A nurse-led model: developing a one-stop clinic for patients with congenital heart disease

Abstract

Background/Aims Congenital heart disease refers to a range of problems related to the heart that are present at birth. Clinical nurse specialists play a crucial role in providing specialised knowledge, expertise, support and advice to patients with congenital heart disease. This study aimed to explore the experiences and feedback of adults with congenital heart disease who attended a nurse-led one-stop clinic. Methods Data were collected via a questionnaire comprised of both open-ended and closed questions. The questions covered patients' demographic characteristics and their experiences before and during the appointment. Of the 144 patients scheduled to attend the one-stop clinic, 124 attended and a total of 91 responded to the questionnaire. Results All participants reported having a positive experience of the nurse-led one-stop clinic, including additional benefits of acquiring knowledge and feeling empowered in managing their disease. All of the participants felt that it was beneficial for them to have all their tests conducted on the same day, although a substantial proportion would prefer their care to be provided locally. Conclusions Specialised life-long follow up is essential for people with congenital heart disease. A nurse-led one-stop-clinic model of care can reduce travel requirements, enhance patients' understanding of their condition and promote patient engagement.