An Interprofessional Training Ward in Pediatric Cardiology: Ensuring Patient Safety and Results from the Evaluation of Patient and Parent Satisfaction

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Interprofessional training wards (ITWs) are effective in fostering interprofessional collaboration during undergraduate medical training. Ensuring safety is particularly crucial for vulnerable patient groups. We developed a safety concept for the pediatric cardiology ITW, enabling nursing trainees and final-year medical students to independently care for children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). This study aims to evaluate whether our safety concept allows the inclusion of patients with CHDs in the care provided by our ITW. It also seeks to evaluate patient feedback, including their perception of safety, and to investigate whether there is a correlation between the input and the severity of the heart defect. METHODS: From 2020 to 2023, 16 ITW blocks were evaluated, each lasting 3-4 weeks. The three-stage safety concept includes patient selection, emergency prevention and emergency training. CHD severity in treated patients was recorded, and experiences were assessed via parent/patient questionnaires. RESULTS: Between August 2020 and November 2023, 183 patients with mild (n = 52), moderate (n = 28), and severe (n = 103) CHDs were treated. The severity of CHDs was generally higher compared to other pediatric cardiology wards in Germany. There was no significant difference between the severity of CHDs of the patient treated by the ITW and those treated on the regular ward. Of 140 completed questionnaires, 99% of respondents would recommend the program. Overall impressions ranged from "very good" (81%) to "good" (19%), with a high sense of safety reported. Positive free-text comments highlighted the team's competence and friendliness. CONCLUSIONS: The safety concept enabled the successful treatment of patients across all CHD severities, providing a transferable model for safe, interprofessional care in ITWs.