Abstract
More adolescents with congenital heart disease (CHD) are reaching adulthood and reproductive age. They face challenges transitioning from pediatric to adult health care and need to manage their health and developmental goals. The 2030 Agenda emphasizes a holistic approach to sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), aiming to provide accessible information to adolescents. Healthcare providers (HCPs) must offer appropriate information about CHD and SRHR issues. This study aimed to describe HCPs' experiences of informing adolescents with heart disease about SRH. An explorative study with a descriptive design using semi-structured interviews. The qualitative content analysis method by Graneheim and Lundman was used to analyze the data. The interviews provided a wealth of data, revealing different opinions and experiences. The analysis resulted in four main categories: (1) organizational culture, (2) health care professionals' perception of adolescents' needs, (3) skills and ability are essential, and (4) parents' influence on conversationConclusion: Discussing SRH is universally accepted among HCPs, but prioritization varies. HCPs must customize information, consider the timing and setting of the conversation. Enhanced knowledge and skills in SRH are essential, including strategies to overcome barriers and respectfully involve parents. Crucially, adolescents' rights to SRH information must always be upheld. What is Known: • There are challenges in the transition from pediatric to adult care in managing adolescents' health and developmental goals. Health professionals need to provide appropriate information to adolescents about their sexual and reproductive health. What is New: • This information needs to be tailored to the time and setting of the counselling session. Health professionals need to know more about how to provide this information and are looking for more knowledge on the subject.