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Dandy S, Wittkowski A, Murray CD. Parents' experiences of receiving their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:351-378. [PMID: 37968248 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12703] [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] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aimed to synthesize qualitative research on parents' psychological experiences following their child's diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS A systematic search of six electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed and Web of Science) was completed, inclusive of all years up to May 2022. Any included articles were synthesized using thematic synthesis and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. RESULTS Twenty-six articles were included. Four main themes, and 11 subthemes, emerged from the synthesis. Theme 1 (unpreparedness for the diagnosis) concerned parents' shock, guilt and anger regarding the diagnosis. Theme 2 (the overwhelming reality of CHD) described parental fear about decision-making and the child's prognosis, and the influence of professionals on parents' well-being. Theme 3 (mourning multiple losses) detailed parents' sadness at losing their envisioned pregnancy, birth and parenthood experiences. Theme 4 (redefining hopes to reach an acceptance of CHD) described parents' adjustment to the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Receiving a child's CHD diagnosis was a uniquely challenging situation for parents. The findings provided insight into the emotions parents experienced and how they adjusted to the diagnosis psychologically. As parents' experiences were significantly influenced by their interactions with professionals, clinicians should offer compassion, validation and clear information throughout the diagnosis process.
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Harris KW, Hammack-Aviran CM, Brelsford KM, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Clayton EW. Mapping parents' journey following prenatal diagnosis of CHD: a qualitative study. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:1387-1395. [PMID: 35942903 PMCID: PMC10152984 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122002505] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand parents' accounts of their prenatal and postnatal experience after prenatal diagnosis of CHD - particularly emotional processing and coping mechanisms - to identify strategies to improve support. METHODS This single-centre, longitudinal qualitative study included pregnant mothers and their support persons seen in Fetal Cardiology Clinic at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from May through August 2019 for probable complex CHD. Twenty-seven individuals from 17 families participated in 62 phone interviews during pregnancy and postpartum: 27 conducted after the initial prenatal cardiology consultation, 15 after a follow-up prenatal visit, and 20 after birth. Applied thematic analysis approach was used to code and analyse transcribed interviews. Coding and codebook revisions occurred iteratively; intercoder reliability was >80%. RESULTS Patients included mothers (16 [59%]), fathers (8 [30%]), and other support persons (3 [11%]). Initial fetal diagnoses included a range of moderate to severe CHD. Prenatally, parents sought to maintain hope while understanding the diagnosis; planning for the future rather than focusing on day-to-day was more common if prognoses were better. Postnatally, with confirmation of prenatal diagnoses, parents' sense of control expanded, and they desired more active engagement in clinical decision making. CONCLUSIONS To enhance effective communication and support, understanding how parents conceptualise hope in relation to diagnosis and how that may evolve over time is critical. Expectant parents whose child has a significant risk of mortality may demonstrate hope by focusing on positivity. As prognostic uncertainty diminishes postpartum, the parental role on the team may shift, requiring clinicians to provide different support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly W. Harris
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ann Kavanaugh-McHugh
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Law, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Thorpe A, Delaney RK, Pinto NM, Ozanne EM, Pershing ML, Hansen LM, Lambert LM, Fagerlin A. Parents' Psychological and Decision-Making Outcomes following Prenatal Diagnosis with Complex Congenital Heart Defect: An Exploratory Study. MDM Policy Pract 2023; 8:23814683231204551. [PMID: 37920604 PMCID: PMC10619352 DOI: 10.1177/23814683231204551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Parents with a fetus diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect (CHD) are at high risk of negative psychological outcomes. Purpose. To explore whether parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes differed based on their treatment decision and fetus/neonate survival status. Methods. We prospectively enrolled parents with a fetus diagnosed with a complex, life-threatening CHD from September 2018 to December 2020. We tested whether parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes 3 months posttreatment differed by treatment choice and survival status. Results. Our sample included 23 parents (average Age[years]: 27 ± 4, range = 21-37). Most were women (n = 18), non-Hispanic White (n = 20), and married (n = 21). Most parents chose surgery (n = 16), with 11 children surviving to the time of the survey; remaining parents (n = 7) chose comfort-directed care. Parents who chose comfort-directed care reported higher distress (x ¯ = 1.51, s = 0.75 v. x ¯ = 0.74, s = 0.55; Mdifference = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-1.48) and perinatal grief (x ¯ = 91.86, s = 22.96 v. x ¯ = 63.38, s = 20.15; Mdifference = 27.18, 95% CI, 6.20-48.16) than parents who chose surgery, regardless of survival status. Parents who chose comfort-directed care reported higher depression (x ¯ = 1.64, s = 0.95 v. x ¯ = 0.65, s = 0.49; Mdifference = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.10-1.88) than parents whose child survived