting. Offering mental health interventions to caregivers aligns with evidence-based standards of care. Future research will elucidate caregiver satisfaction with this modality of treatment and whether use of TMH reduces disparities in caregiver receipt of mental health care in children's hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameena Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Erica Sirrine
- Department of Social Work, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Andrew Elliott
- Department of Interoperability and Patient Engagement, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nina Antoniotti
- Psychiatry Division, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sarina Horn
- Psychiatry Division, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erin Turner
- Department of Social Work, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kendra R Parris
- Department of Psychology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Cepuch G, Kruszecka-Krówka A, Lalik A, Micek A. Toxic Stress as a Potential Factor Inducing Negative Emotions in Parents of Newborns and Infants with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1893. [PMID: 38136095 PMCID: PMC10742307 DOI: 10.3390/children10121893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents who have a newborn with a congenital heart defect experience negative emotions, which may determine the emotional state of their children. METHODS The study group included 154 parents of newborns and infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease, before cardiac surgery and after the procedure. HADS m and PSS-10 questionnaires were used to assess parental anxiety, depression, aggression, and the level of stress. RESULTS High levels of depression, anxiety, total HADS and stress were diagnosed in a large group of parents, regardless of the stage of cardiac surgery treatment. A high level of stress was associated with a higher prevalence of emotional disturbance both in the total HADS (overall) and in all its individual domains. Anxiety and depression were more common in mothers. A high level of stress was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression in parents. CONCLUSIONS A high level of stress was a significant predictor of anxiety and depression in parents of infants with congenital heart disease. The parents' psychological condition is one of many potential determinants over the course of their child's treatment and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grażyna Cepuch
- Nursing and Midwifery Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (G.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Agnieszka Kruszecka-Krówka
- Nursing and Midwifery Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (G.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Lalik
- Nursing and Midwifery Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland; (G.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Agnieszka Micek
- Statistical Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-501 Krakow, Poland;
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Zhang Y, Zhou H, Bai Y, Chen Z, Wang Y, Hu Q, Yang M, Wei W, Ding L, Ma F. Families under pressure: A qualitative study of stressors in families of children with congenital heart disease. Stress Health 2023; 39:989-999. [PMID: 36809656 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to better understand the stressors in families of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to assist with formulating targeted stress management plans for such families. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken at a tertiary referral hospital in China. Following purposeful sampling, interviews were conducted with 21 parents of children with CHD regarding the stressors in their families. Following content analysis, 11 themes were generated from the data and categorised into six main domains: the initial stressor and associated hardships, normative transitions, prior strains, the consequences of family efforts to cope, intrafamily and social ambiguity, and sociocultural values. The 11 themes include confusion regarding the disease, hardships encountered during treatment, the heavy financial burden, the unusual growth track of the child due to the disease, normal events becoming abnormal for the family, impaired family functioning, family vulnerability, family resilience, family boundary ambiguity induced by role alteration, a lack of knowledge about community support and family stigma. Various and complex stressors exist for families of children with CHD. Medical personnel should fully evaluate the stressors and take targeted measures before implementing family stress management practices. It is also necessary to focus on the posttraumatic growth of families of children with CHD and strengthen resilience. Moreover, family boundary ambiguity and a lack of knowledge about community support should not be ignored, and further research is needed to explore these variables. Most importantly, policymakers and healthcare providers should adopt a range of strategies to address the stigma of being in a family of a child with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hang Zhou
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yangjuan Bai
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Zhisong Chen
- Cardiology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yanjiao Wang
- Psychiatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Qiulan Hu
- ICU in Geriatric Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Mingfang Yang
- Urology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Neurosurgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lan Ding
