Description and initial evaluation of an educational and psychosocial support model for adults with congenitally malformed hearts.
OBJECTIVE
Various programmes for adults with congenitally malformed hearts have been developed, but detailed descriptions of content, rationale and goals are often missing. The aim of this study was to describe and make an initial evaluation of a follow-up model for adults with congenitally malformed hearts, focusing on education and psychosocial support by a multidisciplinary team (EPS).


METHODS
The model is described in steps and evaluated with regards to perceptions of knowledge, anxiety and satisfaction.


RESULTS
The EPS model included a policlinic visit to the physician/nurse (medical consultation, computer-based and individual education face-to-face as well as psychosocial support) and a 1-month telephone follow-up. Fifty-five adults (mean age 34, 29 women) with the nine most common forms of congenitally malformed hearts participated in the EPS model as well as the 3-months follow-up. Knowledge about congenital heart malformation had increased in 40% of the participants at the 3-months follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
This study describes and evaluates a model that combines a multidisciplinary approach and computer-based education for follow-up of adults with congenitally malformed hearts. The EPS model was found to increase self-estimated knowledge, but further evaluations need to be conducted to prove patient-centred outcomes over time.


CONCLUSIONS
The model is now ready to be implemented in adults with congenitally malformed hearts.
Rönning
Helén
H
Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Division of Nursing Science, Linköping University, Sweden. helen.ronning@liu.se
Nielsen
Niels Erik
NE
Swahn
Eva
E
Strömberg
Anna
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D002983:Clinical Competence; D037001:Directive Counseling; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D010045:Outpatients; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult