LAUSR

Purpose Congenital heart disease represents the largest number of birth defects in Ireland with 95% of children now surviving to adulthood (HSE, 2018). With improving long-term survival after paediatric heart transplant, there is an increased number of adolescent heart transplant recipients transitioning to the adult health services. Unique challenges occur during this transition. There is however a dearth of literature on heart transplant adolescents transitioning to adult cardiac services. It is necessary to explore nurses’ experiences of caring for adolescents and young adults with a history of heart transplant in an adult hospital setting. The overall study aim was to explore nurse's experiences of caring for adolescents and young adults in an adult hospital setting with a history of heart transplant. Methods A descriptive phenomenological study using one-to-one interviews was used to conduct this study. Nurses and nurse managers with experience of caring for adolescents with a history of heart transplant in a large urban tertiary referral adult hospital took part in the study. Colizzi's (1978), seven step phenomenological framework was used for data analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: support for adolescents, support for families, support for staff, communication and maturity. Nurses identified that moving from the familiar paediatric setting to the adult setting is a huge change which affects the adolescents and their family. Ideas were put forward to ensure young people settle into their new hospital environment such as meal menus, ward decor, visiting hours. The need for a ‘Transition Co-ordinator’ was identified. Nurses also expressed feelings of stress. Further education and service training was recommended. Inter-professional communication and collaboration is also required for successful transition. Conclusion The findings of this study highlight further improvements required to aid the seamless transition of adolescents with a history of heart transplant to adult cardiac services.