The experiences of children and young people in adjusting to cardiac surgery sternal scars

Chief Investigator	Institution	Dates	Funding Stream	Amount
Dr Nell Ellison	University of Bristol	01/11/2016 to 31/03/2018	Above and Beyond Spring 2016	£11,639

 

Summary

This study used mixed methodology (semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, and descriptive data from validated questionnaires) to better understand the risks, protective factors and psychological processes around adjustment to sternal scars for children and young people with congenital heart disease. The findings will inform the development of a large quantitative study (ESRC funded) to develop and validate a screening questionnaire to identify those at risk of scar-related body image problems pre- and post- surgery in order to develop and target interventions effectively. The overarching objective is to develop effective ways to prevent and treat body image and adjustment difficulties to promote longer term psychological well-being in this population.

Work carried out

Recruitment and data collection completed by Feb 2018. Mixed methods cross-sectional design. 24 participants (11 children and young people aged 12-17, and 13 parent carers). Mixed methods cross-sectional design - battery of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews undertaken with children and parents separately.

Qualitative data analysed through thematic analysis and quant data analysed for descriptives Feb-May 2018. Initial findings presented at the Association of the European Pediatric Cardiologists (AEPC) Working Group "Neurodevelopment and Psychosocial Care from Fetus to Adult" bi-annual conference 7-9 march 2018, Leicester.

Other project outcomes

Established research collaborations between University of Bath, UHBristol, UWE (Centre for Appearance concern) and KCL. Plans to explore here to take this research further in due course.

Project outputs

Davis, C., Sheils, L., Ellison, N., King, G., Veale, D., Garratt, V., Parry, A., Tulloh, R. (2018) 'Childhood Scars: Difficult Reminders or Medals of Bravery?'. Presented at the bi-annual international working group conference: Neurodevelopment and Psychosocial Care from Fetus to Adult, Association for European Peadiatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), Leicester, UK (March 7^th-9^th 2018).

Davis, C., Ellison, N., Sheils, E., King, G., Veale, D., Garratt, V., Parry, A., & Tulloh, R. (in preparation, 2018). Childhood heart surgery scars: War wounded but armed with a story. Target Journal:European Journal of Cardiac Nursing

Currently preparing manuscript for publication in target journal European Journal of cardiovascular Nursing.

updated 03/01/2020