It Takes a Village: Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Training and Education Practices among ACTION Centers

Abstract

Purpose The last decade has seen a dramatic increase in the number of ventricular assist devices (VADs) implanted in children. Despite the increases, the procedure remains uncommon at individual centers making patient, family and staff education challenging. ACTION ( Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network) is the first pediatric VAD quality improvement network. The initial goal of ACTION is stroke reduction. We sought to describe the education and care delivery structure among members of the ACTION pediatric VAD quality improvement collaborative. Methods A 26 question electronic survey assessing education infrastructure, resource use, methods and gaps in knowledge was distributed among the primary VAD education providers (VEPs) at ACTION sites. Results Seventeen centers replied, the majority of respondents were VAD coordinators (71%). The majority of VEPs train >100 providers/staff yearly (53%) and devote >6 hours/month on education (75%). There was significant variability in the effectiveness of VAD education programs, competence of care providers, patient/family discharge preparation and ongoing competence assessment among centers. The majority of respondents felt that the existing, educational materials and resources were insufficient for pediatric VAD patients/families and care providers, leading centers to center specific VAD education resources (figure). Conclusion Pediatric VEPs currently spend a significant amount of time educating patients and patient care providers on VAD management and care. The existing VAD educational materials and resources are insufficient and have led programs to create highly variable education/discharge protocols and center specific educational materials. The rapid growth of the field of pediatric VAD has created the urgent need for pediatric specific, high quality VAD educational materials and protocols.