Atrioventricular Block in Children With Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Children are at risk for multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Cardiovascular complications, including ventricular dysfunction and coronary dilation, are frequent, but there are limited data on arrhythmic complications. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of children and young adults aged ≤21 years admitted with MIS-C. Demographic characteristics, electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram findings, and hospital course were described. RESULTS: Among 25 patients admitted with MIS-C (60% male; median age 9.7 [interquartile range 2.7-15.0] years), ECG anomalies were found in 14 (56%). First-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) was seen in 5 (20%) patients a median of 6 (interquartile range 5-8) days after onset of fever and progressed to second- or third-degree AVB in 4 patients. No patient required intervention for AVB. All patients with AVB were admitted to the ICU (before onset of AVB) and had ventricular dysfunction on echocardiograms. All patients with second- or third-degree AVB had elevated brain natriuretic peptide levels, whereas the patient with first-degree AVB had a normal brain natriuretic peptide level. No patient with AVB had an elevated troponin level. QTc prolongation was seen in 7 patients (28%), and nonspecific ST segment changes were seen in 14 patients (56%). Ectopic atrial tachycardia was observed in 1 patient, and none developed ventricular arrhythmias. CONCLUSIONS: Children with MIS-C are at risk for atrioventricular conduction disease, especially those who require ICU admission and have ventricular dysfunction. ECGs should be monitored for evidence of PR prolongation. Continuous telemetry may be required in patients with evidence of first-degree AVB because of risk of progression to high-grade AVB.

Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Outcomes of Patients with Kawasaki Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) with time to intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, length of stay (LOS), and coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) in patients with Kawasaki disease. STUDY DESIGN: We examined the relationship of SES in 915 patients treated at a large academic center between 2000 and 2017. Neighborhood SES was measured using a US census-based score derived from 6 measures related to income, education, and occupation. Linear and logistic regression were used to examine the association of SES with number of days of fever at time of treatment, LOS, and CAA. RESULTS: Patients in the lowest SES quartile were treated later than patients with greater SES (7 [IQR 5, 9] vs 6 [IQR 5, 8] days, P = .01). Patients in the lowest SES quartile were more likely to be treated after 10 days of illness, with an OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.8). In multivariable analysis, SES remained an independent predictor of the number of days of fever at time of treatment (P = .01). Patients in the lowest SES quartile had longer LOS than patients with greater SES (3 [IQR 2, 5] vs 3 [IQR 2, 4], P = .007). In subgroup analysis of white children, those in the lowest SES quartile vs quartiles 2-4 were more likely to develop large/giant CAA 17 (12%) vs 30 (6%), P = .03. CONCLUSIONS: Lower SES is associated with delayed treatment, prolonged LOS, and increased risk of large/giant CAA. Novel approaches to diagnosis and education are needed for children living in low-SES neighborhoods.

Association of Initially Normal Coronary Arteries With Normal Findings on Follow-up Echocardiography in Patients With Kawasaki Disease.

Importance: American Heart Association guidelines recommend echocardiography in Kawasaki disease at baseline, 1 to 2 weeks, and 4 to 6 weeks after treatment to detect coronary artery abnormalities. However, these examinations are expensive and may require sedation in young children, which is burdensome and carries some risk. Objective: To assess the benefit of additional echocardiographic imaging at 6 weeks in patients with uncomplicated Kawasaki disease who had previously normal coronary arteries. Design, Setting, and Participants: This is a retrospective review of patients with Kawasaki disease who were cared for between 1995 and 2014 in 2 academic pediatric referral practices Eligibility criteria included receiving intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for acute Kawasaki disease at a center; the absence of significant congenital heart disease; available echocardiographic measurements of both the right and left anterior descending coronary arteries at 10 days or less after diagnosis (baseline), 2 (±1) weeks, and 6 (±3) weeks of illness; and normal coronary arteries at baseline and 2 weeks, defined as maximum coronary artery z scores less than 2.0 and no distal aneurysms. Data analysis was completed from March 2015 to November 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: The number of patients with right coronary artery or left anterior descending coronary artery z scores of 2.0 or more at 6 weeks. Results: The median age of the 464 included patients was 3.3 years (interquartile range, 1.8-5.4 years); 264 (56.9%) were male, 351 of 414 for whom data were available (84.8%) had complete Kawasaki disease, and 66 (14.2%) received additional intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. At 6 weeks of illness, 456 patients (98.3%) who had had normal coronary artery z scores at baseline and 2 weeks continued to have normal z scores. Of the remaining 8 patients (1.7%), the maximum z score within 6 weeks was 2.0 to 2.4 in 5 patients (1.2%), 2.5 to 2.9 in 1 patient (0.2%), and 3.0 or more in 2 patients (0.4% [95% CI, 0.1%-1.5%]). Coronary artery dimensions ultimately normalized in all but 1 patient, who had minimal dilation at 6 weeks (right coronary artery z score, 2.1). Sensitivity analyses using less restrictive cut points (eg, a maximum z score <2.5) or less restrictive timing windows (eg, considering patients with incomplete echocardiographic data within 21 days) gave similar results; in these analyses, 454 to 463 of 464 patients (98% to 99.7%) had coronary artery z scores of less than 2.5 at 6 weeks. Conclusions and Relevance: New abnormalities in coronary arteries are rarely detected at 6 weeks in patients with Kawasaki disease who have normal measurements at baseline and 2 weeks of illness, suggesting that the 6-week echocardiographic imaging may be unnecessary in patients with uncomplicated Kawasaki disease and z scores less than 2.0 in the first 2 weeks of illness.

