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Abell B, Rodwell D, Eagleson KJ, Parsonage W, Auld B, Bora S, Kasparian NA, Justo R, McPhail SM. "It's more than just a conversation about the heart": exploring barriers, enablers, and opportunities for improving the delivery and uptake of cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up care. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1364190. [PMID: 38863525 PMCID: PMC11165703 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1364190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Surveillance, screening, and evaluation for neurodevelopmental delays is a pivotal component of post-surgical care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, challenges exist in implementing such neurodevelopmental follow-up care in international practice. This study aimed to characterise key barriers, enablers, and opportunities for implementing and delivering outpatient cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up care in Australia. Methods an exploratory descriptive qualitative study was conducted with healthcare professionals across Australia who had lived experience of designing, implementing, or delivering neurodevelopmental care for children with CHD. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted using a guide informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to explore contextual influences. Interview transcripts were analysed using a rapid qualitative approach including templated summaries and hybrid deductive-inductive matrix analysis. Results fifty-two participants were interviewed. Perceived barriers and enablers were organised into six higher-order themes: factors in the broader environmental, economic, and political context; healthcare system factors; organisational-level factors; provider factors; patient and family factors; and care model factors. The largest number of barriers occurred at the healthcare system level (service accessibility, fragmentation, funding, workforce), while service providers demonstrated the most enabling factors (interprofessional relationships, skilled teams, personal characteristics). Strategies to improve practice included building partnerships; generating evidence; increasing funding; adapting for family-centred care; and integrating systems and data. Discussion Australia shares many similar barriers and enablers to cardiac neurodevelopmental care with other international contexts. However, due to unique geographical and health-system factors, care models and implementation strategies will require adaption to the local context to improve service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Rodwell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Accident Research & Road Safety—Queensland (CARRS-Q), School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen J. Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - William Parsonage
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben Auld
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Health Services Research Center, University Hospitals Research & Education Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Nadine A. Kasparian
- Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Steven M. McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Facultyof Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Abell BR, Eagleson K, Auld B, Bora S, Justo R, Parsonage W, Sharma P, Kularatna S, McPhail SM. Implementing neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children with congenital heart disease: A scoping review with evidence mapping. Dev Med Child Neurol 2024; 66:161-175. [PMID: 37421232 PMCID: PMC10953404 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.15698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To identify and map evidence describing components of neurodevelopmental follow-up care for children with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHOD This was a scoping review of studies reporting components of neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes/pathways for children with CHD. Eligible publications were identified through database searches, citation tracking, and expert recommendations. Two independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data. An evidence matrix was developed to visualize common characteristics of care pathways. Qualitative content analysis identified implementation barriers and enablers. RESULTS The review included 33 studies. Twenty-one described individual care pathways across the USA (n = 14), Canada (n = 4), Australia (n = 2), and France (n = 1). The remainder reported surveys of clinical practice across multiple geographical regions. While heterogeneity in care existed across studies, common attributes included enrolment of children at high-risk of neurodevelopmental delay; centralized clinics in children's hospitals; referral before discharge; periodic follow-up at fixed ages; standardized developmental assessment; and involvement of multidisciplinary teams. Implementation barriers included service cost/resourcing, patient burden, and lack of knowledge/awareness. Multi-level stakeholder engagement and integration with other services were key drivers of success. INTERPRETATION Defining components of effective neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes and care pathways, along with enhancing and expanding guideline-based care across regions and into new contexts, should continue to be priorities. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Twenty-two different neurodevelopmental follow-up care pathways/programmes were published, originating from four countries. Twelve additional publications described broad practices for neurodevelopmental follow-up across regions Common attributes across eligibility, service structure, assessment processes, and care providers were noted. Studies reported programme acceptability, uptake, cost, and effectiveness. Implementation barriers included service cost/resourcing, patient burden, and lack of knowledge/awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget R. Abell
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Karen Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Benjamin Auld
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's HospitalCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOHUSA
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac ServiceQueensland Children's HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - William Parsonage
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalMetro North HealthBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Pakhi Sharma
