The effect of pre-hospital discharge care program on mothers’ knowledge and reported practice for children after congenital heart surgery

Abstract

Heart surgery in children is done to repair heart defects for a child born with congenital heart defects and heart diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of pre-hospital discharge care program on mothers’ knowledge and reported practice regarding discharge care of children with congenital heart surgery. The study was conducted in the Heart Surgery Department at Abo-EL Riesh University Children Hospital. The sample included 30 mothers and their children that were available during the period of data collection. Three tools were used to collect data including: Tool I: Interviewing questioner sheet of the participants categorized into two parts. Part I and part II: Personal characteristics of the children and their mothers. Tool II: Assessment of mothers’ knowledge regarding care of children after congenital heart surgery. Tool III: Mother’s reported care practice checklist. Results: The results of the present study revealed that there was a highly significant difference in all items of care knowledge (activity, food, medication and follow-up) before, after immediately and after one month from discharge program with highly significant statistically (p < .001). Discharge program improve mothers’ knowledge and practice regarding care of their children after congenital heart surgery. Recommendations: Comprehensive, multidisciplinary discharge planning should deign early and should include the mothers and children contain education regarding congenital heart surgery care.