Resource reduction in pediatric chest pain: Standardized clinical assessment and management plan.

OBJECTIVE: Using a Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP) for pediatric patients presenting to clinic with chest pain, we evaluated the cost impact associated with implementation of the care algorithm. Prior to introduction of the SCAMP, we analyzed charges for 406 patients with chest pain, seen in 2009, and predicted 21% reduction of overall charges had the SCAMP methodology been used. The SCAMP recommended an echocardiogram for history, examination, or ECG findings suggestive of a cardiac etiology for chest pain. DESIGN: Resource utilization was reviewed for 1517 patients (7-21 years) enrolled in the SCAMP from July 2010 to April 2014. RESULTS: Compared to the 2009 historic cohort, patients evaluated by the SCAMP had higher rates of exertional chest pain (45% vs 37%) and positive family history (5% vs 1%). The SCAMP cohort had fewer abnormal physical examination findings (1% vs 6%) and abnormal electrocardiograms (3% vs 5%). Echocardiogram use increased in the SCAMP cohort compared to the 2009 historic cohort (45% vs 41%), whereas all other ancillary testing was reduced: exercise stress testing (4% SCAMP vs 28% historic), Holter (4% vs 7%), event monitors (3% vs 10%), and MRI (1% vs 2%). Total charges were reduced by 22% ($822 625) by use of the Chest Pain SCAMP, despite a higher percentage of patients for whom echocardiogram was recommended compared to the historic cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The Chest Pain SCAMP effectively streamlines cardiac testing and reduces resource utilization. Further reductions can be made by algorithm refinement regarding echocardiograms for exertional symptoms.

Predicting Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease at a North American Center: An Assessment of Baseline z Scores.

BACKGROUND: Accurate risk prediction of coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) in North American children with Kawasaki disease remains a clinical challenge. We sought to determine the predictive utility of baseline coronary dimensions adjusted for body surface area (z scores) for future CAAs in Kawasaki disease and explored the extent to which addition of established Japanese risk scores to baseline coronary artery z scores improved discrimination for CAA development. METHODS AND RESULTS: We explored the relationships of CAA with baseline z scores; with Kobayashi, Sano, Egami, and Harada risk scores; and with the combination of baseline z scores and risk scores. We defined CAA as a maximum z score (zMax) ≥2.5 of the left anterior descending or right coronary artery at 4 to 8 weeks of illness. Of 261 patients, 77 patients (29%) had a baseline zMax ≥2.0. CAAs occurred in 15 patients (6%). CAAs were strongly associated with baseline zMax ≥2.0 versus <2.0 (12 [16%] versus 3 [2%], respectively, P<0.001). Baseline zMax ≥2.0 had a C statistic of 0.77, good sensitivity (80%), and excellent negative predictive value (98%). None of the risk scores alone had adequate discrimination. When high-risk status per the Japanese risk scores was added to models containing baseline zMax ≥2.0, none were significantly better than baseline zMax ≥2.0 alone. CONCLUSIONS: In a North American center, baseline zMax ≥2.0 in children with Kawasaki disease demonstrated high predictive utility for later development of CAA. Future studies should validate the utility of our findings.

