Perceived barriers to neurodevelopmental follow-up among cardiac neurodevelopmental outcome collaborative institutional and affiliated members.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2025
Identifier
DOI: 10.1017/S1047951125001295
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes for children with CHD help identify neurodevelopmental impairments and support the delivery of recommended interventions. The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Special Interest Group surveyed members to assess perceived patient barriers to neurodevelopmental follow-up, previous diversity and inclusion education, and confidence in caring for historically marginalised populations.
METHODS: A link to a Redcap online survey was emailed to Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative members on 23 April 2022, with 4 weeks given to complete.
RESULTS: Eighty-four participants from 37 institutions in North America completed the survey. Respondents acknowledged that education on the importance of neurodevelopmental follow-up and frequent accommodations for cancellations or rescheduling clinic visits is essential. Language interpretation and written materials were available in languages other than English, but a limited number provided fully translated evaluation reports. Driving distance and the caregiver's lack of understanding of the rationale for neurodevelopmental follow-up were the top perceived barriers to programme attendance. At the institutional level, training for cultural competency was typically provided, and most respondents felt comfortable caring for patients from diverse backgrounds. However, many agreed their programmes could do more to make evaluations accessible to historically marginalised/underserved populations.
CONCLUSIONS: Multiple barriers exist to cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up, particularly for patients from under-represented minorities and for those whose primary language is not English. Surveying families will be valuable to understand how we may overcome these barriers. Further education about the importance of neurodevelopmental follow-up programmes continues to be essential.
Journal Title
Cardiology in the young
Volume
35
Issue
4
First Page
756
Last Page
762
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Heart Defects, Congenital; Neurodevelopmental Disorders; Child; Surveys and Questionnaires; Female; Male; Follow-Up Studies; North America; Health Services Accessibility; Cultural Competency
PubMed ID
40059531
Keywords
CHD; health disparities; neurodevelopmental outcomes
Recommended Citation
Serrano F, Willen EJ, de Thomas EM, et al. Perceived barriers to neurodevelopmental follow-up among cardiac neurodevelopmental outcome collaborative institutional and affiliated members. Cardiol Young. 2025;35(4):756-762. doi:10.1017/S1047951125001295
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