ABSTRACT
The impact of illness in a child extends far beyond the affected organ itself. When the illness is potentially life threatening, as in acute or chronic heart failure, there are important psychosocial implications for both the child and family. Dramatic improvements in survival for children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) and success with new modes of congestive heart failure (CHF) management mean that greater numbers of children are living with heart failure
(1). These tremendous accomplishments, although bringing hope to many that previously would not have survived their illness, have created a new set of challenges for children who receive care for CHF and their families. As health care providers it has become increasingly important that we acknowledge and explore not only the medical aspects of the illnesses our patients are facing but also the short and long-term psychosocial implications.