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Sanjeewa Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Steven M. McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of HealthQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Digital Health and Informatics Directorate, Metro South HealthBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Read JS, Brown K, Wray J. The Feasibility and Acceptability of Remote Videoconference Use of the Brief Developmental Assessment Tool for Young Children with Congenital Heart Disease. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:146-151. [PMID: 35649232 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Young children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at heightened risk of developmental delay. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the ensuing lockdowns presented an opportunity to test the feasibility of using a short neurodevelopmental assessment tool-the Brief Developmental Assessment (BDA)-remotely via new technologies. Methods: We tested the feasibility and acceptability of remote testing of the tool's 6 domains of development with 30 children younger than 5 years with CHD and 10 healthy controls. Results: Despite some technical issues, parents largely responded positively to the use of the remote assessment as opposed to traditional face-to-face appointments, citing the beneficial saving of time, money, and childcare. Conclusions: The acceptability of the remote use of the BDA for the developmental screening of children with CHD will allow for the possibility of increased screening for more children and earlier identification of developmental problems, both during and after COVID-19 restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie S Read
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Brown
- Heart and Lung Division, Zayed Centre for Rare Diseases Research, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Wray
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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Lang L, Gerlach J, Plank AC, Purbojo A, Cesnjevar RA, Kratz O, Moll GH, Eichler A. Becoming a Teenager after Early Surgical Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) Repair: Longitudinal Biopsychological Data on Mental Health and Maternal Involvement. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237242. [PMID: 36498814 PMCID: PMC9738920 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Beside somatic strains of congenital heart diseases (CHD), affected children often show developmental impairments in the long term. Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most common congenital heart defect and early surgical repair is associated with positive somatic outcomes. However, psychological adjustment is of lifelong relevance. We investigated 24 children with a surgically-corrected isolated VSD and their mothers from primary school (6-9 years) to adolescence (10-14 years) and compared them to controls. Both times, mothers reported child internalizing/externalizing problems, mothers and children rated child quality of life, and children performed neurodevelopmental tests. Adolescents also rated internalizing/externalizing problems themselves, and their hair cortisol levels were analyzed. Maternal anxiety and proactive parenting behavior were considered as moderators. Results revealed no group differences in child neurodevelopment (language, cognition), externalizing problems, and cortisol levels at any time. In reports from mothers, internalizing problems (depression, anxiety) were elevated in children with a VSD at both times-when mothers reported anxiety symptoms themselves. In adolescent reports, VSD patients' quality of life was increased and internalizing problems were decreased-proactive parenting behavior went along with decreased symptoms in VSD-affected adolescents and with increased symptoms in controls. The findings pronounce the crucial role of parenting behavior and the influence of maternal anxieties on child mental health after surgical VSD repair and might highlight the need for parent-centered interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerlach
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne-Christine Plank
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ariawan Purbojo
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert A. Cesnjevar
- Department of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery, Pediatric Heart Center, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Kratz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gunther H. Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Read J, Ridout D, Johnson S, Hoskote A, Sheehan K, Wellman P, Jones A, Wray J, Brown K. Postoperative morbidities with infant cardiac surgery and toddlers' neurodevelopment. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:922-928. [PMID: 35793944 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between morbidities after infant cardiac surgery and neurodevelopment and behaviour at age 2-3 years. DESIGN/SETTING A prospective cohort follow-up study, in four paediatric cardiac centres. We excluded children with known syndromes. Home-based neurodevelopmental assessments using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd Edition (Bayley-III) were undertaken in 81 children and secondary outcome measures of development and behaviour were completed by parents. A further 41 families completed the secondary outcome measures remotely. RESULTS Children were grouped as multiple morbidities/extracorporeal life support (ECLS) (n=19), single morbidities (n=36) and no morbidities (n=59). Group comparisons found that children with multiple morbidities/ECLS, compared with no morbidities, had: (a) lower adjusted mean scores for core Bayley-III composites (none reached the level of statistical significance), with mean differences of cognitive -6.1 (95% CI -12.4 to 0.1) p=0.06, language -9.1 (95% CI -18.6 to 0.3) p=0.06 and motor -4.4 (95% CI -12.0 to 3.1) p=25; (b) greater adjusted odds of at least one low or borderline Bayley-III composite result 4.0 (95% CI 1.0 to 16.0) (p=0.05); (c) greater adjusted risk of an abnormal Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) result 5.3 (95% CI 1.3 to 21.1) (p=0.03) and a borderline ASQ result 4.9 (95% CI 1.0 to 25.0) (p=0.05); and no difference in the risk of an abnormal Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire result 1.7 (95% CI 0.3 to 10.4) p=0.58. These outcomes were not statistically different between the single morbidity and no morbidity groups. CONCLUSIONS Children who experience multiple morbidities/ECLS after infant heart surgery are at a greater risk of neurodevelopmental difficulties than their peers who had no complications and should be prioritised for neurodevelopmental follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Read
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Child Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Deborah Ridout
- Paediatric Epidemiology Biostatistics, University College London Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Samantha Johnson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Aparna Hoskote
- Heart and Lung Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital National Institute Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Karen Sheehan
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Bristol Royal Children's Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Wellman
- Department of Paediatric Intensive Care, Evelina London Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alison Jones
- Department of Paediatric Intensive Care, Birmingham Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jo Wray
- Centre for Outcomes and Experience Research in Child Health, Illness and Disability (ORCHID), Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Katherine Brown
- Heart and Lung Division, Great Ormond Street Hospital National Institute Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Eagleson K, Justo R. Lessons From the Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programme. CJC PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2022; 1:101-104. [PMID: 37970490 PMCID: PMC10642086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Eagleson
