Early Integration of Palliative Care in Single Ventricle Families: A Quality Improvement Project for Enhanced Family Support

Background: Children with single ventricle congenital heart defects (SVCHD) experience a significant risk of mortality throughout their lifespan, particularly in their first year of life. The early involvement of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with SV physiology allows PPC providers to establish a relationship with the family and provide continuity throughout their journey. The intense care needed for these children and families predicates the need for PPC consults to be routine; however, medical staff are reluctant to broach the concept of PPC to families because of the association with …