Authors (including presenting author) :
Leung SY (1)(2), Leung PS (1)(2), Chow PC (1)(2), Tsui PCB (1)(2),
Lun KS (1)(2), Ho NL (1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Queen Mary Hospital (Former
Hospital)
(2)Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Hong Kong Children
Hospital
Introduction :
Most children born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) can reached
adulthood. However, they may still develop various medical problems and need life-long follow-up care. It is essential to transfer them to adult care settings when they grow up to ensure continuity of care. With various different between paediatric and adult care settings, a Transition Care Program is developed for adolescents with moderate to complex CHD to enhance their knowledge on CHD and self-management skills which facilitate them to deal with adult-oriented health care system.
Objectives :
1.To evaluate the effectiveness of the Transition Care Program on enhancing
adolescents’ knowledge of CHD and related issues
2.To assess the satisfaction level of adolescents and their parents towards
the Transition Care Program
Methodology :
Adolescents aged 15-18 years with moderate to complex CHD were recruited. Their knowledge of CHD are assessed by Congenital Heart Disease Self-Assessment Questionnaires (CHD-SAQ). Results from CHD-SAQ before and after the transition care were compared to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on enhancing adolescents’ knowledge of CHD and related issues. Satisfaction level of adolescents and their parents towards the program were assessed through satisfaction survey.
Result & Outcome :
From July 2018 to October 2020, 52 transition sessions were conducted for 35 adolescents. Seventeen adolescents completed 2 sessions. After the second session, the proportion of “fully correct” was increased by 17.6 percentage points (pp) (p=0.032) on ‘name of heart defects’, 25pp (p=0.048) on ‘name of cardiac surgeries/interventions’, 12.5pp on ‘knowledge on medications’ and 11.7pp on ‘recognize complexity of CHD’. More respondents correctly recognized the symptoms of deterioration. Knowledge on diet recommendation was increases by 23.5pp. Mean composite score of knowledge on endocarditis prophylaxis was increased by 63% (p=0.006). Adolescent girls increased recognition of their pregnancy risk by 36.3pp.
Both adolescents and their parents were satisfied with the program (mean satisfaction score of 4.27/5 among adolescents and 4.65/5 among parents). Majority agreed that the program enhanced knowledge on CHD and reinforced the importance of life long follow-up.