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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7
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Driscoll CFB, Christofferson J, McWhorter LG, Demianczyk AC, Brosig CL, Jackson EA, Gramszlo C, Zyblewski SC, Kazak AE, Sood E. A Psychosocial Care Model for Families Affected by Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:901-909. [PMID: 37318266 PMCID: PMC10721719 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a model of family-based psychosocial care for congenital heart disease (CHD). DESIGN Qualitative study using crowdsourced data collected from parents of young children with CHD who received care across 42 hospitals. SETTING Yammer, a social networking platform used to facilitate online crowdsourcing and qualitative data collection. SUBJECTS Geographically diverse sample of 100 parents (72 mothers and 28 fathers) of young children with CHD. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Parents joined a private group on Yammer and responded to 37 open-ended study questions over a 6-month period. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using an iterative process. Three broad themes corresponding to pillars of family-based psychosocial care were identified: pillar 1) parent partnership in family-integrated medical care, pillar 2) supportive interactions focused on parent and family wellbeing, and pillar 3) integrated psychosocial care and peer support for parents and families. Each pillar was supported by subthemes corresponding to specific intervention strategies. Most parents described the need for intervention strategies across multiple pillars, with almost half reporting needs across all three pillars of psychosocial care. Parents' preferences for psychosocial support changed over time with changes to their child's medical status and across care settings (e.g., hospital, outpatient clinic). CONCLUSIONS Results support a model of family-based psychosocial care that is multidimensional and flexible to meet the needs of families affected by CHD. All members of the healthcare team play an important role in providing psychosocial support. Future research incorporating components of implementation science is needed to promote uptake of these findings, with the goal of optimizing family-based psychosocial support in the hospital setting and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen F. Bechtel Driscoll
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Jennifer Christofferson
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Linda G. McWhorter
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Abigail C. Demianczyk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Cardiac Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Brosig
- Herma Heart Institute, Children’s Wisconsin & Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8915 W Connell Ct, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emily A. Jackson
- Department of Patient and Family Services, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Colette Gramszlo
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Sinai C. Zyblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St. Ste. 601, MSC 617, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anne E. Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erica Sood
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
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Sood E, Nees SN, Srivastava S, Ng S, Torres C, Munoz Osorio A, Canter KS, Braley KT, Spradley L, Stein J, Riegel E, Kazak AE. Virtually Delivered Psychosocial Intervention for Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease: Feasibility and Acceptability of HEARTPrep. Pediatr Cardiol 2023; 44:1479-1486. [PMID: 37355506 PMCID: PMC10758983 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) often leads to anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress in expectant mothers, with long-term implications for the child and family. However, psychosocial intervention is rarely incorporated into prenatal care. HEARTPrep is a virtually delivered psychosocial intervention aimed at reducing distress and social isolation and increasing parenting self-efficacy and hope for mothers expecting a baby with CHD to promote long-term child/family well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of HEARTPrep. Participants were mothers receiving cardiology care for a fetal CHD diagnosis. Partners could participate with the mother. HEARTPrep was delivered through a mobile app and telehealth. Feasibility was assessed through enrollment/retention rates. Acceptability was assessed through 20 Likert-scale and five open-ended questions. Of 39 recruited mothers, 35 (90%) enrolled. Half of partners (48%) also participated. Twenty-seven of 35 enrolled mothers (77%) completed HEARTPrep. On a scale from 0 (Not at All) to 4 (Very), mean item acceptability scores ranged from 3.5 to 3.9. Mothers reported HEARTPrep helped them feel less distressed (mean: 3.74), less alone (3.84), more prepared (3.89), and more hopeful (3.84). Opportunities to process emotions, develop coping skills, learn with their partner, navigate relationships, understand they are not alone, connect with peer support, access resources, and prepare for stressors were described as helpful. HEARTPrep is feasible and acceptable for mothers expecting a baby with CHD. Future research will evaluate its efficacy in preventing/reducing maternal mental health problems and improving postnatal clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sood
- Department of Research, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA.
