Messias, D. K. H. and Gilliss, C. L. and Sparacino, P. S. A. and Tong, E. M. and Foote, D., Stories of transition: parents recall the diagnosis of congenital heart defect,
Family Systems Medicine, vol. 13 no. 3-4
(Fall-Winter, 1995),
pp. 367-377 [doi]
(last updated on 2011/01/30)
Abstract:
This study reports the recollected stories of eight parents regarding their experiences of having an infant diagnosed with a congenital heart defect. The qualitative research design incorporated interactive interviews and thematic data analysis, using grounded theory techniques. The results describe various aspects of the parents' transitional experience: something wrong, illusive normality, rude awakening, managing uncertainty, new meanings, and taking stock. Implications are drawn for family practitioners as facilitators of this complex transition.
