Confessions of PCICU Leaders Tales From the Past, Lessons for the Future

Background:The pediatric cardiac intensive care environment is challenging and unpredictable due to the heterogeneous patient population. Leadership within this complex environment is critical for optimal outcomes.Methods:The 10th International Meeting of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society provided a forum for leaders to share their own practice and experience that concluded with take-home messages regarding quality, safety, clinical effectiveness, stewardship, and leadership.Results:Presentations defined vital aspects for successful outcomes and highlighted ongoing challenges.Conclusions:Accomplishing exceptional outcomes requires a blend of clinical expertise, leadership, communication skills with briefing and debriefing, meaningful use of data, and transparency among peers and toward patients and their families.