- Division of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Shannon N Nees
- Division of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shubhika Srivastava
- Division of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie Ng
- Division of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Cynthia Torres
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Angel Munoz Osorio
- Department of Research, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kimberly S Canter
- Department of Research, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine T Braley
- Divison of Cardiology, Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Spradley
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Center for Fetal Care, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Stein
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Center for Fetal Care, Nemours Children's Hospital, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Erin Riegel
- Conquering CHD-Delaware, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Anne E Kazak
- Department of Research, Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, DE, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Franklin MK, Karpyn A, Christofferson J, McWhorter LG, Demianczyk AC, Brosig CL, Jackson EA, Lihn S, Zyblewski SC, Kazak AE, Sood E. Barriers and facilitators to discussing parent mental health within child health care: Perspectives of parents raising a child with congenital heart disease. J Child Health Care 2023; 27:360-373. [PMID: 34879743 PMCID: PMC9174345 DOI: 10.1177/13674935211058010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to discussing parent mental health within child health care for parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Seventy-nine parents of young children with CHD who received care across 40 hospitals in the United States responded to questions about barriers and facilitators to discussing their mental health with their child's health care providers. Responses were analyzed using qualitative research methods. Parents described multiple barriers: (1) belief that parent mental health support was outside the care team's scope of practice, (2) perceived expectation to "stay strong," (3) fear of negative judgment or repercussion, (4) individual preferences for communication/support, (5) desire to maintain care resources on their child, (6) perceived need to compartmentalize emotions, and (7) negative reactions to past emotional disclosure. Parents also described several facilitators: (1) confidence in the care team's ability to provide support, (2) intentional efforts by the care team to provide support, (3) naturally extroverted tendencies, and (4) developing personal connections with health care providers. It is important that health care providers normalize the impact of child illness on the family and create an environment in which parents feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie K. Franklin
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, 111 Alison Hall West, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Jennifer Christofferson
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Linda G. McWhorter
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | - Abigail C. Demianczyk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Cardiac Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Brosig
- Herma Heart Institute, Children’s Wisconsin & Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8915 W Connell Ct, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Emily A. Jackson
- Department of Patient and Family Services, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
| | | | - Sinai C. Zyblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas St. Ste. 601, MSC 617, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Anne E. Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erica Sood
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Health, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA
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10
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Kolarczyk E, Morka A, Barański K, Szydłowski L. Life situation of a caregiver of a child with congenital heart defect and/or other cardiac problems: structure and preliminary validation of a new questionnaire. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1194031. [PMID: 37397292 PMCID: PMC10311238 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1194031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Illness in a child with cardiac disease causes stress, brings additional responsibilities, reorganizes family life, and changes the functioning of the family. Aim This study aimed to validate a new questionnaire evaluating the life situations of caregivers/parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and/or other cardiac diseases (OCD). Materials and methods The questionnaire comprised 10 questions aimed at assessing the life situation of an ill child's caregiver in two main areas: personal and spiritual. The total score of the questionnaire assessing the life situation of the caregiver of a child with a CHD and/or OCD can range from 0 to 32 points, with scores <26 indicating a poor, 25 to 32 indicating an average, and >32 indicating a good level of life situation in the personal sphere of the caregiver. The questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha tests, and repeatability was assessed using Cohen's Kappa test (retest) within a time interval of two to 4 weeks from the first measurement. Results The research covered 50 respondents. Cohesion in the personal sphere obtained a satisfactory value of Cronbach's α = 0.72, in the spiritual sphere: Cronbach's α = 0.83, and the result common for both sections was: Cronbach's α = 0.66. Conclusion The Life Situation Assessment Questionnaire for caregivers of children with CHD and OCD is a reliable and homogeneous tool for measuring the functioning of parents in the event of a child's illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Kolarczyk
- Department of Gerontology and Geriatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Morka
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Children’s Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Barański
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Lesław Szydłowski
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
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11
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Anxiety and Depression Levels in Parents after Counselling for Fetal Heart Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12010394. [PMID: 36615193 PMCID: PMC9821259 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress in fetal cardiology allows for the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects, but there is still a lack of data on the psychological situation of parents expecting a child with a congenital heart defect. In this cross-sectional study, 77 parents (45 women and 32 men) expecting a child with a heart defect were interviewed with different questionnaires. The standardized Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to assess the psychological state of the parents. Various statistical procedures were performed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and predictors of anxiety and depression. The prevalence for prenatal anxiety was 11.8% and for depressed mood 6.6%, whereas the postnatal prevalence was 25% for anxiety and 16.7% for depressed mood. The mother is influential in protecting against depression as a contact person (p = 0.035). Women were more affected by anxiety and depression than men (p = 0.036). A significant and positive correlation was observed between anxiety and depression before birth (ρ = 0.649, p < 0.001) and after birth (ρ = 0.808, p < 0.001). The level of education correlated negatively with depression (p = 0.016) and anxiety (p = 0.017) before birth. Significantly higher anxiety and depression scores were not observed among health and social workers (p = 0.084), first-time mothers (p = 0.190), and parents whose pregnancies were due to medical assistance (p = 0.051). Close collaboration between maternal-fetal care units, pediatric cardiologists and psychiatric/psychosomatic disciplines is a possible strategy to reduce stress in parents. Therefore, an expert team of professionals, educating with understandable terms and sufficient knowledge about fetal heart disease in parenting counseling, is required. The support of affected parents can positively impact the treatment of the child and should be integrated into the daily routine of the clinic.