Safety and Efficacy of Warfarin Therapy in Kawasaki Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety and efficacy of warfarin for patients with Kawasaki disease and giant coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs, ≥8 mm). Giant aneurysms are managed with combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies, heightening risk of bleeding complications. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed the time in therapeutic range; percentage of international normalization ratios (INRs) in range (%); bleeding events, clotting events; INRs ≥6; INRs ≥5 and <6; and INRs <1.5. RESULTS: In 9 patients (5 male), median age 14.4 years (range 7.1-22.8 years), INR testing was prescribed weekly to monthly and was done by home monitor (n = 5) or laboratory (n = 3) or combined (1). Median length of warfarin therapy was 7.2 years (2.3-13.3 years). Goal INR was 2.0-3.0 (n = 6) or 2.5-3.5 (n = 3), based on CAA size and history of CAA thrombosis. All patients were treated with aspirin; 1 was on dual antiplatelet therapy and warfarin. The median time in therapeutic range was 59% (37%-85%), and median percentage of INRs in range was 68% (52%-87%). INR >6 occurred in 3 patients (4 events); INRs ≥5 <6 in 7 patients (12 events); and INR <1.5 in 5 patients (28 events). The incidence of major bleeding events and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events were each 4.3 per 100 patient-years (95% CI 0.9-12.6). New asymptomatic coronary thrombosis was detected by imaging in 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding and clotting complications are common in patients with Kawasaki disease on warfarin and aspirin, with INRs in range only two-thirds of the time. Future studies should evaluate the use of direct oral anticoagulants in children as an alternative to warfarin.

Pediatric Chest Pain-Low-Probability Referral: A Multi-Institutional Analysis From Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs®), the Pediatric Health Information Systems Database, and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey.

We conducted a study to assess test characteristics of red-flag criteria for identifying cardiac disease causing chest pain and technical charges of low-probability referrals. Accuracy of red-flag criteria was ascertained through study of chest pain Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs®) data. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group1 (concerning clinical elements) and Group2 (without). We compared incidence of cardiac disease causing chest pain between these 2 groups. Technical charges of Group 2 were analyzed using the Pediatric Health Information System database. Potential savings for the US population was estimated using National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data. Fifty-two percent of subjects formed Group 1. Cardiac disease causing chest pain was identified in 8/1656 (0.48%). No heart disease was identified in patients in Group 2 ( P = .03). Applying red-flags in determining need for referral identified patients with cardiac disease causing chest pain with 100% sensitivity. Median technical charges for Group 2, over a 4-year period, were US2014$775 559. Eliminating cardiac testing of low-probability referrals would save US2014$3 775 182 in technical charges annually. Red-flag criteria were an effective screen for children with chest pain. Eliminating cardiac testing in children without red-flags for referral has significant technical charge savings.

Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease: Risk Factors for Progressive Disease and Adverse Cardiac Events in the US Population.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) after intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment in the United States is not well described. We describe the natural history of CAA in US Kawasaki disease (KD) patients and identify factors associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and CAA regression. METHODS AND RESULTS: We evaluated all KD patients with CAA at 2 centers from 1979 to 2014. Factors associated with CAA regression, maximum CA z-score over time (zMax), and MACE were analyzed. We performed a matched analysis of treatment effect on likelihood of CAA regression. Of 2860 KD patients, 500 (17%) had CAA, including 90 with CAA z-score >10. Most (91%) received IVIG within 10 days of illness, 32% received >1 IVIG, and 27% received adjunctive anti-inflammatory medications. CAA regression occurred in 75%. Lack of CAA regression and higher CAA zMax were associated with earlier era, larger CAA z-score at diagnosis, and bilateral CAA in univariate and multivariable analyses. MACE occurred in 24 (5%) patients and was associated with higher CAA z-score at diagnosis and lack of IVIG treatment. In a subset of patients (n=132) matched by age at KD and baseline CAA z-score, those receiving IVIG plus adjunctive medication had a CAA regression rate of 91% compared with 68% for the 3 other groups (IVIG alone, IVIG ≥2 doses, or IVIG ≥2 doses plus adjunctive medication). CONCLUSIONS: CAA regression occurred in 75% of patients. CAA z-score at diagnosis was highly predictive of outcomes, which may be improved by early IVIG treatment and adjunctive therapies.

