Thoughts and feelings of fathers who have a child with congenital heart disease from birth through infancy

Abstract

 Purpose : The purpose of this study is to investigate the thoughts of fathers who have a child from birth through infancy with congenital heart disease, and to determine what nurses can do to support these fathers.

 Methods : A qualitative descriptive research design was used in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 fathers who had a child with congenital heart disease. Fathers were asked about their thoughts and feelings in regard to their child, their wife, and their own experiences.

 Results : The fathers’ responses were divided into 9 main categories and 27 subcategories. From their child’s birth, fathers’ feelings fluctuated over time as they considered their child’s disease process and child’s future. Fathers were frustrated, fought against helplessness, and felt anxious as they made decisions about their child’s care. They also felt pressured, as they had to support their wife and try to meet other’s expectations as a husband and a father.

 Considerations : It is necessary for nurses to understand and support not only sick children and their mothers, but also their fathers, who may have complicated feelings and thoughts. Because fathers of sick children often do not express their emotions, they may miss opportunities to receive effective support and care. It is also important to let those fathers know that health care professional are also on their side and trying to understand their thoughts and feelings.