Virtually Delivered Psychosocial Intervention for Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease: Feasibility and Acceptability of HEARTPrep

This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of HEARTPrep. Participants were mothers receiving cardiology care for a fetal CHD diagnosis. Partners could participate with the mother. HEARTPrep was delivered through a mobile app and telehealth. Feasibility was assessed through enrollment/retention rates. Acceptability was assessed through 20 Likert-scale and five open-ended questions. Of 39 recruited mothers, 35 (90%) enrolled. Half of partners (48%) also participated. Twenty-seven of 35 enrolled mothers (77%) completed HEARTPrep. On a scale from 0 (Not at All) to 4 (Very), mean item acceptability scores ranged from 3.5 to 3.9. Mothers reported HEARTPrep helped them feel less distressed (mean: 3.74), less alone (3.84), more prepared (3.89), and more hopeful (3.84). Opportunities to process emotions, develop coping skills, learn with their partner, navigate relationships, understand they are not alone, connect with peer support, access resources, and prepare for stressors were described as helpful. HEARTPrep is feasible and acceptable for mothers expecting a baby with CHD. Future research will evaluate its efficacy in preventing/reducing maternal mental health problems and improving postnatal clinical outcomes.
Source: Mammalian Genome - Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Source Type: research