Patient and Family Experience in a Multidisciplinary Clinic for Children With Single-Ventricle Heart Disease. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wolfe, Kelly R; Kelly, Sarah L; Liptzin, Deborah R; Brigham, Dania; Rafferty, Carey; Younoszai, Adel K; Di Maria, Michael V
• Is Part Of: Journal of patient experience. Volume 7:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1384
• Page End: 1390
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: hypoplastic left heart syndrome -- single ventricle -- Fontan -- multidisciplinary clinic -- family experience survey; Patient satisfaction -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- Periodicals; Patient participation -- United States -- Periodicals; Patient satisfaction; Patient participation; United States; 362.1068
• DOI: 10.1177/2374373520904214
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2374-3735

Abstract

Children with single-ventricle heart disease (SVHD) are at risk for morbidity across multiple organ systems. A single-ventricle multidisciplinary clinic (SVMDC) may address complex health-care needs by providing access to, and coordination among, pediatric subspecialties. However, the patient and family experience of multidisciplinary care for SVHD remains unexplored. We e-mailed a 26-question survey to families after an SVMDC visit, which included evaluation with subspecialists from cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology, neuropsychology, and pediatric psychology, as well as social activities during clinic. Responses were anonymized to protect privacy, and data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Over 3 years, 22% (27/122) of families completed the survey. Overall, families' experiences were positive, with 100% reporting that they would recommend the SVMDC to others. Qualitative themes emerged regarding logistics, multidisciplinary care, key takeaways from clinic, and connection-making with other families. A multidisciplinary clinic demonstrated overall acceptability and perceived benefit to families of children with SVHD. Considerations for mixed experiences regarding financial commitment and connection-making among parents are discussed, as are the benefits of the synergy achieved through multidisciplinary care.