Variation in Models of Care Delivery for Children Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery in the United States

Limited data are available regarding contemporary models of care delivery for patients undergoing congenital heart surgery. The purpose of this survey was to evaluate current US practice patterns in this patient population. Cross-sectional evaluation of US centers caring for patients undergoing congenital heart surgery was performed using an Internet-based survey. Data regarding postoperative care were collected and described overall and were compared in centers with a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) versus dedicated pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). A total of 94 (77%) of the estimated 122 US centers performing congenital heart surgery participated in the survey. The majority (79%) of centers were affiliated with a university. Approximately half were located in a free-standing children's hospital and half in a children's hospital in a hospital. Fifty-five percent provided care in a PICU versus a CICU. A combination of cardiologists and/or critical care physicians made up the largest proportion of physicians primarily responsible for postoperative care. Trainee involvement most often included critical care fellows (53%), pediatric residents (53%), and cardiology fellows (47%). Many centers (76%) also used physician extenders. In centers with a CICU, there was greater involvement of cardiologists and physicians with dual training (cardiology and critical care), fellows versus residents, and physician extenders. Results of this survey demonstrate variation in current models of care delivery used in patients undergoing congenital heart surgery in the United States. Further study is necessary to evaluate the implications of this variability on quality of care and patient outcomes.