Physical therapy enhances patient care in post-congenital heart surgery clinic.

OBJECTIVE

Following paediatric and congenital heart surgery, recognition of rehabilitation needs is variable. This study aims to identify rehabilitation needs and gaps in care for patients in a post-operative congenital heart clinic.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients following congenital heart surgery requiring sternotomy attending their first post-operative clinic appointment between 1/21/2022 and 8/18/2023. Physical therapy evaluation included assessment of posture, mobility, and pain. Patient demographics and clinical data were reviewed. Descriptive and univariate statistics were applied.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventeen patients were identified: 88 (40%) infants (<12 months), 34 (16%) toddlers (1-3 years), 43 (20%) school aged children (4-12 years), and 52 (24%) teens/adults (13+ years). Twenty-one (10%) demonstrated no additional physical therapy needs. Eighty-two (28%) needed clarification of sternal precautions. Teens and adults had significantly higher incidence of impaired posture, difficulty sleeping, and pain. Seventy (32%) patients were referred to physical therapy at time of discharge. Among the 147 not referred, 89 (60%) were identified as needing outpatient physical therapy. Physical therapy assessment discovered previously undiagnosed developmental delay in 9 (4%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant physical therapy needs were identified in a congenital heart post-operative clinic, including needs not identified while inpatient. Integrating physical therapy in clinic improves timely access to rehabilitation care in the subacute phase of recovery.