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12
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Long DA, Waak M, Doherty NN, Dow BL. Brain-Directed Care: Why Neuroscience Principles Direct PICU Management beyond the ABCs. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121938. [PMID: 36553381 PMCID: PMC9776953 DOI: 10.3390/children9121938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major advances in pediatric intensive care (PICU) have led to increased child survival. However, the long-term outcomes among these children following PICU discharge are a concern. Most children admitted to PICU are under five years of age, and the stressors of critical illness and necessary interventions can affect their ability to meet crucial developmental milestones. Understanding the neuroscience of brain development and vulnerability can inform PICU clinicians of new ways to enhance and support the care of these most vulnerable children and families. This review paper first explores the evidence-based neuroscience principles of brain development and vulnerability and the impact of illness and care on children's brains and ultimately wellbeing. Implications for clinical practice and training are further discussed to help optimize brain health in children who are experiencing and surviving a critical illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie A. Long
- School of Nursing, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3138-3834
| | - Michaela Waak
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Nicola N. Doherty
- Regional Trauma Network, SPPG, DOH, Belfast BT2 8BS, Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Coleraine Campus, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Belinda L. Dow
- School of Nursing, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
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13
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"The Mental Health Piece is Huge": perspectives on developing a prenatal maternal psychological intervention for congenital heart disease. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:1268-1275. [PMID: 34588092 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121004030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Women carrying a fetus diagnosed with congenital heart disease often experience significant distress because of their medical diagnosis. Given the well-documented impact associated with elevated prenatal stress and critical importance of developing targeted interventions, this study aims to examine stressors, coping and resilience resources, and mental health treatment preferences in pregnant women receiving a congenital heart disease diagnosis to inform the development of a psychological intervention to reduce maternal distress prenatally. METHODS Three groups of participants were included consisting of two pregnant women carrying a fetus with congenital heart disease, five women of children (4-16 months) with congenital heart disease, and five paediatric cardiology medical providers. Responses were gathered via semi-structured interviews and analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS Information regarding four broad areas were analysed of emotional distress during pregnancy; experience of initial diagnosis; coping and resilience; and perspectives on a mental health intervention in pregnancy. Anxiety regarding baby's future, guilt following diagnosis, and various coping strategies emerged as primary themes among the participant sample. Medical staff corroborated mothers' heightened anxiety and viewed a psychotherapeutic intervention during the prenatal period as essential and complimentary to standard of care. CONCLUSION We identified salient themes and preferred components for a future psychological intervention delivered prenatally. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Patients' and providers' perspectives regarding the nature of maternal distress, resilience and treatment preferences can inform the development of interventions to support the emotional well-being of pregnant women carrying a fetus with congenital heart disease to optimise care and potentially improve outcomes for fetal brain development.
