Development and Improvement of Home Rehabilitation Scheme for Preschool Children With Congenital Heart Disease After Operation

Launched by WEI XIA, PHD · Jun 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how to improve home rehabilitation for young children aged 3 to 7 who have congenital heart disease and have recently had heart surgery. The researchers want to understand the experiences of families and healthcare professionals involved in the child’s recovery at home. They will talk with parents, doctors, nurses, therapists, nutritionists, and psychologists to learn about the benefits and challenges of home care, as well as what kind of professional support families need. The goal is to use this information to create better and more helpful home rehabilitation plans tailored to these children’s needs.

Children eligible for this study must have had a specific type of heart surgery at the study hospital, be able to communicate in Chinese, and not have other serious health problems that would make exercise unsafe. Parents or primary caregivers who spend the most time caring for the child and can communicate in Chinese may also participate. Healthcare professionals with experience in congenital heart disease care are invited to share their insights as well. If you take part, you can expect interviews where you’ll be asked about your experiences and ideas for improving home recovery after heart surgery. This study is not yet recruiting participants but aims to develop a better way to support families as they help their children heal at home.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Children With Congenital Heart Disease After Surgery
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 3 to 7 years
• • Clinical diagnosis of congenital heart disease
• • Underwent a single open-heart surgical correction under direct vision at the study site
• • Ability to communicate in Chinese
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Postoperative arrhythmia
• • Comorbid neurological, respiratory, or other systemic diseases
• • Deemed unsuitable for exercise by a physician
• • Cardiac function classified as NYHA Class IV
• • Intellectual, language, or motor impairments resulting from perioperative complications or other causes
• • Caregivers of Children With Congenital Heart Disease After Surgery
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Primary caregiver who voluntarily provides care
• • Caregiver who spends the most time with the child
• • Ability to communicate in Chinese
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Caregivers of children who voluntarily discontinued treatment before completion
• • Paid or professional caregivers
• • Diagnosed cognitive impairment or mental illness
• • Inability to communicate effectively through spoken language
• • Presence of serious conflict or instability in the caregiver-child relationship
• • Inability to independently operate or use smart electronic devices and the internet
• • Medical Professionals Involved in Congenital Heart Disease Care
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Licensed healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, or psychological counselors
• • At least 5 years of professional experience in congenital heart disease care, rehabilitation, or education
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not currently engaged in frontline clinical work
• • Not engaged in clinical work within the past year due to leave, study, or reassignment