Significant advancements in pediatric heart care models, interventions, and innovations have occurred over the past 20 years since the first American Heart Association scientific statement on preparing children and adolescents for invasive cardiac procedures. Clinical outcomes after invasive procedures have significantly improved, which has increased the frequency and complexity of care for children discharged back to their homes and communities. Specialty-trained pediatric professionals are emerging to support nuanced family-centered preparation and education of children with heart disease and their families. This scientific statement will update previously presented content, highlight emerging topics such as digital modalities for education and preparation for pediatric heart disease procedures and care transitions, and identify knowledge gaps and areas of future research.
Erickson et al. (Mon,) studied this question.