Primary caregivers’ experiences of caring for their child post cardiac intervention: An exploratory study

Abstract

Children in developing countries are now receiving both surgical and catheter-based interventions for the repair of congenital heart defects. Despite the technically advanced treatment options and improved survival rates of children with congenital heart defects, little is known about the experiences and challenges of primary caregivers whilst taking care of their child after a cardiac intervention in South Africa. This exploratory, descriptive study used a qualitative research approach to describe some of the key experiences of eight primary caregivers as they took care of their child in their home environment following a cardiac interventional procedure.