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Rakha S. Initiating a Fetal Cardiac Program from Scratch in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Structure, Challenges, and Hopes for Solutions. Pediatr Cardiol 2024:10.1007/s00246-024-03479-9. [PMID: 38639814 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03479-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Although fetal cardiac programs are well established in developed countries, establishing an efficient program in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is still considered a significant challenge. Substantial obstacles usually face the initiation of fetal cardiac service from scratch in LMICs. The primary structural frame of a successful fetal cardiac program is described in detail, emphasizing the required team members. The potential challenges for starting fetal cardiac services in LMICs include financial, awareness-related, prenatal obstetric screening, sociocultural, psychosocial, and social support factors. These challenges could be solved by addressing these barriers, such as collecting funds for financial support, raising awareness among families and health care providers, telemedicine, building international health partnerships, modifying training protocols for fetal cardiologists and sonographers, and initiating support groups and social services for families with confirmed fetal cardiac disease. Initiating a successful fetal cardiac program requires multi-aspect structural planning. The challenges for program initiation require diverse efforts, from modified training and promoting awareness of care providers and the community to governmental and nonprofit organizations' collaborations for proper building and utilization of program resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Rakha
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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2
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McKechnie AC, Elgersma KM, Ambrose MB, Sanchez Mejia AA, Shah KM, Iwaszko Wagner T, Trebilcock A, Hallock C. Nurse-guided Mobile Health Care Program to Reduce Emotional Distress Experienced by Parents of Infants Prenatally Diagnosed with Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A Pilot Study. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2024; 72:101687. [PMID: 38130374 PMCID: PMC10732467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2023.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Following prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD), parents encounter emotional distress while facing caregiving challenges. Supportive psycho-educational interventions using mobile health (mHealth) can make care more accessible. Objectives We tested a novel nurse-guided mHealth care program, Preparing Heart and Mind™ (PHM™), with the objectives of examining feasibility and estimating the effect of the intervention on parents' emotional distress. Methods This pilot study design randomized participants using a 2:1 intervention to control ratio. Analysis involved description of retention, and intervention attendance and engagement, and adjusted linear mixed models to estimate group differences in depressive (CES-D), anxiety (STAI-S), and traumatic stress (IES-r) symptoms. Results The sample included 55 parents (n=38 PHM™ group, n=17 control). Complete retention of 37 (67%) parents included 29 (76%) in the PHM™ group and 8 (47%) control. Most attrition was due to infant death (7 parents), transplant referral (2 parents), or postnatal diagnostic ineligibility (4 parents). For the PHM™ group, ≥96% of parents attended pre- and postnatal sessions and most (65%) messaged with the nurse. mHealth engagement was highest prenatally, with handling uncertainty the most viewed topic (average 94% pages viewed). In linear mixed models analyses, the PHM™ group had on average 4.84 points lower depression (95% CI: -10.68-1.04), 6.56 points lower anxiety (-14.04-0.92), and 6.28 points lower trauma (-14.44-1.88) scores by study end. Conclusion Findings suggest that a nurse-guided mHealth approach is feasible and may contribute to a clinically important reduction in parents' emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Chevalier McKechnie
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Child and Family Health Cooperative, 6-138D Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kristin M Elgersma
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Child and Family Health Cooperative, 6-138D Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Matthew B Ambrose
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- M Health Fairview Maternal and Fetal Medicine Center, 606 24th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Aura A Sanchez Mejia
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030
- Texas Children's Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine, 6651 Main Street, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Kavisha M Shah
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Department of Pediatrics, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
- M Health Fairview Maternal and Fetal Medicine Center, 606 24th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | - Taylor Iwaszko Wagner
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Child and Family Health Cooperative, 6-138D Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Anna Trebilcock
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Child and Family Health Cooperative, 6-138D Weaver-Densford Hall, 308 Harvard Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Carrie Hallock
- GetWell, 7700 Old Georgetown Rd., 4th Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814
