Update on Education for Families and Patients with Pediatric Heart Disease: A Focus on Technological Advancements, Procedures, and Transitions of Care
Published: March 23, 2026
- Education for pediatric heart disease (pedsHD) must be continuous, inclusive, and family-centered—beginning at diagnosis and extending through adolescence and transition to adult care.
- More research is needed on the effectiveness of digital tools, education for neurodiverse populations and those with language barriers, and strategies to improve recall and comprehension during emotionally charged encounters.
- Anticipatory guidance and proactive education reduce complications, readmissions, and caregiver stress—ultimately improving quality of life and clinical outcomes for children with heart disease.
Update on Education for Families and Patients with Pediatric Heart Disease
In this video, Writing Group Chair Lori A. Erickson, PhD, MSN, MSHCM, FAHA and Vice Chair Jennifer K. Peterson, PhD, APRN-CNS, CCNS, FAHA announce the publication of this scientific statement and share insights from a decade of emerging research on best practices for patient and family education, from preparing for procedures to navigating transitions of care, interstage monitoring, and the growing role of technology. They also highlight the importance of family-centered care, supporting patient and caregiver understanding across the care continuum, and the expanding interdisciplinary team involved in supporting patients, including nurses, physicians, psychologists, child life specialists, therapists, and social workers.
Recommended Reading
- Hub - Addressing Social Determinants of Health and Mitigating Health Disparities Across the Lifespan in Congenital Heart Disease
- Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Individuals With Congenital Heart Disease: Updates in Neuroprotection, Risk-Stratification, Evaluation, and Management
- Hub - Palliative Care Across the Life Span for Children With Heart Disease
- Interstage Home Monitoring for Infants With Single Ventricle Heart Disease
- Advances in Managing Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents With Congenital Heart Disease