Needles in Hay II: Detecting Cardiac Pathology by the Pediatric Chest Pain Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if patients evaluated using the pediatric chest pain standardized clinical assessment and management plan (SCAMP) in cardiology clinic were later diagnosed with unrecognized cardiac pathology, and to determine if other patients with cardiac pathology not enrolled in the SCAMP would have been identified using the algorithm. STUDY DESIGN: Patients 7-21 years of age, newly diagnosed with hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy, coronary anomalies, pulmonary embolus, pulmonary hypertension, pericarditis, or myocarditis were identified from the Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) cardiac database between July 1, 2010 and December 31, 2012. Patients were cross-referenced to the SCAMP database or retrospectively assessed with the SCAMP algorithm. RESULTS: Among 98 patients with cardiac pathology, 34 (35%) reported chest pain, of whom 10 were diagnosed as outpatients. None of these patients were enrolled in the SCAMP because of alternate chief complaints (n = 4) or referral to BCH for management of the new diagnosis (n = 6). Each of these patients would have had an echocardiogram recommended by retrospective application of the SCAMP algorithm. Two other patients with cardiac pathology were among the 1124 patients assessed by the SCAMP. One patient initially diagnosed with noncardiac chest pain presented 18 months later and was diagnosed with myocarditis as an inpatient. One patient seen initially in the emergency department was subsequently diagnosed with pericarditis as an outpatient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients assessed by the chest pain SCAMP at BCH were not later diagnosed with cardiac pathology that was missed at the initial encounter. Nonenrolled outpatients with cardiac pathology and chest pain would have been successfully identified with the SCAMP algorithm.

Regional Implementation of a Pediatric Cardiology Syncope Algorithm Using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPS) Methodology.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric syncope is common. Cardiac causes are rarely found. We describe and assess a pragmatic approach to these patients first seen by a pediatric cardiologist in the New England region, using Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Ambulatory patients aged 7 to 21 years initially seen for syncope at participating New England Congenital Cardiology Association practices over a 2.5-year period were evaluated using a SCAMP. Findings were iteratively analyzed and the care pathway was revised. The vast majority (85%) of the 1254 patients had typical syncope. A minority had exercise-related or more problematic symptoms. Guideline-defined testing identified one patient with cardiac syncope. Syncope Severity Scores correlated well between physician and patient perceived symptoms. Orthostatic vital signs were of limited use. Largely incidental findings were seen in 10% of ECGs and 11% of echocardiograms. The 10% returning for follow-up, by design, reported more significant symptoms, but did not have newly recognized cardiac disease. Iterative analysis helped refine the approach. CONCLUSIONS: SCAMP methodology confirmed that the vast majority of children referred to the outpatient pediatric cardiology setting had typical low-severity neurally mediated syncope that could be effectively evaluated in a single visit using minimal resources. A simple scoring system can help triage patients into treatment categories. Prespecified criteria permitted the effective diagnosis of the single patient with a clear cardiac etiology. Patients with higher syncope scores still have a very low risk of cardiac disease, but may warrant attention.

Regional implementation of a pediatric cardiology chest pain guideline using SCAMPs methodology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chest pain is a complaint for which children are frequently evaluated. Cardiac causes are rarely found despite expenditure of considerable time and resources. We describe validation throughout New England of a clinical guideline for cost-effective evaluation of pediatric patients first seen by a cardiologist for chest pain using a unique methodology termed the Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs). METHODS: A total of 1016 ambulatory patients, ages 7 to 21 years initially seen for chest pain at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) or the New England Congenital Cardiology Association (NECCA) practices, were evaluated by using a SCAMPs chest pain guideline. Findings were analyzed for diagnostic elements, patterns of care, and compliance with the guideline. Results from the NECCA practices were compared with those of Boston Children's Hospital, a regional core academic center. RESULTS: Two patients had chest pain due to a cardiac etiology, 1 with pericarditis and 1 with an anomalous coronary artery origin. Testing performed outside of guideline recommendations demonstrated only incidental findings. Patients returning for persistent symptoms did not have cardiac disease. The pattern of care for the NECCA practices and BCH differed minimally. CONCLUSIONS: By using SCAMPs methodology, we have demonstrated that chest pain in children is rarely caused by heart disease and can be evaluated in the ambulatory setting efficiently and effectively using minimal resources. The methodology can be implemented regionally across a wide range of clinical practice settings and its approach can overcome a number of barriers that often limit clinical practice guideline implementation.