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McKechnie AC, Elgersma KM, Iwaszko Wagner T, Trebilcock A, Damico J, Sosa A, Ambrose MB, Shah K, Sanchez Mejia AA, Pridham KF. An mHealth, patient engagement approach to understand and address parents' mental health and caregiving needs after prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 3:100213. [PMID: 37771461 PMCID: PMC10523263 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective To provide an overview of the development of the Preparing Heart and Mind™ (PHM™) care program designed for parents with a prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and describe issues of parental concern, caregiving competencies, and type and timing of PHM™ topics. Methods Guided participation theory underpinned intervention development and a mixed methods pilot of a novel, nurse-guided mHealth intervention. Parents were enrolled from the third trimester of pregnancy-12 weeks postnatally. Online surveys, session transcripts, and app use were descriptively analyzed. Results The sample included 19 mothers/birthing persons and 15 caregiving partners randomized to the intervention group. In 49 sessions, mental health/wellbeing (94%) and condition-specific information (86%) were top issues. Many caregiving competencies were developed, with mothers/birthing persons often focused on feeding (86%). Regulating emotions and co-parenting consistently needed support. PHM™ topics of preparing for hospitalization (47%) and handling uncertainty (45%) were most discussed. Two cases further characterize findings. Conclusion Nurse-parent collaborative understanding of issues emphasized the need for mental health assessments. Prenatal intervention opportunities were underscored through discussions of caregiving issues and PHM™ topics. Innovation PHM™ represents an innovative approach that holds promise for supporting parents' mental health and caregiving needs outside the healthcare setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin M. Elgersma
- School of Nursing, Child and Family Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Taylor Iwaszko Wagner
- School of Nursing, Child and Family Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Anna Trebilcock
- School of Nursing, Child and Family Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jenna Damico
- School of Nursing, Child and Family Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alejandra Sosa
- School of Nursing, Child and Family Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Matthew B. Ambrose
- Medical School, Pediatrics-Cardiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kavisha Shah
- Medical School, Pediatrics-Cardiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Cassidy AR, Neumann AA. [Formula: see text] Optimizing neurodevelopmental outcomes following fetal diagnosis of congenital heart disease: a call for primary prevention neuropsychology. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:1155-1177. [PMID: 36942716 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2023.2190966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Critical congenital heart disease (CHD) presents a lasting threat to quality of life through its adverse impact on neurodevelopmental and psychosocial outcomes. As recognition of this threat has increased, so too has an appreciation for the role of pediatric neuropsychologists in supporting families affected by CHD. But there is more to offer these families than traditional neuropsychological services, which tend to focus on secondary/tertiary forms of prevention. Now that many children with CHD are diagnosed prenatally, it may be possible to begin mitigating CHD-related risks and promoting positive outcomes earlier than ever before. Through primary prevention-oriented fetal neuropsychological consultation, as well as close collaboration with allied specialists, pediatric neuropsychology has an opportunity to re-envision its typical borders and more familiar practice models; to forge early and enduring partnerships with families; and to help promote the best possible neurodevelopmental trajectories, beginning before children are even born. In this conceptual review, we survey and integrate evidence from developmental science, developmental origins of health and disease, maternal-fetal medicine, and cardiac neurodevelopmental literatures, along with current practice norms, arriving ultimately at two central conclusions: 1) there is an important role to fill on multidisciplinary teams for the pediatric neuropsychologist in fetal cardiac care and 2) role expansion (e.g., through valuing broader-based training, flexing more generalist skills) can likely improve neuropsychological outcomes earlier than has been standard for pediatric neuropsychologists. Such a reimagining of our practice may be considered primary prevention neuropsychology. Implications for care in various settings and pragmatic barriers to implementation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam R Cassidy
- Departments of Psychiatry & Psychology and Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alyssa A Neumann
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Almeida SLDM, Tuda LTS, Dias MB, de Carvalho LIA, Estevam TLL, Novelleto ALMT, Araujo Júnior E, da Rocha Amorim LA. Family Counseling after the Diagnosis of Congenital Heart Disease in the Fetus: Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2826. [PMID: 37957971 PMCID: PMC10647570 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death from malformations in the first year of life and carries a significant burden to the family when the diagnosis is made in the prenatal period. We recognize the significance of family counseling following a fetal CHD diagnosis. However, we have observed that most research focuses on assessing the emotional state of family members rather than examining the counseling process itself. The objective of this study was to identify and summarize the findings in the literature on family counseling in cases of diagnosis of CHD during pregnancy, demonstrating gaps and suggesting future research on this