Parvaneh Vasli, Zohreh Komijani, Meimanat Hosseini, Malihe Nasiri,
Volume 30, Issue 4 (1-2025)
Abstract
Background & Aim: Postoperative care presents diverse needs that affect the quality of life in children with congenital heart disease. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of a family-based care transition program on the health-related quality of life of children with congenital heart disease undergoing corrective surgery.
Methods & Materials: This quasi-experimental study involved 78 mother-child dyads diagnosed with congenital heart disease and undergoing corrective surgery at the Shaheed Rajaie Cardiovascular Hospital in Tehran. The samples were divided to one of two groups: an intervention group (n=40) and a control group (n=38). Convenience sampling was employed to select participants during the 2023-2024 period. Data were collected using the TNO-AZL Preschool Quality of Life Scale across four assessment stages. The intervention group participated in 11 sessions of the family-based care transition program, while the control group followed routine discharge protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22, employing independent t-tests, the Bonferroni test, and both one-way and two-way repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results: Within-group comparisons showed a significant increase in quality of life scores for both the intervention and control groups (P<0.001), with the intervention group indicating a more pronounced improvement. However, between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in quality of life scores at baseline, immediately post-intervention, or one month post-discharge. Notably, a significant difference was observed three months post-discharge (P=0.003).
Conclusion: The implementation of a family-based care program may improve the health-related quality of life of children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery. These findings suggest that pediatric nurses can utilize family-centered interventions to improve the health-related quality of life of these children.
