The usefulness of incorporating three-dimensional heart models during cardiology consultations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract A quality improvement project was launched to address the effectiveness and communication potential of incorporating three-dimensional heart models during cardiology consultations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The complexities of congenital heart defects pose numerous challenges for both clinicians and the families of infants awaiting cardiothoracic surgery. The education provided to parents during consultations influences the ability to make informed decisions regarding medical and surgical plans of care. This exchange of knowledge can be daunting, leaving parents with feelings of anxiety and distress (Biglino et al., 2015). In 2014, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons database reported Phoenix Children's Hospital performed 550 cardiothoracic surgeries and ten heart transplants. By the year 2016, Phoenix Children's Hospital performed 664 cardiothoracic surgeries and 24 heart transplants. This data highlights substantial increases in surgical volume, contributing to the need for improved education and communication among this vulnerable patient population (Phoenix Children's Hospital, 2017).