topic. Eight databases were searched to review the literature on family counseling in cases of CHD diagnosis during pregnancy. A systematic search was conducted from September to October 2022. The descriptors were "congenital heart disease", "fetal heart", and "family counseling". The inclusion criteria were studies on counseling family members who received a diagnosis of CHD in the fetus (family counseling was defined as any health professional who advises mothers and fathers on the diagnosis of CHD during the gestational period), how the news is expressed to family members (including an explanation of CHD and questions about management and prognosis), empirical and qualitative studies, quantitative studies, no publication deadline, and any language. Out of the initial search of 3719 reports, 21 articles were included. Most were cross-sectional (11) and qualitative (9) studies, and all were from developed countries. The findings in the literature address the difficulties in effectively conducting family counseling, the strengths of family counseling to be effective, opportunities to generate effective counseling, and the main challenges in family counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Livas de Morais Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Medical School, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69067-005, AM, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Thayla Lais Lima Estevam
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Medical School, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69067-005, AM, Brazil
| | | | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Department of Obstetrics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil
- Medical School, Municipal University of São Caetano do Sul (USCS), São Caetano do Sul 09521-160, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciane Alves da Rocha Amorim
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Medical School, Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69067-005, AM, Brazil
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Paul EA, Cohen J, Geiger MK. Cardiac problems in the fetus: a review for pediatric providers. Curr Opin Pediatr 2023; 35:523-530. [PMID: 37466056 DOI: 10.1097/mop.0000000000001274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to provide pediatric providers with a review of the diagnosis and management of fetal cardiac disease in the current era. RECENT FINDINGS Prenatal detection of congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved but is still imperfect. In experienced hands, fetal echocardiography can detect severe CHD as early as the first trimester and a majority of more subtle conditions in the second and third trimesters. Beyond detection, a prenatal diagnosis allows for lesion-specific counseling for families as well as for development of a multidisciplinary perinatal management plan, which may involve in-utero treatment. Given the diversity of cardiac diagnoses and the rarity of some, collaborative multicenter fetal cardiac research has gained momentum in recent years. SUMMARY Accurate diagnosis of fetal cardiac disease allows for appropriate counseling, pregnancy and delivery planning, and optimization of immediate neonatal care. There is potential for improving fetal CHD detection rates. Fetal interventions are available for certain conditions, and fetal and pediatric cardiac centers have developed management plans specific to the expected postnatal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A Paul
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Martens AM, Lim CC, Kelly M, Haxel CS, Ronai C, Chiu JS. Evaluating How Physician Attitudes May Affect Practice in Fetal Cardiac Counseling. Pediatr Cardiol 2023:10.1007/s00246-023-03210-0. [PMID: 37335356 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-023-03210-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Advances in fetal cardiac imaging over the last few decades have allowed for increased prenatal detection and detailed counseling of congenital heart disease (CHD). When CHD is detected, fetal cardiologists are faced with the challenge of providing nuanced prenatal counseling. Studies in other specialties have shown that differences in physician attitudes exist around termination of pregnancy and correlate with variations in the counseling provided to parents. We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of fetal cardiologists in New England (n = 36) regarding attitudes toward termination of pregnancy and the counseling provided to parents with a fetal diagnosis of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Using a screening questionnaire, there was no significant difference in the counseling provided to parents regardless of the physician's personal or professional views on termination of pregnancy, age, gender, location, type of practice, or years of experience. There were, however, differences among physicians on reasons to consider termination and their perceived professional responsibility to the fetus or mother. Further investigation on a larger geographic scale may reveal additional insights on variations in physician beliefs and whether such beliefs affect variability in counseling practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Martens
- Pediatrics, Massachusetts General for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chelsey C Lim
- Pediatrics, Massachusetts General for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Kelly
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General for Children, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin S Haxel
- Pediatric Cardiology, The University of Vermont Children's Hospital, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Christina Ronai
- Pediatric Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne S Chiu
- Pediatric Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, USA.
