Implementation of Virtual Fontan Heart Camps During a Pandemic.
World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg
; 14(1): 63-69, 2023 01.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2283886
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Children with a Fontan operation represent a unique form of congenital heart disease (CHD) that requires multiple cardiac surgeries and procedures with an uncertain long-term outcome. Given the rarity of the types of CHD that require this procedure, many children with a Fontan do not know any others like them.METHODS:
With the cancelation of medically supervised heart camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have organized several physician-led virtual day camps for children with a Fontan operation to connect with others in their province and across Canada. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation and evaluation of these camps via the use of an anonymous online survey immediately after the event and reminders on days 2 and 4 postevent.RESULTS:
Fifty-one children have participated in at least 1 of our camps. Registration data showed that 70% of participants did not know anyone else with a Fontan. Postcamp evaluations showed that 86% to 94% learned something new about their heart and 95% to 100% felt more connected to other children like them.CONCLUSION:
We have demonstrated the implementation of a virtual heart camp to expand the support network for children with a Fontan. These experiences may help to promote healthy psychosocial adjustments through inclusion and relatedness.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Fontan Procedure
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
/
Qualitative research
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
North America
Language:
English
Journal:
World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
21501351221127289
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