Objective
While establishing a new cardiovascular program in a multicultural environment, many challenges are faced. The chief test is living up to the high patient expectations in order to meet the contemporary excellent surgical results achieved worldwide. We present our initial experience of a new tertiary-care pediatric cardiology/cardiac surgery center in UAE.
Methods
Our multidisciplinary team drew up a detailed continuum of care plan and performance criteria were employed to monitor care. Having established the necessary OR/ICU environments, full range of pediatric cardiac services was offered including neonatal open-heart surgery. Continuous auditing and outcome review allowed adjustments in organizational and professional care to achieve excellent results.
Results
Since the start of the program in April 2007 to date, 295 pediatric cardiac operations and 189 catheter-interventions were performed. The surgical patient population comprised of 117(39.6%) neonates, infants(1-6 months of age): 85(29%), >6months: 93(31.4%), including 10 GUCH cases. Aristotle Basic Complexity Score Levels were: I(simplest):18(16.3%), II(simple):63(21.4%), III(complex):52(17.6%), IV(most complex):132(44.7%). Introduction of integrated pediatric cardiac ICU/HDU resulted in marked reduction of LOS (mean:13.1±5.04 to 7.12±3.1days, p=.001).
Conclusions
The rapidly growing population of the UAE requested the foundation of a national pediatric cardiac center. Our program has quickly won recognition indicated by a steadily growing number of referrals from all over the country. Neonates and infants(<6 months of age) requiring urgent/emergent intervention have been overrepresented since the start. Continuous review and audit permits a developing model of care. Initial experience demonstrates that our program is capable of becoming a national center of excellence.