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14
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Tacy TA, Kasparian NA, Karnik R, Geiger M, Sood E. Opportunities to enhance parental well-being during prenatal counseling for congenital heart disease. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151587. [PMID: 35461701 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) can be a life-altering and traumatic event for expectant parents. Parental anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress are common following a prenatal cardiac diagnosis and if untreated, symptoms often persist long-term. During prenatal counseling, parents must try to manage psychological distress, navigate uncertainty, process complex medical information, and make high-stakes medical decisions for their unborn child and their family. Physicians must deliver the diagnosis, describe the expected perinatal management plan, discuss short and long-term prognoses and introduce elements of uncertainty that may exist for the particular diagnosis. Physican training in these important skills is highly variable and many in our field acknowledge the need for improved guidance on best practices for counseling and supporting parents during pregnancy and early parenthood after prenatal diagnosis, while also sustaining physicians' own emotional well-being. We describe these challenges and the opportunities that exist to improve the current state of prenatal counseling in CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa A Tacy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OU, USA
| | - Ruchika Karnik
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Miwa Geiger
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erica Sood
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware; Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Parental post-traumatic stress, overprotective parenting, and emotional and behavioural problems for children with critical congenital heart disease. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:738-745. [PMID: 34365986 PMCID: PMC8825886 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121002912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine relationships amongst parental post-traumatic stress symptoms, parental post-traumatic growth, overprotective parenting, and child emotional/behavioural problems in families of children with critical CHD. METHOD Sixty parents (15 fathers) of children aged 1-6 completed online questionnaires assessing parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and post-traumatic growth, overprotective parenting, and child emotional/behavioural problems. Bivariate correlations and mediational analyses were conducted to evaluate overprotective parenting as a mediator of the association between parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and child emotional/behavioural problems. RESULTS Parents reported significant post-traumatic stress symptoms, with over 18% meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder and 70% meeting criteria in one or more clusters. Parental post-traumatic growth was positively correlated with intrusion (r = .32, p = .01) but it was not associated with other post-traumatic stress symptom clusters. Parental post-traumatic stress symptoms were positively associated with overprotective parenting (r = .37, p = .008) and total child emotional/behavioural problems (r = .29, p = .037). Overprotective parenting was positively associated with total child emotional/behavioural problems (r = .45, p = .001) and fully mediated the relationship between parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and child emotional/behavioural problems. CONCLUSION Overprotective parenting mediates the relationship between parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and child emotional and behavioural problems in families of children with CHD. Both parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and overprotective parenting may be modifiable risk factors for poor child outcomes. This study highlights the need for interventions to prevent or reduce parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and to promote effective parenting following a diagnosis of CHD.
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16
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Lisanti AJ, Demianczyk A, Vogiatzi MG, Quinn R, Chittams J, Hoffman R, Medoff-Cooper B. The Associations of Psychologic and Physiologic Manifestations of Parental Stress in Critical Congenital Heart Disease. Biol Res Nurs 2022; 24:316-326. [DOI: 10.1177/10998004221077136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The primary objective of this exploratory, feasibility study was to examine the relationships of self-reported perceived stressors and psychological stress responses with measures of the biomarker cortisol in parents of infants hospitalized after neonatal cardiac surgery for critical congenital heart disease (cCHD). Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional study of 28 biological mother–father dyads of neonates with cCHD using consecutive enrollment. In the postoperative period after neonatal cardiac surgery, parents provided awakening and diurnal saliva samples and self-report measures on stress, anxiety, depression, dyadic adjustment, and perceived severity of illness of their neonate. Results: Evaluable data, including salivary cortisol samples, were obtained for 27 of the 28 dyads enrolled in the study. Compared to fathers, mothers exhibited significantly higher mean cortisol values at wakeup ( p = .032), 30-minute post-wakeup ( p = .024), and bedtime ( p = .010) timepoints. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were both significant predictors of awakening cortisol measures. Depressive symptoms were also a predictor of diurnal cortisol ( p < .05). Stress arising from infant appearance and behavior was found to significantly predict cortisol awakening response ( p = .0403). Conclusions: Findings suggest that cortisol may be an important biomarker in the examination of parent stress in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU), serving as a foundation for future study in this area. Furthermore, we have provided preliminary evidence of feasibility of including saliva collection in studies of highly stressed parents in a challenging environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jo Lisanti
