Background: Families of children with congenital heart diseases needed for accurate and
reliable information about the cardiac conditions, heart surgery and psychological and emotional
support. Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of family-centered care intervention on
mothers' information needs, anxiety and depression level regarding care for their children
undergoing heart surgery. Design: a quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: The study was
carried out at the pediatric inpatient department in Cardiovascular Hospital, affiliated to Ain Shams
University Hospitals. Subject & methods: A purposive sample of 50 children who were
undergoing heart surgery and their accompanying mothers. Tools: Child' assessment sheet, the
needs of parents questionnaire, structured interview questionnaire, and anxiety–depression scale.
Results: There was a highly statistically significant difference before and after FCC intervention
regarding mothers' total knowledge about congenital heart disease, pre-post operative care and
follow up care. There was a highly statistically significant difference between the level of anxiety
and depression before and after FCC intervention. Conclusion: The family-centered care
intervention was effective in meeting mothers' information needs as well as reduced the level of
anxiety and depression regarding care for their children undergoing heart surgery.
Recommendations: Emphasize on the importance of family (usually the mother) participation in
care for their children suffering from congenital heart diseases during hospitalization for heart
surgery. Designing and carrying out programs for pediatric nurses to promote the implementation of
family-centered care in clinical practice.