Implementation of Virtual Fontan Heart Camps During a Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Children with a Fontan operation represent a unique form of congenital heart disease (CHD) that requires multiple cardiac surgeries and procedures with an uncertain long-term outcome. Given the rarity of the types of CHD that require this procedure, many children with a Fontan do not know any others like them. METHODS: With the cancelation of medically supervised heart camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have organized several physician-led virtual day camps for children with a Fontan operation to connect with others in their province and across Canada. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation and evaluation of these camps via the use of an anonymous online survey immediately after the event and reminders on days 2 and 4 postevent. RESULTS: Fifty-one children have participated in at least 1 of our camps. Registration data showed that 70% of participants did not know anyone else with a Fontan. Postcamp evaluations showed that 86% to 94% learned something new about their heart and 95% to 100% felt more connected to other children like them. CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated the implementation of a virtual heart camp to expand the support network for children with a Fontan. These experiences may help to promote healthy psychosocial adjustments through inclusion and relatedness.

Strategies to maintain a family-centered care approach in the era of COVID-19: Experiences of a Canadian pediatric cardiology program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in strict provincial guidelines to prevent its spread. Physical distancing requirements, the postponement of elective pediatric cardiac surgeries and non-invasive cardiac interventions, and hospital visitor restrictions have significantly impacted services provided by our pediatric cardiac program. Rapid modifications to current inpatient and outpatient practices were required to maintain a family-centered care approach. Strategies our team used to maintain a family-centered care approach focused on six key areas including inpatient care, outpatient pediatric cardiology clinics, family meetings, discharge planning and teaching, the connection of inpatient pediatric patients to the outside world, and social support. The majority of our strategies are adaptable to other pediatric cardiology programs and some may prove useful after the pandemic and as restrictions lift. These strategies each have their own limitations and challenges that must be considered when adapting them to other pediatric cardiology programs and continuing their use after the pandemic has resolved.