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Research Institute, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abigail Demianczyk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria G. Vogiatzi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ryan Quinn
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse Chittams
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoffman
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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17
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Demianczyk AC, Driscoll CFB, Karpyn A, Shillingford A, Kazak AE, Sood E. Coping strategies used by mothers and fathers following diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:129-138. [PMID: 34519072 PMCID: PMC9007227 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) exhibit high rates of mental health difficulties, which can influence child developmental and behavioural outcomes. While extensive research has focused on CHD-related stressors that contribute to parental mental health difficulties, few studies have investigated parental coping strategies that may mitigate or heighten risk. This study aimed to identify parental coping strategies following diagnosis of CHD and compare use of coping strategies among different groups (mothers vs. fathers; prenatal vs. postnatal diagnosis). METHODS A diverse sample of 34 parents (20 mothers and 14 fathers) of young children with CHD participated in semistructured interviews focused on their responses to CHD-related stressors. Coping strategies were identified from qualitative data and categorized according to the COPE Inventory, an instrument that assesses common adult responses to stress. Coping strategies deemed as unique to parenting a critically ill child were identified. χ2 and independent sample t tests evaluated group differences. RESULTS Parents described using between 1 and 10 different adaptive and maladaptive strategies measured by the COPE Inventory. Most parents (82.35%) also described coping strategies that may be unique to parenting a critically ill child. Mothers were more likely than fathers to report a focus on and venting of emotions (70% vs. 21.43%) and behavioural disengagement (25% vs. 0%). Compared with parents receiving a postnatal CHD diagnosis, those receiving a prenatal diagnosis described a greater variety of coping strategies (6.23 vs. 4.52) and more often reported positive reinterpretation and growth (69.23% vs. 14.29%), behavioural disengagement (38.46% vs. 0%) and denial (38.46% vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS Parents of children with CHD utilize a variety of coping strategies, some of which are maladaptive. Interventions tailored to the needs of mothers and fathers of young children with CHD, including those receiving a postnatal diagnosis, are needed to promote adaptive coping and optimize family psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail C Demianczyk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Cardiac Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Colleen F Bechtel Driscoll
- Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Amanda Shillingford
- Cardiac Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anne E Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, Delaware, USA., Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erica Sood
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA., Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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18
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Role alteration predicts anxiety and depressive symptoms in parents of infants with congenital heart disease: a pilot study. Cardiol Young 2021; 31:1842-1849. [PMID: 33818351 PMCID: PMC8490483 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121001037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of infants born with critical congenital heart disease are at risk for adverse mental health symptoms. The purpose of this study was to identify infant-, parent-, and environmental-based stressors for mothers and fathers after their infants' cardiac surgery, and to explore relationships between stressors and mental health symptoms of anxiety and depression. METHODS This study enrolled 28 biological mother-father dyads from families admitted to the paediatric cardiac intensive care unit for cardiac surgery at one free-standing children's hospital in the Northeast. Paired t-tests were used to examine group differences between mothers and fathers on perceived stressors and mental health symptoms, while linear mixed effects modelling was used to explore the predictive relationship between perceived stressors, personal factors, and mental health symptoms. RESULTS Mothers reported higher perceived stressor scores of parental role alteration (t = 4.03, p < 0.01) and infant appearance and behaviour (t = 2.61, p = 0.02), and total perceived stress (t = 2.29 p = 0.03), compared to fathers. Mothers also reported higher anxiety (t = 2.47, p = 0.02) and depressive symptoms (t = 3.25, p < 0.01) than fathers. In multivariable analysis, parental role alteration significantly predicted anxiety (t = 5.20, p < 0.01, d = 0.77) and depressive symptoms (t = 7.09, p < 0.01, d = 1.05) for mothers and fathers. The consensus subscale of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale also significantly predicted depressive symptoms (t = -2.42, p = 0.02, d = 0.04). CONCLUSION Parents were distressed during their infant's admission for surgical repair for critical congenital heart disease. Parental role alteration was significantly associated with parental anxiety and depressive symptoms, while poor relationship quality was associated with depressive symptoms, highlighting areas for potential nursing-led psychosocial led interventions.
