Effectiveness of Calgary family intervention model improving on uncertainty, family functioning, and resilience in caregivers of infants and toddlers undergoing open-heart surgery.Research hypothesis is The experimental group of caregivers for infants and toddlers undergoing open-heart surgery showed significant differences in uncertainty, family functioning, and family resilience before surgery, prior to transferring out of the intensive care unit, and before discharge.

Background: For caregivers of infants and toddlers with congenital heart disease, the experience of their young children undergoing open-heart surgery brings about uncertainty, including waiting for the child's recovery, providing care in the intensive care unit, and the possibility of death. These uncertainties can significantly impact the caregivers' physical and mental well-being, as well as their ability to provide subsequent care and nurture for the child. Therefore, it is crucial to implement intervention measures that focus on caring for the caregivers, reducing their sense of uncertainty, and implementing effective nursing strategies to enhance family functioning and resilience.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of implementing the Calgary Family Intervention Model on caregivers of infants and toddlers undergoing open-heart surgery in terms of reducing their uncertainty, improving family functioning, and enhancing resilience.

Methods: This study adopts a quasi-experimental research design and will be conducted at a medical center in northern Taiwan. A total of 96 caregivers of infants and toddlers undergoing open-heart surgery will be recruited, and a pre- and post-test design will be employed with two groups. The control group will receive routine nursing care, while the experimental group will receive routine nursing care supplemented with the Calgary Family Intervention Model, which encompasses cognitive, emotional, and behavioral domains. The experimental group will participate in two therapeutic sessions: 1. The day after surgery and before visiting the child, and 2. Prior to transferring out of the intensive care unit. Both groups will be assessed using the parental uncertainty perception scale, APGAR family function assessment scale, and the family resilience scale as outcome measures. Data will be collected before surgery, prior to transferring out of the intensive care unit, and before discharge. Interviews will be conducted with the experimental group, and data analysis will involve Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) for quantitative data and content analysis for qualitative data.

Expected contributions: In future clinical practice, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the use of family nursing intervention for caregivers of infants and toddlers undergoing open-heart surgery, specifically in managing the uncertainties associated with the illness context. Through therapeutic conversations, this intervention can help identify family strengths and resources, thereby serving as an important reference strategy for enhancing family resilience.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Father or mother of infants and toddlers aged from 1 month to 3 years (inclusive) undergoing open-heart surgery.
2. Infants and toddlers diagnosed with congenital heart disease who are undergoing their first open-heart surgery.
3. Caregivers who are proficient in the national or Taiwanese language and have normal cognitive abilities.
4. Caregivers who can read and understand Chinese characters, enabling them to complete the questionnaires.
5. After explanation and reading of the informed consent, caregivers will provide written consent for participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Father or mother of newborns who undergoing open-heart surgery within the first month after birth.
2. Caregivers with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.