Living with a congenital heart condition can require a daunting and uncertain patient journey\nduring which the support of a specialist nursing service is vital. A descriptive, cross-sectional\nevaluation completed over two years, utilised a postal questionnaire to investigate patient�s satisfaction\nwith aspects of service. Qualitative responses to open questions on satisfaction with emotional\nsupport (n = 103) and contributions to well-being (n = 90) were analysed using a framework\napproach which identified eight themes. Professional knowledge and expertise, service accessibility,\ncaring attributes, enabling patients to cope with anxiety, depression and meeting\nchanging needs contributed positively to both patient well-being and emotional support. Family\nsupport was influential on emotional support alone, whilst mediating medical liaison exerted an\nimpact on well-being by enhancing feelings of security. In conclusion, the specialist nursing service\ncontributed positively to well-being and emotional support of patients and thereby to selective\naspects of continuity of care.
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