following surgery. Parents choosing comfort-directed care reported higher regret (x ¯ = 26.43, s = 8.02 v. x ¯ = 5.00, s = 7.07; Mdifference = 21.43, 95% CI, 11.59-31.27) and decisional conflict (x ¯ = 20.98, s = 10.00 v. x ¯ = 3.44, s = 4.74; Mdifference = 17.54, 95% CI; 7.75-27.34) than parents whose child had not survived following surgery. Parents whose child survived following surgery reported lower grief (Mdifference = -19.71; 95% CI, -39.41 to -0.01) than parents whose child had not. Conclusions. The results highlight the potential for interventions and care tailored to parents' treatment decisions and outcomes to support parental coping and well-being. Highlights Question: Do the psychological and decision-making outcomes of parents differ based on their treatment decision and survival outcome following prenatal diagnosis with complex CHD?Findings: In this exploratory study, parents who decided to pursue comfort-directed care after a prenatal diagnosis reported higher levels of psychological distress and grief as well as higher decisional conflict and regret than parents who decided to pursue surgery.Meaning: The findings from this exploratory study highlight potential differences in parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes following a diagnosis of complex CHD for their fetus, which appear to relate to the treatment approach and the treatment outcome and may require tailoring of psychological and decision support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Thorpe
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca K. Delaney
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nelangi M. Pinto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elissa M. Ozanne
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mandy L. Pershing
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa M. Hansen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Linda M. Lambert
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation
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Mangin-Heimos KS, Strube M, Taylor K, Galbraith K, O’Brien E, Rogers C, Lee CK, Ortinau C. Trajectories of Maternal and Paternal Psychological Distress After Fetal Diagnosis of Moderate-Severe Congenital Heart Disease. J Pediatr Psychol 2023; 48:305-316. [PMID: 35976135 PMCID: PMC10118854 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac067] [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: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to compare trajectories of maternal and paternal psychological distress after prenatal diagnosis of fetal moderate-severe congenital heart disease (CHD), from pregnancy through early-mid infancy. METHODS Pregnant women who received a prenatal diagnosis of fetal moderate-severe CHD, and their partners, were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal study. Symptoms of psychological distress were measured twice during pregnancy and twice after birth, using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42). Patterns and predictors of psychological distress were examined using generalized hierarchical linear modeling. RESULTS Psychological distress was present in 42% (18/43) of mothers and 22% (8/36) of fathers at least once during the study. The rates of distress did not differ between mothers and fathers. There was also no change in probability of distress over time or difference in distress trajectories between mothers and fathers. However, individual trajectories demonstrated considerable variability in symptoms for both mothers and fathers. Predictors of psychological distress included low social support for mothers and a history of mental health conditions for fathers. CONCLUSIONS Parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of fetal CHD commonly report symptoms of psychological distress from the time of diagnosis through early-mid infancy and display highly variable trajectories. These data suggest that early and repeated psychological screening is important once a fetal CHD diagnosis is made and that providing mental health and social support to parents may be an important component of their ongoing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn S Mangin-Heimos
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Michael Strube
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Kaylin Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | | | - Erin O’Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Cynthia Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Caroline K Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Cynthia Ortinau
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents who receive a diagnosis of a severe, life-threatening CHD for their foetus or neonate face a complex and stressful decision between termination, palliative care, or surgery. Understanding how parents make this initial treatment decision is critical for developing interventions to improve counselling for these families. METHODS We conducted focus groups in four academic medical centres across the United States of America with a purposive sample of parents who chose termination, palliative care, or surgery for their foetus or neonate diagnosed with severe CHD. RESULTS Ten focus groups were conducted with 56 parents (Mage = 34 years; 80% female; 89% White). Results were constructed around three domains: decision-making approaches; values and beliefs; and decision-making challenges. Parents discussed varying approaches to making the decision, ranging from relying on their "gut feeling" to desiring statistics and probabilities. Religious and spiritual beliefs often guided the decision to not terminate the pregnancy. Quality of life was an important consideration, including how each option would impact the child (e.g., pain or discomfort, cognitive and physical abilities) and their family (e.g., care for other children, marriage, and career). Parents reported inconsistent communication of options by clinicians and challenges related to time constraints for making a decision and difficulty in processing information when distressed. CONCLUSION This study offers important insights that can be used to design interventions to improve decision support and family-centred care in clinical practice.
