Background -The worldwide incidence of congenital heart diseases is 8-10/1000 live births. Congenital heart diseases refer to structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth. These defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood within the heart. While some conditions may require little to no intervention, others necessitate prompt treatment when identified. Family caregivers often wish to play an active role in the post-operative care of children with congenital heart disease, and it is essential for them to be well-informed about the condition and its care requirements. Objective -To assess the knowledge and skill of family caregivers regarding post-operative home care. Material and Method-A descriptive design was conceded for the present study. Total 64 caregivers of the admitted children were enrolled. Tools used were socio demographic profile of caregivers, knowledge questionnaires, observation checklist A pre validated consequently questionnaire comprising of 15 items related to knowledge about the disease and post-operative home care was used to assess their knowledge. Basic care procedures checklists like hand washing, oral care, monitoring axillary temperature practices were used to assess the skill domain of post-operative home care. The ethical aspects were given due consideration. Result- 86 % of the caregivers correctly name, the symptoms of congenital heart disease. 20% of them had knowledge about risk factors, post-op home care and complications of the surgery. 78% were not aware of the steps of hand washing and oral care. Only 7% caregivers were able to monitor axillary temperature of the children. Conclusion- Caregivers had gap in knowledge and skill about the post-operative home care of the children. They need to be taught regarding care of the children at home. The research provided valuable evidence supporting the involvement of family members in the post-operative care of children with congenital heart disease.
Key words: Family caregivers, post-operative home care, congenital heart disease, children.

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Background -The worldwide incidence of congenital heart diseases is 8-10/1000 live births. Congenital heart diseases refer to structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth. These defects can disrupt the normal flow of blood within the heart. While some conditions may require little to no intervention, others necessitate prompt treatment when identified. Family caregivers often wish to play an active role in the post-operative care of children with congenital heart disease, and it is essential for them to be well-informed about the condition and its care requirements. Objective -To assess the knowledge and skill of family caregivers regarding post-operative home care. Material and Method-A descriptive design was conceded for the present study. Total 64 caregivers of the admitted children were enrolled. Tools used were socio demographic profile of caregivers, knowledge questionnaires, observation checklist A pre validated consequently questionnaire comprising of 15 items related to knowledge about the disease and post-operative home care was used to assess their knowledge. Basic care procedures checklists like hand washing, oral care, monitoring axillary temperature practices were used to assess the skill domain of post-operative home care. The ethical aspects were given due consideration. Result- 86 % of the caregivers correctly name, the symptoms of congenital heart disease. 20% of them had knowledge about risk factors, post-op home care and complications of the surgery. 78% were not aware of the steps of hand washing and oral care. Only 7% caregivers were able to monitor axillary temperature of the children. Conclusion- Caregivers had gap in knowledge and skill about the post-operative home care of the children. They need to be taught regarding care of the children at home. The research provided valuable evidence supporting the involvement of family members in the post-operative care of children with congenital heart disease.
Key words: Family caregivers, post-operative home care, congenital heart disease, children.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.