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19
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Sood E, Lisanti AJ, Woolf-King SE, Wray J, Kasparian N, Jackson E, Gregory MR, Lopez KN, Marino BS, Neely T, Randall A, Zyblewski SC, Brosig CL. Parent mental health and family functioning following diagnosis of CHD: a research agenda and recommendations from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative. Cardiol Young 2021; 31:900-914. [PMID: 34082841 PMCID: PMC8759239 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951121002134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of CHD substantially affects parent mental health and family functioning, thereby influencing child neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes. Recognition of the need to proactively support parent mental health and family functioning following cardiac diagnosis to promote psychosocial adaptation has increased substantially over recent years. However, significant gaps in knowledge remain and families continue to report critical unmet psychosocial needs. The Parent Mental Health and Family Functioning Working Group of the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative was formed in 2018 through support from an R13 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to identify significant knowledge gaps related to parent mental health and family functioning, as well as critical questions that must be answered to further knowledge, policy, care, and outcomes. Conceptually driven investigations are needed to identify parent mental health and family functioning factors with the strongest influence on child outcomes, to obtain a deeper understanding of the biomarkers associated with these factors, and to better understand how parent mental health and family functioning influence child outcomes over time. Investigations are also needed to develop, test, and implement sustainable models of mental health screening and assessment, as well as effective interventions to optimise parent mental health and family functioning to promote psychosocial adaptation. The critical questions and investigations outlined in this paper provide a roadmap for future research to close gaps in knowledge, improve care, and promote positive outcomes for families of children with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sood
- Nemours Cardiac Center & Nemours Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Jo Lisanti
- Department of Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Jo Wray
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children’s Health, Illness and Disability and NIHR GOSH Biomedical Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nadine Kasparian
- Cincinnati Children’s Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Emily Jackson
- Department of Patient and Family Services, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Mary R. Gregory
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Missouri Western State University, Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA
- Department of Developmental Medicine/Behavior Sciences, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Keila N. Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bradley S. Marino
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Trent Neely
- Sisters by Heart/Brothers by Heart, El Segundo, California, USA
| | - Amy Randall
- Mended Little Hearts of Wisconsin, Mended Hearts/Mended Little Hearts, Albany, Georgia, USA
| | - Sinai C. Zyblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Brosig
- Herma Heart Institute, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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20
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Sood E, Wysocki T, Alderfer MA, Aroian K, Christofferson J, Karpyn A, Kazak AE, Pierce J. Topical Review: Crowdsourcing as a Novel Approach to Qualitative Research. J Pediatr Psychol 2021; 46:189-196. [PMID: 33236059 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a novel, five-phase approach to collecting qualitative data from hard-to-reach populations using crowdsourcing methods. METHODS Drawing from experiences across recent studies with type 1 diabetes and congenital heart disease stakeholders, we describe five phases of crowdsourcing methodology, an innovative approach to conducting qualitative research within an online environment, and discuss relevant practical and ethical issues. RESULTS Phases of crowdsourcing methodology are: (I) Preparing; (II) Forming Crowds; (III) Collecting Crowdsourced Data; (IV) Coding and Analyzing Crowdsourced Data; and (V) Generating and Disseminating Findings. Iterative feedback from stakeholders is obtained in all five phases. Practical and ethical issues include accessing diverse stakeholders, emotional engagement of crowd participants, responsiveness and transparency of crowdsourcing methodology, and limited personal contact with crowd participants. CONCLUSIONS Crowdsourcing is an innovative, efficient, feasible, and timely approach to engaging hard-to-reach populations in qualitative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Sood
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System.,Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.,Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.,Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Tim Wysocki
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System
| | - Melissa A Alderfer
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System.,Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Karen Aroian
- University of Central Florida, College of Nursing
| | | | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware
| | - Anne E Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System.,Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
| | - Jessica Pierce
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Health System.,Division of Behavioral Health, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children's Hospital.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida
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21
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Lisanti AJ, Demianczyk AC, Vaughan K, Martino GF, Ohrenschall RS, Quinn R, Chittams JL, Medoff-Cooper B. Parental role alteration strongly influences depressive symptoms in mothers of preoperative infants with congenital heart disease. Heart Lung 2021; 50:235-241. [PMID: 33340826 PMCID: PMC7969439 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mothers of infants with congenital heart disease are at risk for depression. OBJECTIVES This study explored the influence on maternal depressive symptoms of several known factors for mothers in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit, including perceived stressors, attachment, and anxiety. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of 30 mothers of infants awaiting cardiac surgery. Linear regressions were calculated to determine the relationships between perceived stressors, maternal attachment, anxiety, and maternal depressive symptoms. RESULTS Nearly half of mothers reported depressive symptoms above the measure cut-off score, indicating they were at risk for likely clinical depression. Subscales of perceived stress explained 61.7% of the variance in depressive symptoms (F = 11.815, p<0.0001) with parental role alteration subscale as the strongest predictor (standardized beta=0.694, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the importance of mental health screening and instituting nursing practices to enhance parental role for mothers of infants awaiting cardiac surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Lisanti
- Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America; University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Abigail C Demianczyk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Kayla Vaughan
- Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Giordana Fraser Martino
- Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Rachel Schaake Ohrenschall
- Nursing and Clinical Care Services, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Ryan Quinn
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Jesse L Chittams
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
| | - Barbara Medoff-Cooper
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America; Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America.
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