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Delaney RK, Pinto NM, Ozanne EM, Stark LA, Pershing ML, Thorpe A, Witteman HO, Thokala P, Lambert LM, Hansen LM, Greene TH, Fagerlin A. Study protocol for a randomised clinical trial of a decision aid and values clarification method for parents of a fetus or neonate diagnosed with a life-threatening congenital heart defect. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e055455. [PMID: 34893487 PMCID: PMC8666895 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Parents who receive the diagnosis of a life-threatening, complex heart defect in their fetus or neonate face a difficult choice between pursuing termination (for fetal diagnoses), palliative care or complex surgical interventions. Shared decision making (SDM) is recommended in clinical contexts where there is clinical equipoise. SDM can be facilitated by decision aids. The International Patient Decision Aids Standards collaboration recommends the inclusion of values clarification methods (VCMs), yet little evidence exists concerning the incremental impact of VCMs on patient or surrogate decision making. This protocol describes a randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effect of a decision aid (with and without a VCM) on parental mental health and decision making within a clinical encounter. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Parents who have a fetus or neonate diagnosed with one of six complex congenital heart defects at a single tertiary centre will be recruited. Data collection for the prospective observational control group was conducted September 2018 to December 2020 (N=35) and data collection for two intervention groups is ongoing (began October 2020). At least 100 participants will be randomised 1:1 to two intervention groups (decision aid only vs decision aid with VCM). For the intervention groups, data will be collected at four time points: (1) at diagnosis, (2) postreceipt of decision aid, (3) postdecision and (4) 3 months postdecision. Data collection for the control group was the same, except they did not receive a survey at time 2. Linear mixed effects models will assess differences between study arms in distress (primary outcome), grief and decision quality (secondary outcomes) at 3-month post-treatment decision. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was approved by the University of Utah Institutional Review Board. Study findings have and will continue to be presented at national conferences and within scientific research journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04437069 (Pre-results).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K Delaney
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Nelangi M Pinto
- Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Elissa M Ozanne
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Louisa A Stark
- Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mandy L Pershing
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Alistair Thorpe
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Holly O Witteman
- Family and Emergency Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Praveen Thokala
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Linda M Lambert
- Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lisa M Hansen
- Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Tom H Greene
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- VA HSR&D Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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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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Waldrop AR, Sherwin EB, Anderson JN, Boissiere JC, Hintz SR, Maskatia SA, Girsen AI, Blumenfeld YJ. Postpartum depression in mothers with pregnancies complicated by fetal cardiac anomaly. J Perinatol 2021; 41:1605-1610. [PMID: 33712713 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate factors associated with positive postpartum depression (PPD) screen in pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed all records of pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly receiving prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care at our single center, October 2016-October 2019. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal data were compared between women with and without a positive PPD screen at the 6-week postpartum visit. RESULTS Out of 415 women referred for fetal congenital cardiac anomaly, 86 women had complete inclusion criteria. Twenty-four women (28%) had a positive PPD screen. The frequencies of planned future infant surgery (73.9 vs. 26.2%, p = 0.01) and neonatal death prior to postpartum visit (12.5 vs. 0%, p = 0.02) were significantly higher among women with a positive PPD screen. CONCLUSION In pregnancies complicated by fetal congenital cardiac anomaly, mothers of infants with planned future surgery or neonatal death are at significant risk for postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne R Waldrop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Elizabeth B Sherwin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jill N Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jay C Boissiere
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Susan R Hintz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatalogy, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shiraz A Maskatia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anna I Girsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yair J Blumenfeld
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital, Stanford, CA, USA