Vascular health in Kawasaki disease.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to compare the indices of vascular health in Kawasaki disease (KD) patients to those of control subjects. BACKGROUND: The literature on peripheral vascular health after KD is conflicting. METHODS: Subjects were patients 11 to 29 years of age with the onset of KD >12 months before the study visit (n = 203) and healthy control subjects (n = 50). We measured endothelial function (using the Endothelial Pulse Amplitude Testing index), intima-media thickness (IMT) of the right common carotid artery (RCCA) and the left common carotid artery (LCCA), and fasting lipid profile and C-reactive protein (CRP). KD patients were classified according to their worst-ever coronary artery (CA) status: group I, always normal CAs (n = 136, 67%); group II, CA z-scores ≥2 but <3 (n = 20, 10%); group III, CA aneurysm z-scores ≥3 but <8 mm (n = 40, 20%); and group IV, giant CA aneurysm, defined as ≥8 mm (n = 7, 3%). RESULTS: At a median of 11.6 years (range, 1.2 to 26 years) after KD onset, compared with controls, KD patients had a higher peak velocity in the LCCA (p = 0.04) and higher pulsatility index of both the RCCA and LCCA (p = 0.006 and p = 0.05, respectively). However, there were no differences in the Endo-PAT index or carotid IMT or stiffness. The mean IMT of the LCCA tended to differ across the KD subgroups and control group (p = 0.05), with a higher mean in group IV. Otherwise the KD subgroups and control group had similar vascular health indexes. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to some earlier reports, our study of North American children and young adults demonstrated that KD patients whose maximum CA dimensions were either always normal or mildly ectatic have normal vascular health indexes, providing reassurance regarding peripheral vascular health in this population.

Coronary artery dimensions in febrile children without Kawasaki disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery (CA) dilatation on echocardiography is a criterion for treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin for incomplete Kawasaki disease (KD). However, CA dimensions for febrile children are unknown. We compared CA dimensions in children with febrile illnesses other than KD to those of normal afebrile children and to KD patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed echocardiograms in 43 patients who met the following inclusion criteria: (1) age 3 months to 18 years, (2) daily fever >38°C for ≥96 hours, and (3) a diagnosis other than KD. These subjects had mean CA z scores greater than normative values (left main CA=0.66±0.75, P<0.001; right CA=0.28±0.81, P=0.03; left anterior descending CA=0.35±1.0, P=0.03). Maximum CA z score >2 was found in 2 subjects (osteomyelitis, Mycoplasma pneumonia). Among demographic and laboratory measures, only higher platelet count was associated with greater left anterior descending CA z scores (P=0.004) and maximum CA z score (P=0.03). Non-KD febrile subjects, compared with 144 KD patients, had smaller CA z scores (P=0.04, P<0.001, and P<0.001 for left main CA, right CA, and left anterior descending CA, respectively), and lower white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and platelet count (all P<0.001). A maximum CA z score cutoff of 2.0 had specificity of 95% (95% confidence interval, 84%-99%) and sensitivity of 32% (95% confidence interval, 25%-41%) in distinguishing non-KD febrile from KD patients; for maximum CA z score of 2.5, specificity was 98% and sensitivity was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study found that mean CA dimensions in children with non-KD febrile illnesses are larger than those in normative afebrile subjects but smaller than dimensions in patients with KD. Future studies should augment the available data on CA dimensions in children with more severe febrile illnesses.

Resource Utilization Reduction for Evaluation of Chest Pain in Pediatrics Using a Novel Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plan (SCAMP).

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is a common reason for referral to pediatric cardiologists. Although pediatric chest pain is rarely attributable to serious cardiac pathology, extensive and costly evaluation is often performed. We have implemented a standardized approach to pediatric chest pain in our pediatric cardiology clinics as part of a broader quality improvement initiative termed Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs). In this study, we evaluate the impact of a SCAMP for chest pain on practice variation and resource utilization. METHODS AND RESULTS: We compared demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and cardiac testing in a historical cohort (n=406) of patients presenting to our outpatient division for initial evaluation of chest pain in the most recent pre-SCAMP calendar year (2009) to patients enrolled in the chest pain SCAMP (n=364). Demographic variables including age at presentation, sex, and clinical characteristics were similar between groups. Adherence to the SCAMP algorithm for echocardiography was 84%. Practice variation decreased significantly after implementation of the SCAMP (P<0.001). The number of exercise stress tests obtained was significantly lower in the SCAMP-enrolled patients compared with the historic cohort (∼3% of patients versus 29%, respectively; P<0.001). Similarly, there was a 66% decrease in utilization of Holter monitors and 75% decrease in the use of long-term event monitors after implementation of the chest pain SCAMP (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). The number of echocardiograms obtained was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a SCAMP for evaluation of pediatric chest pain has lead to a decrease in practice variation and resource utilization. (J Am Heart Assoc. 2012;1:jah3-e000349 doi: 10.1161/JAHA.111.000349.).

Paediatric nurse practitioner managed cardiology clinics: patient satisfaction and appointment access.

