Paving a Road Home: Developing Education for a Pediatric Home-Going VAD Program.
THE JOURNAL OF EXTRA-CORPOREAL TECHNOLOGY 2020;
51:248-254. [PMID:
31915409 DOI:
10.1182/ject-1900019]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to create a multidisciplinary education plan for discharge home following implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) in pediatrics. Educational program was developed for the local community: emergency department, emergency medical services, medical transport team, as well as, the pediatric patient and their caregivers. Education geared to the individual learner included both lecture and hands-on training. A direct line for family and local providers to speak directly with a VAD-trained physician 24/7 was also created. Patient and caregivers required to 1) perform 10 supervised power exchanges; 2) qualify written quizzes on the controller, battery charger, alarms, and troubleshooting; 3) perform 10 supervised dressing changes; 4) pass simulation session responding correctly to alarm scenarios; and 5) take both an on-campus and off-campus field trip unaccompanied by support staff. Once the education plan is complete and the patient is medically stable, they are considered ready for discharge. From a mechanical support perspective, discharge home of a medically complex pediatric patient on a durable VAD can be accomplished safely, even in a low volume center, with attention to detail, creation of a robust education plan, and close partnership between the VAD team, the family, and the community.
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