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Harris KW, Brelsford KM, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Clayton EW. Uncertainty of Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e204082. [PMID: 32369178 PMCID: PMC7201310 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease may experience more short- and long-term stress than those who receive a postnatal diagnosis. To identify potential interventions to ameliorate that stress, the longitudinal emotional experience of parents must first be understood. OBJECTIVE To better understand parents' accounts of their own prenatal experience, particularly aspects they found to be stressful or challenging, and to identify strategies to improve support. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study included analysis of transcripts of audio recorded telephone interviews with pregnant mothers and their support persons, as applicable, who were referred to and seen at the Fetal Cardiology Clinic at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from May 2019 to August 2019 with an initial likely diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease at any gestational age. Data analysis was conducted from August 2019 to November 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES An applied thematic analysis approach was used to code and analyze professionally transcribed interviews. Coding and codebook revisions occurred iteratively; intercoder reliability was assessed and confirmed routinely. One author coded all transcripts; a second author independently reviewed one-fifth of the transcripts at fixed intervals to ensure that interrater reliability remained greater than 80%. RESULTS Twenty-seven individuals from 17 families participated in 42 phone interviews during pregnancy, 27 conducted at the first time point after the initial prenatal cardiology consultation and 15 at the second time point after a follow-up prenatal cardiology visit. Most interviewees were mothers (16 interviewees [59%]; median [interquartile range] age, 30.0 [27.3-34.8] years) or fathers (8 interviewees [30%)], with a few support individuals (3 interviewees [11%]) (median [interquartile range] age of family member or support individual, 30.0 [26.0-42.0] years). Initial fetal diagnoses included a range of severe congenital heart disease. Uncertainty was identified as a pervasive central theme and was related both to concrete questions on scheduling, logistics, or next steps, and long-term unknown variables concerning the definitiveness of the diagnosis or overall prognosis. Practitioners helped families through their framing of uncertainty at various time points including before, during, and after the clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Families walk an uncertain path following a fetal diagnosis of severe congenital heart disease. The challenges faced by the cardiologists caring for them overlap in many ways with those experienced by pediatric palliative care practitioners. Potential future interventions to improve parental support were identified in the areas of expectation setting before the referral visit, communication in clinic, and identity formation after the new diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly W. Harris
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ann Kavanaugh-McHugh
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- School of Law, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Lisanti AJ, Vittner D, Medoff-Cooper B, Fogel J, Wernovsky G, Butler S. Individualized Family-Centered Developmental Care: An Essential Model to Address the Unique Needs of Infants With Congenital Heart Disease. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2020; 34:85-93. [PMID: 30303895 PMCID: PMC6283700 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000000546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infants born with critical congenital heart disease (cCHD) who require surgical intervention in the newborn period are often hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). Cardiac surgery and the CICU environment are traumatic to infants and their families. Infants are exposed to overwhelming stress, which can result in increased pain, physiologic instability, behavioral disorganization, disrupted attachment, and altered brain development. Individualized Family-centered Developmental Care (IFDC) is a model that can address the unique needs and developmental challenges of infants with cCHD. PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to (1) clearly describe the uniqueness of the infant with cCHD, including the medical, neurological, and parental challenges, and (2) propose methods to apply IFDC to support recovery of infants with cCHD in the CICU. CONCLUSIONS The experiences in the CICU shape the developing brain and alter recovery and healing, thus adversely impacting development. Individualized Family-centered Developmental Care is a promising model of care that nurses can integrate into the CICU to promote neuroprotection and development. Nurses can effectively integrate IFDC into the CICU by understanding the unique characteristics of infants with cCHD and applying IFDC interventions that include both maturity and recovery perspectives. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The incorporation of IFDC interventions is essential for the infant with cCHD and should be a standard of care. Applying IFDC with a recovery perspective in all aspects of caregiving will provide opportunities for individualization of care and parent engagement, allowing infants in the CICU to recover from surgery while supporting both short- and long-term neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Jo Lisanti
- Amy Lisanti, PhD, RN, CCNS, CCRN-K NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing; and Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Scientist, Cardiac Nursing at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dorothy Vittner, PhD, RN Nurse Scientist, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford; and Faculty, School of Nursing and an Assistant Professor, University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs. Barbara Medoff-Cooper, PhD, RN Professor, Univeristy of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia. Jennifer Fogel, M.S.CCC-SLP/L Pediatric Speech Language Pathologist, Advocate Children's Hospital, Oak Lawn, Illinois. Gil Wernovsky, MD Senior Consultant in Cardiac Critical Care and Pediatric Cardiology, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia. Samantha Butler, PhD Developmental and Clinical Psychologist Director, Boston Children's; and Assistant Professor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Parental