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert Justo
- Queensland Paediatric Cardiac Service, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Boos V, Berger F. Therapeutic hypothermia for encephalopathic newborns with congenital heart defect: A cross-sectional survey on current practices and opinions in Germany. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:1004086. [PMID: 36275060 PMCID: PMC9581247 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1004086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces neonatal mortality and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment in infants with moderate-to-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) caused by perinatal asphyxia. There is an increasing trend to apply TH in other indications and populations, such as infants with mild HIE or neonates with congenital heart defects (CHD), even though there is little evidence to support or refute this. OBJECTIVE The aim of this survey was to analyze practice variations with respect to TH use in neonates with CHD and to assess expert opinions on this topic across tertiary neonatal departments in Germany. METHODS/DESIGN A web-based survey was sent to all tertiary neonatal departments in Germany. The questionnaire contained 32 multiple-choice questions. The survey inquired current practices on TH in newborns with CHD and expert opinions on various clinical scenarios. MAIN RESULTS A total 80 (51.3%) neonatal departments partially completed the survey, and 69 (44.2%) respondents filled out the whole questionnaire. All 80 (100.0%) departments perform TH. TH is offered by 76 (95.0%) respondents to encephalopathic newborns with simple CHD. In infants with critical/complex CHD, TH is offered after perinatal asphyxial HIE and in newborns with encephalopathy after severe acidosis associated with cardiac complications by 25 (31.3%), or 17 (22.1%) respondents, respectively, whereas a clear majority of centers reject TH in these infants. Unclear effects of TH on any ongoing prostaglandin therapy (57.6 and 52.3%, respectively), an increased risk for adverse reactions during TH (51.6 and 52.3%, respectively) and lack of evidence (33.3 and 53.8%, respectively) are the most frequently cited reasons for not performing TH in these infants. The majority of experts from neonatal departments providing comprehensive care for neonates with severe CHD support the initiation of TH in encephalopathic neonates. DISCUSSION The considerable heterogeneity in the use of TH in neonates with CHD emphasizes the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinzenz Boos
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Newborn Research, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Felix Berger
- Department of Congenital Heart Disease, Pediatric Cardiology, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research, Congenital Heart Diseases, Berlin, Germany
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Alam S, Ilardi D, Cadiz E, Kelleman M, Oster ME. Impact of Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Evaluation for Children with Congenital Heart Disease. Dev Neuropsychol 2021; 47:32-41. [PMID: 34894903 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2021.2009482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Children with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk for neurodevelopmental delays. This study of school-aged children with single ventricle CHD compared access to services for those who did and did not complete an evaluation. Children completing an evaluation had more academic services, including an Individualized Education Plan (66% vs 34%,P = .017), small group academic instruction (54% vs 20%,P = .01), any instructional supports (77% vs 44%,P = .008). A barrier to not completing the evaluation was lack of knowledge about the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (82%). The neurodevelopmental evaluation is an impactful tool that can increase access to school services in vulnerable CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabikha Alam
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Dawn Ilardi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States.,Department of Neuropsychology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, United States
| | - Emilia Cadiz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Michael Kelleman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
| | - Matthew E Oster
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Sibley Heart Center Cardiology, Atlanta, United States
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Hoskote A, Wray J, Banks V, Brown K, Lakhanpaul M. A referral pathway for potentially abnormal neurodevelopment in children with heart disease in the United Kingdom: a Delphi consensus. BMJ Paediatr Open 2020; 4:e000587. [PMID: 32399503 PMCID: PMC7204815 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children with congenital heart disease have complex medical and neurodevelopmental needs. We aimed to develop a multi-professional consensus-based referral pathway applicable to action the results of the brief developmental assessment (BDA), a validated early recognition tool, that categorises the neurodevelopmental status as green (appropriate for age), amber (equivocal) or red (delayed) in children aged between 4 months and 5 years. METHODS A Delphi consensus survey detailing two scenarios-a child categorised as delayed (red) and another as equivocal (amber) on administration of the BDA at the time of discharge from the tertiary centre-was sent to 80 expert professionals from primary, secondary and tertiary care seeking agreement on next steps and referral pathways. An iterative process was proposed with a pre-defined rule of 75% for consensus. RESULTS The survey was completed by 77 Delphi panel experts in Round 1, 73 in Round 2 and 70 in Round 3. Consensus was achieved (1) for the child with amber or red BDA, the child should be under the care of a paediatrician with expertise in cardiology (PEC) (or general paediatrician if no PEC) based at their local hospital, (2) for the child with red BDA, the PEC should initiate referral to community services at first assessment, (3) for child with amber BDA, a re-assessment by the health visitor should occur within 1-2 months, with referral to community services and notification to the PEC if on-going concerns. CONCLUSIONS The Delphi process enabled a consensus to be reached between health professionals on referral pathways for specialist neurodevelopmental assessment/treatment for children with heart disease, in response to amber or red BDA results. The agreed referral pathway, if implemented, could underpin a national guideline to address and intervene on the neurodevelopmental difficulties in children with heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Hoskote
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Jo Wray
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Victoria Banks
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Katherine Brown
- Heart and Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Monica Lakhanpaul
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Population, Policy and Practice Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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