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UNLABELLED Theme: Parenting/parenthood. INTRODUCTION The diagnosis of complex CHD impacts the psychosocial status of parents and their functioning. PURPOSE A critical evaluation of the literature concerning the psychosocial parental response to their infant's diagnosis of complex CHD. METHODS Systematic review of 18 articles published after 2000 in PubMed and CINAHL. RESULTS The impact of an infant's CHD on the family functioning is determined both by child's medical condition and family's psychosocial factors. The majority of parents experience intense loss and numerous stressors. Nurses and physicians need to be sensitive to the needs, thoughts and experiences of the parents when discussing treatment options. Families with poor social support networks may have the greatest need for professional interventions. CONCLUSIONS Appropriate interventions assist the majority of parents to adapt to the diagnosis of complex CHD. However, there are a number of parents with an increased psychosocial risk associated with higher rates of emotional distress.

UNLABELLED Theme: Cardiology Introduction: Measuring quality of life (QoL) in children and adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) is of great clinical importance. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was: (a) to adapt the PedsQL Cardiac Module for children aged two to 18 years with CHD in a sample of the Greek population; (b) to determine its reliability and validity. METHODS Forward and backward translation methodology was used. Parents and children completed the instrument during: (a) hospitalization and (b) visits in the paediatric cardiology outpatient department. Cross-informant variance between children and parents was thoroughly assessed. RESULTS Missing item responses did not exceed 5%. All internal consistency reliability coefficients for the inventory exceeded the minimum standards for group comparisons, over 0.75. Hypothesized correlations between cardiac module and core scales were statistically significant, (p

UNLABELLED Theme: Complex health care and chronic disease management. INTRODUCTION Congenital heart disease (CHD) may have a very important impact on central nervous system function and neurodevelopment. PURPOSE Critical evaluation of literature concerning the neurodevelopmental outcomes following congenital heart surgery. METHODS Systematic review of 28 articles published after 2000 in PubMed, Scopus and CINAHL. RESULTS Neurodevelopment morbidities can have a negative impact on early childhood development, academic performance and later transition to adulthood. The spectrum of neurodevelopment impairment is wide, depending on the complexity of CHD and it is characterized by mild cognitive impairment, impaired social interaction, and impairments in core communication skills, including pragmatic language, as well as inattention, impulsive behavior and impaired executive function. A number of important determinants are presented. CONCLUSIONS Children with CHD are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delay. Screening and evaluation of neurodevelopmental delay, along with regular follow up, are essential steps to guide appropriate interventions to optimize their overall development.