Funding outcome

Pediatric heart failure (PHF) is a condition with high morbidity and mortally. PHF is defined as the failure of the heart to supply blood to the body at an appropriate flow rate or to receive blood from the body, resulting in adverse effects on the body. PHF can be secondary to a number of primary and secondary conditions. Parental knowledge deficits in PHF can result in increased demands on the health care system, anxiety and potentially delay parents in recognizing the need for medical treatment. Parents often search the internet for sources of knowledge due to lack of available knowledge, which is highly problematic for many reasons. KT tools in child health have shown to improve outcomes, lessen parental anxiety and encourage increased parent participation in decision-making. Therefore, a KT tool on PHF aimed at the parents, children and adolescent audience would be extremely beneficial. Methods: The aim of my research is to develop an evidence-based PHF KT tool targeted at parents, children and adolescents. A mutliphase, multi-methods proposal has been created that incorporates a robust multi-methodological approach. The phases are as follows: 1) Systematic Review; 2) Environmental Scan of current KT tools and parental experiences; 3) Development of a digital KT tool; 4) Usability testing; and 4) Dissemination of the tool on KT platforms. The goal of my research is to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits, improve patient outcomes, and reduce parental anxiety with a useful, evidenced-based KT tool targeted at parents and children. To date, no digital knowledge translation (KT) tools exist to enhance parents understanding of pediatric heart failure (PHF). KT tools can be delivered in a variety of formats (e.g. digital, whiteboard or story eBook animation) that can be easily accessed by parents. Furthermore, various acute and chronic childhood illnesses have employed KT tools to effectively disseminate information with positive effects. With a rigorous approach to development, PHF can utilize a digital KT approach to disseminate knowledge to adequately parents that would be highly beneficial.