Abstract 14103: An Educational Intervention Improves Transition Behaviors and Knowledge Among Youth With Cardiac Disease

Introduction: Many adolescents living with congenital heart disease (CHD) have limited knowledge of their heart, impairing their potential to transition successfully from child-centred to adult-oriented care. There are a paucity of outcome data with respect to facilitating transition in this population. Hypothesis: An educational intervention will improve transition-behaviours and knowledge among youth with CHD. Methods: The Congenital Heart Adolescents Participating in Transition Evaluation Research (CHAPTER) Study was a single-center cluster randomized trial that enrolled 15-17 year olds with moderate or complex CHD. Subjects were assigned to a one hour nurse-led one-on-one intervention or usual care (control). The intervention protocol included review of a diagram depicting the subject’s cardiac anatomy and prior surgical/ catheter interventions; potential late cardiac complications; name, dose and rationale for the subject’s medications; and creation of a portable health summary (MyHealth passport). P...