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Dias MB, Tuda LTS, Carvalho LIAD, Estevam TL, Mori B, Novelleto ALMT, Araujo Júnior E, Amorim LADR. What is important in family counseling in cases of fetuses with congenital heart disease? REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230161. [PMID: 37255086 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Bezerra Dias
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Medical School, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences - Manaus (AM), Brazil
| | | | | | - Thayla Lais Estevam
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Medical School, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences - Manaus (AM), Brazil
| | - Bruno Mori
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Institute of Health and Biotechnology - Manaus (AM), Brazil
| | | | - Edward Araujo Júnior
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Paulista School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics - São Paulo (SP), Brazil
- Universidade Municipal de São Caetano do Sul, Medical Course - São Caetano do Sul (SP), Brazil
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Butler M, McArthur EC. The Role of Nurses in Fetal Cardiology Programs: An Integrative Review. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2023; 48:151-160. [PMID: 37101328 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal cardiology programs are evolving quickly and include multiple interdisciplinary health care professionals whose roles could benefit from clear definition. Nurses provide an essential function in this field; however, descriptions or definitions of nursing practice, education and knowledge requirements, and responsibilities are limited and vary across institutions and disciplines. PURPOSE To conduct an integrative review summarizing the literature to determine the role of nurses in fetal cardiology programs. METHODS We conducted an integrative review as per Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology of current literature to reveal strengths and opportunities in describing nursing practice as fetal cardiology nurses. The search strategy included five electronic databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Peer-reviewed English-language articles discussing nursing practices in fetal cardiology published between 2015 and 2022 were selected. Data extraction and analysis were completed on a final sample of 26 articles. RESULTS Four themes were identified on fetal cardiac nursing practice from nursing and medical perspectives: multidisciplinary key team member, psychosocial family support and counselor, coordinator or navigator, and role description. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS More discussion in the literature is needed to better understand and define fetal cardiac nursing practice. Although most experts agree nurses are an important member of the interdisciplinary fetal cardiology team, their roles and educational requirements are poorly described and defined. Quality metrics and benchmarks are needed to ensure safe and effective fetal cardiology care.
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Anxiety and Depression Levels in Parents after Counselling for Fetal Heart Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12010394. [PMID: 36615193 PMCID: PMC9821259 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12010394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The progress in fetal cardiology allows for the early diagnosis of congenital heart defects, but there is still a lack of data on the psychological situation of parents expecting a child with a congenital heart defect. In this cross-sectional study, 77 parents (45 women and 32 men) expecting a child with a heart defect were interviewed with different questionnaires. The standardized Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire was used to assess the psychological state of the parents. Various statistical procedures were performed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and predictors of anxiety and depression. The prevalence for prenatal anxiety was 11.8% and for depressed mood 6.6%, whereas the postnatal prevalence was 25% for anxiety and 16.7% for depressed mood. The mother is influential in protecting against depression as a contact person (p = 0.035). Women were more affected by anxiety and depression than men (p = 0.036). A significant and positive correlation was observed between anxiety and depression before birth (ρ = 0.649, p < 0.001) and after birth (ρ = 0.808, p < 0.001). The level of education correlated negatively with depression (p = 0.016) and anxiety (p = 0.017) before birth. Significantly higher anxiety and depression scores were not observed among health and social workers (p = 0.084), first-time mothers (p = 0.190), and parents whose pregnancies were due to medical assistance (p = 0.051). Close collaboration between maternal-fetal care units, pediatric cardiologists and psychiatric/psychosomatic disciplines is a possible strategy to reduce stress in parents. Therefore, an expert team of professionals, educating with understandable terms and sufficient knowledge about fetal heart disease in parenting counseling, is required. The support of affected parents can positively impact the treatment of the child and should be integrated into the daily routine of the clinic.
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Madrigal VN, Feltman DM, Leuthner SR, Kirsch R, Hamilton R, Dokken D, Needle J, Boss R, Lelkes E, Carter B, Macias E, Bhombal S. Bioethics for Neonatal Cardiac Care. Pediatrics 2022; 150:189885. [PMID: 36317974 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-056415n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians caring for neonates with congenital heart disease encounter challenges with ethical implications in daily practice and must have some basic fluency in ethical principles and practical applications. METHODS Good ethical practice begins with a thorough understanding of the details and narrative of each individual case, examination via classic principles of bioethics, and further framing of that translation into practice. RESULTS We explore some of these issues and expand awareness through the lens of a case presentation beginning with fetal considerations through end-of-life discussions. CONCLUSIONS We include specific sections that bring attention to shared decision-making, research ethics, and outcomes reporting. We review empirical evidence and highlight recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Madrigal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Ethics Program, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Dalia M Feltman
- NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Steven R Leuthner
- Departments of Pediatrics and Bioethics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Roxanne Kirsch
- Department of Critical Care, Division Cardiac Critical Care Medicine; Department of Bioethics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rekha Hamilton
- Mednax Inc. Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Deborah Dokken
- Family Leader and Staff Member, Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Needle
