title: Evaluation of a family camp intervention for children with a heart transplant and their families.
abstract: Given the arduous course of heart transplantation and follow-up care, recipients and their families face complex challenges and stressors warranting supportive interventions. This study explored the impact of a family camp as an intervention of education and social support for pediatric transplant recipients and their families. A total of 49 individuals participated in this evaluation, including eight children and nine youth with heart transplants, five siblings, 19 parents, and 13 health care providers. Participants ranked and described the 3-day family camp experience. Analysis of pre/post intervention measures on knowledge, social support, and coping revealed statistically significant improvements in knowledge, social support, self-esteem, and psychological stability. Satisfaction surveys revealed the camp to be an important resource for education, family fun, and peer support among transplant recipients, their families, and the health care team. Implications and recommendations are offered for clinical and community practice.
authors: a Faculty of Social Work , University of Calgary , Central and Northern Alberta Region, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
authors: David B
authors: DB
authors: Nicholas
authors: b Pediatric Cardiac Transplant Unit , Stollery Children's Hospital , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
authors: Bernadette
authors: B
authors: Dodd
authors: c Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Urschel
authors: a Faculty of Social Work , University of Calgary , Central and Northern Alberta Region, Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
authors: Amber
authors: A
authors: Young
authors: c Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.
authors: Lori J
authors: LJ
authors: West
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010379:Peer Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*; D013315:Stress, Psychological
keywords: Camp; children; family; heart transplant; quality of life; support