Impact of a Structured Transition Education Program on Transition Related Knowledge Among Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease: A Single-Center Quality Improvement Study

Abstract

Abstract As survival among individuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) improves, effective transition from pediatric to adult care has become increasingly important. We evaluated the impact of a structured transition education program on transition-related knowledge among adolescents with CHD. This single-center quality improvement study enrolled adolescents aged 12–18 years with CHD between February 2025 and April 2026. A baseline survey was administered to cardiology providers at our institution to characterize their current practices. Adolescent participants completed a 22-item Transition-related knowledge assessment survey adapted from the Self-Management and Transition to Adulthood with Treatment [Rx] Questionnaire (STARx) and TRxANSITION tools before and after a structured physician-led educational intervention. Education focused on five domains: CHD knowledge, medication management, healthcare navigation, reproductive health, and psychosocial misconceptions. Participants also received a personalized cardiac passport. Changes in correct responses were analyzed using McNemar’s test. Fifty-three of 80 eligible adolescents participated (51% male; median age 15 years). Significant improvements in correct responses were observed in 19 of the 22 survey items, with absolute gains ranging from 21 to 76% points (all p < 0.05). The largest improvements occurred in knowledge of cardiac diagnosis and surgical history, medication management, health insurance navigation, and reproductive health. Baseline provider surveys revealed frequent counseling on disease-specific topics but limited discussion of reproductive health, insurance planning, and transition-related issues. A structured transition education intervention was associated with substantial improvements in disease knowledge, self-management skills, healthcare navigation, and reproductive health awareness among adolescents with CHD. These findings support integration of standardized transition education into routine pediatric cardiology practice.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Pediatric Cardiology, 2026 · DOI ↗