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Renee Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Efrat Lelkes
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Palliative Medicine, Bioethics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Brian Carter
- Departments of Humanities and Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Eduardo Macias
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology. University Hospital, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Shazia Bhombal
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Stanford, Palo Alto, California
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Kovacevic A, Wacker-Gussmann A, Bär S, Elsässer M, Mohammadi Motlagh A, Ostermayer E, Oberhoffer-Fritz R, Ewert P, Gorenflo M, Starystach S. Parents' Perspectives on Counseling for Fetal Heart Disease: What Matters Most? J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11010278. [PMID: 35012018 PMCID: PMC8745975 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
After diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) in the fetus, effective counseling is considered mandatory. We sought to investigate which factors, including parental social variables, significantly affect counseling outcome. A total of n = 226 parents were recruited prospectively from four national tertiary medical care centers. A validated questionnaire was used to measure counseling success and the effects of modifiers. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the data. Parental perception of interpersonal support by the physician (β = 0.616 ***, p = 0.000), counseling in easy-to-understand terms (β = 0.249 ***, p = 0.000), and a short period of time between suspicion of fetal CHD, seeing a specialist and subsequent counseling (β = 0.135 **, p = 0.006) significantly improve “overall counseling success”. Additional modifiers (e.g., parental native language and age) influence certain subdimensions of counseling such as “trust in medical staff” (language effect: β = 0.131 *, p = 0.011) or “perceived situational control” (age effect: β = 0.166 *, p = 0.010). This study identifies independent factors that significantly affect counseling outcome overall and its subdimensions. In combination with existing recommendations our findings may contribute to more effective parental counseling. We further conclude that implementing communication skills training for specialists should be considered essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kovacevic
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-6221-56-4838
| | - Annette Wacker-Gussmann
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.W.-G.); (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.)
- German Heart Center Munich, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Stefan Bär
- Max Weber Institute for Sociology, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Michael Elsässer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Aida Mohammadi Motlagh
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.W.-G.); (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.)
- German Heart Center Munich, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Eva Ostermayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.W.-G.); (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.)
- German Heart Center Munich, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Peter Ewert
- German Heart Center Munich, Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Gorenflo
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Starystach
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité University Medicine Berlin,10117 Berlin, Germany;
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Kovacevic A, Bär S, Starystach S, Elsässer M, van der Locht T, Mohammadi Motlagh A, Ostermayer E, Oberhoffer-Fritz R, Ewert P, Gorenflo M, Wacker-Gussmann A. Fetal Cardiac Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Does It Affect Parental Counseling? J Clin Med 2021; 10:3423. [PMID: 34362206 PMCID: PMC8347932 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts health care providers in multiple ways, even specialties that do not seem to be affected primarily, such as fetal cardiac services. We aimed to assess the effects on parental counseling for fetal congenital heart disease (CHD). In this multicenter study, we used a validated questionnaire. Parents were recruited from four national tertiary medical care centers (n = 226); n = 169 had been counseled before and n = 57 during the pandemic. Overall counseling success including its dimensions did not differ between the two groups (p = n.s.). However, by applying the sorrow scale, we could demonstrate that parents counseled during the pandemic were significantly more concerned (p = 0.025) and unsure (p = 0.044) about their child's diagnosis, therapy and outcome. Furthermore, parents expressed a significantly increased need for written and/or online information on fetal heart disease (p = 0.034). Other modifiers did not affect counseling success (p = n.s.). We demonstrate that the COVID-19 pandemic impacts effectiveness of parental counseling for fetal CHD, possibly by altering parental perceptions. This needs to be taken into consideration when counseling. Implementing alternative and innovative approaches (e.g., online conference or virtual reality tools) may aid in facilitating high-quality services in critical times such as in the present pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kovacevic
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.v.d.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Stefan Bär
- Max Weber Institute for Sociology, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (S.S.)
| | - Sebastian Starystach
- Max Weber Institute for Sociology, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; (S.B.); (S.S.)
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité—University Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Elsässer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Thomas van der Locht
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.v.d.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Aida Mohammadi Motlagh
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.); (A.W.-G.)
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, German Heart Center Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Eva Ostermayer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Renate Oberhoffer-Fritz
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.); (A.W.-G.)
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, German Heart Center Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Peter Ewert
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, German Heart Center Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany;
| | - Matthias Gorenflo
- Department of Pediatric and Congenital Cardiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (T.v.d.L.); (M.G.)
| | - Annette Wacker-Gussmann
- Institute of Preventive Pediatrics, Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 80992 Munich, Germany; (A.M.M.); (R.O.-F.); (A.W.-G.)
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects, German Heart Center Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany;
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