Theme: Parenting/parenthood.

Introduction: The diagnosis of complex CHD impacts the psychosocial status of parents and their functioning.

Purpose: A critical evaluation of the literature concerning the psychosocial parental response to their infant’s diagnosis of complex CHD.

Methods: Systematic review of 18 articles published after 2000 in PubMed and CINAHL.

Results: The impact of an infant’s CHD on the family functioning is determined both by child’s medical condition and family’s psychosocial factors. The majority of parents experience intense loss and numerous stressors. Nurses and physicians need to be sensitive to the needs, thoughts and experiences of the parents when discussing treatment options. Families with poor social support networks may have the greatest need for professional interventions.

Conclusions: Appropriate interventions assist the majority of parents to adapt to the diagnosis of complex CHD. However, there are a number of parents with an increased psychosocial risk associated with higher rates of emotional distress.