Assisting the transition from hospital to home for children with major congenital heart disease by telemedicine: a feasibility study and initial results.

Abstract

Parents of children hospitalized with major congenital heart disease often state that the weeks following discharge from hospital are particularly difficult. There is a sudden change from 24-h medical supervision and care to outpatient reviews. Videoconferencing not only gives the family an opportunity to have visual and audio contact with staff but also allows clinicians to visually assess the patient. We have investigated the feasibility of using videoconferencing to provide support for families at home. We also report the early results of a randomized control trial comparing videoconference support with regular telephone support and the current clinic review follow-up.