AIM: This article summarizes a comparative study of patient/family satisfaction and appointment wait times in physician managed vs. paediatric nurse practitioner managed cardiology clinics. BACKGROUND: Appointment wait times exceeded 40 days in the outpatient cardiology department at a children's hospital. To address the gap in available appointments, paediatric nurse practitioner managed cardiology clinics were implemented. METHODS: A sample of 128 patients who presented concurrently in physician or paediatric nurse practitioner managed cardiology clinics from December 2009 through February 2010 was recruited for participation. The hospital's ambulatory patient satisfaction survey was utilized to measure level of patient satisfaction with care. Survey responses were evaluated using Fisher's exact test. Appointment wait times were compared pre and post implementation of paediatric nurse practitioner managed clinics. RESULTS: Sixty-five physician families and 63 paediatric nurse practitioner families completed the satisfaction survey. There was no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction between clinic types. Appointment wait time decreased from 46 to 43 days, which was not statistically significant. Paediatric nurse practitioner clinics included a statistically higher percentage total of urgent appointments compared to that in physician clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric nurse practitioner managed cardiology clinics are a strategic solution for improving patient access and facilitating high quality patient care while earning high levels of patient satisfaction. This healthcare delivery model illustrates the potential for expanded utilization of advanced practice nurses.

Provider attitudes toward Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs).

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing importance of clinical guidelines, their adoption has encountered significant resistance among clinicians. We developed Standardized Clinical Assessment and Management Plans (SCAMPs) as an innovative, clinician-led approach to building, implementing, and constantly improving flexible guidelines. We hypothesized that SCAMPs would fit well within the culture of medicine and that clinicians would therefore prefer SCAMPs over other guidelines. METHODS: We implemented an anonymous, computer-based survey to analyze provider attitudes toward SCAMPs at our institution. RESULTS: Sixty-nine providers completed the questionnaire (73% response rate). Most providers reported a positive opinion about SCAMPs along axes of overall familiarity (83%), trust (91-94%), utility (75-87%), and overall attitude (64%). Fewer providers felt familiar with the SCAMP improvement process (60% neutral to unfamiliar) or knew that they played a role in this process (62% said no or unsure). Sixty-five percent reported experiencing an erosion in their autonomy with SCAMPs; when comparing this to other guidelines, 38% said other guidelines erode more, 26% felt SCAMPs erode more, and 36% were neutral. The plurality of providers chose SCAMPs as their preferred means to incorporate evidence-based medicine into their practice (46% vs 29% for clinical practice guidelines, 25% for other guidelines). CONCLUSION: Providers look upon SCAMPs favorably and believe that SCAMPs successfully address numerous barriers to guideline adoption. Furthermore, SCAMPs are the preferred means to incorporate evidence-based medicine into practice among providers surveyed. SCAMPs may represent an important step in building guidelines that fit into the culture of medicine, obtain clinician "buy-in," and better influence clinical decision making.

Management of pediatric chest pain using a standardized assessment and management plan.

OBJECTIVES: Chest pain is a common reason for referral to pediatric cardiologists and often leads to an extensive cardiac evaluation. The objective of this study is to describe current management practices in the assessment of pediatric chest pain and to determine whether a standardized care approach could reduce unnecessary testing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed all patients, aged 7 to 21 years, presenting to our outpatient pediatric cardiology division in 2009 for evaluation of chest pain. Demographics, clinical characteristics, patient outcomes, and resource use were analyzed. RESULTS: Testing included electrocardiography (ECG) in all 406 patients, echocardiography in 175 (43%), exercise stress testing in 114 (28%), event monitoring in 40 (10%), and Holter monitoring in 30 (7%). A total of 44 (11%) patients had a clinically significant medical or family history, an abnormal cardiac examination, and/or an abnormal ECG. Exertional chest pain was present in 150 (37%) patients. In the entire cohort, a cardiac etiology for chest pain was found in only 5 of 406 (1.2%) patients. Two patients had pericarditits, and 3 had arrhythmias. We developed an algorithm using pertinent history, physical examination, and ECG findings to suggest when additional testing is indicated. Applying the algorithm to this cohort could lead to an ∼20% reduction in echocardiogram and outpatient rhythm monitor use and elimination of exercise stress testing while still capturing all cardiac diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of pediatric chest pain is often extensive and rarely yields a cardiac etiology. Practice variation and unnecessary resource use remain concerns. Targeted testing can reduce resource use and lead to more cost-effective care.