Patient discussions

Patients should be aware that corrective repair does not mean a cure and further surgical intervention may be required.

Patients need to be informed that having congenital heart disease (CHD) increases the risk of their own children having CHD, and that pre-conception genetic testing and fetal echocardiography may be indicated.[50]

As patients transition from adolescent to adult care, it is important to provide education on self-management and to help them build their medical knowledge. For example, ensure that they are equipped with the skills needed to make medical appointments and refill prescriptions, and that they understand the importance of lifestyle interventions such as weight management and non-smoking.[53] Continuous neurodevelopmental assessments and customised management are essential for children with Tetralogy of Fallot, integrating medical treatments with educational support, behavioural therapy, and family counselling.​[47]

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