An evaluation of a specialist nursing service for adult patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate grown-up congenital heart (GUCH) patients' experiences and satisfaction with the delivery of a nurse specialist service, including perceived priorities and recommendations for future service delivery. A service evaluation utilizing descriptive, cross-sectional survey principles was conducted over a 2 year period. Postal questionnaires were sent to three patient cohorts (general adult n = 747; pregnancy n = 202; learning disability n = 72). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the nursing care provided, including information provision, time made available to discuss needs, emotional support, well-being, self-management and symptom distress. Priority areas included timely information and advice; specialist knowledge and expertise; effective care coordination, monitoring and support. Accessibility, contact and responsiveness were dominant. A majority of patients agreed that their first, second and third-rated priorities had been met. Findings identified strong commitment, support and satisfaction with the GUCH nurse specialist service.

Comparative Study of Patients’ Satisfaction with Nursing Service in Major Units of Selected Training Hospitals in Tehran

“…However, by increasing quality-oriented and customer-based development in the health care sector of the country, through continuous feedback of patients' expectations and improvement of service provision, reforms in the quality of health care will be observed and the strengths and weaknesses of the sector can be determined [3].…”

Cardiac conditions in pregnancy and the role of midwives: A discussion paper

“…However, high‐risk obstetric clinics may not necessarily be supported by grown‐up congenital heart (GUCH) teams (Abdin, ). Hatchett, McLaren, Corrigan, and Filer () reported on GUCH nursing services and found patients expressed enhanced feelings of safety in coping with the demands of pregnancy and a heart condition, as well as satisfaction with the information provided and continuity of care through important life transitions. Their research findings demonstrated the value and contribution of a specialist nursing service to women's experiences, particularly in terms of effective care coordination, monitoring and support (Hatchett et al, ).…”

“…Hatchett, McLaren, Corrigan, and Filer () reported on GUCH nursing services and found patients expressed enhanced feelings of safety in coping with the demands of pregnancy and a heart condition, as well as satisfaction with the information provided and continuity of care through important life transitions. Their research findings demonstrated the value and contribution of a specialist nursing service to women's experiences, particularly in terms of effective care coordination, monitoring and support (Hatchett et al, ). Given the recent reported deaths as a result of atherosclerosis and ischaemic‐related heart conditions, there also needs to be some discussion on the services required and available for women with ACS.…”

“…However, high-risk obstetric clinics may not necessarily be supported by grown-up congenital heart (GUCH) teams (Abdin, 2006). Hatchett, McLaren, Corrigan, and Filer (2015) reported on GUCH nursing services and found patients expressed enhanced feelings of safety in coping with the demands of pregnancy and a heart condition, as well as satisfaction with the information provided and continuity of care through important life transitions.…”

“…Their research findings demonstrated the value and contribution of a specialist nursing service to women's experiences, particularly in terms of effective care coordination, monitoring and support (Hatchett et al, 2015). Given the recent reported deaths as a result of atherosclerosis and ischaemic-related heart conditions, there also needs to be some discussion on the services required and available for women with ACS.…”