reactions, distress, and sense of coherence after prenatal versus postnatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease. Cardiol Young 2019; 29:1328-1334. [PMID: 31522698 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951119001781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in offspring triggers psychological distress in parents. Results of previous studies have been inconsistent regarding the psychological impact of a prenatal versus a postnatal diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the time of diagnosis on levels of parental distress. METHODS Pregnant women and their partners with a fetus diagnosed with complex CHD, parents of children with postnatally diagnosed CHD, and pregnant women and their partners with uncomplicated pregnancies were invited to participate. Data were collected during pregnancy and 2-6 months after delivery using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, sense of coherence, life satisfaction, and Dyadic Adjustment Scale. RESULTS During pregnancy, the prenatal group scored lower sense of coherence compared to controls (p=0.044). Postnatally the prenatal group scored lower on sense of coherence compared to the postnatal group and controls (p=0.001; p=0.001). Postnatally, the prenatal and postnatal groups had higher levels of anxiety compared to controls (p=0.025; p=0.0003). Life satisfaction was lower in the prenatal group compared to that in the postnatal group and in controls (p=0.000; p=0.0004). CONCLUSION Parents with a prenatal diagnosis of CHD in offspring report a low sense of coherence already during pregnancy which decreased further at follow-up. The same group reported a lower satisfaction with life compared to parents of a child with postnatal diagnosis of CHD and parents of a healthy child. This motivates further efforts to improve counselling and support during pregnancy and for parents after a prenatal diagnosis.
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Reid A, Gaskin K. Parents' experiences of receiving an antenatal versus postnatal diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease. Nurs Child Young People 2018; 30:19-25. [PMID: 30358337 DOI: 10.7748/ncyp.2018.e1078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The time point at which parents receive a diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) has changed over the years due in part to advances in fetal ultrasound. However, CHD remains undiscovered until after birth in some cases. The psychological effect of time of diagnosis on parents' experiences has not been well researched. AIM To explore parents' experiences at the time of diagnosis of complex CHD and to compare if experiences differ when receiving an antenatal versus postnatal diagnosis. METHOD Descriptive and thematic analysis of primary mixed qualitative and quantitative data, collected in 2012-2013, from an online survey of parents ( n =22) whose infants had undergone stage one surgery for a functionally univentricular heart. FINDINGS Four themes emerged: parents' understanding of the condition at the time of diagnosis; parents' emotions at the time of diagnosis; sources of support at the time of diagnosis; and additional sources of information after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION There are implications for practice in terms of who provides the diagnosis and, more importantly, how well it is explained. Professionals need to assess parents' emotional status, information needs and level of understanding irrespective of time of diagnosis, so that support is individualised, sensitive and time appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Reid
- Children's ward, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire, England
| | - Kerry Gaskin
- Advanced clinical practice, Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, England
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Abstract
Parental stress is a universal experience for parents who have children diagnosed with CHD and has been studied within the context of the child's illness, but not through a broader health disparity lens. This paper provides a thorough synthesis of the current literature on parental stress addressing disparities in parents of children with CHD. Several theories and models from within this literature are described and a new comprehensive framework, the Parental Stress and Resilience in CHD Model, is presented. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
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14
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Golfenshtein N, Srulovici E, Deatrick JA. Interventions for Reducing Parenting Stress in Families With Pediatric Conditions: An Integrative Review. JOURNAL OF FAMILY NURSING 2016; 22:460-492. [PMID: 27821622 DOI: 10.1177/1074840716676083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Parenting stress increases in the presence of serious-acute or chronic pediatric health conditions, potentially triggering negative outcomes for families. Parenting stress reduction interventions have been widely disseminated. The current review describes the types, components, and outcomes of these interventions in diverse pediatric populations. A systematic literature search yielded 26 experimental and quasi-experimental studies describing such interventions. Quality assessment was conducted by two doctorally prepared nursing researchers using the Downs and Black's checklist for randomized and nonrandomized studies of health care interventions. Interventions were categorized as follows: interventions with supporting and cognitive components (n = 3), interventions with empowerment and skill development components (n = 18), interventions targeted to children's condition (n = 9), and interventions focusing on the parent-child relationship (n = 5). Most interventions reduced immediate parenting stress levels (n = 23), but failed to demonstrate long-term gains. Future family interventions should target long-term parenting stress, while focusing on specific family needs across pediatric conditions.
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