Pitt Pediatrics congratulates Kelly Harris, MD, MS for her recent publication in Pediatric Cardiology titled, “Parent Perspectives on Optimal Communication About a New Prenatal Diagnosis of Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Concept Mapping Study.” Harris is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in our Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care and is noted as the first author in this work.
This research is a first of its kind investigation into the communication patterns between physicians and parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD). Often during these difficult and complex conversations, over half of dialogue focuses on uncertainties, but no prior research has been done on what would be helpful when communicating about these uncertainties in initial conversations from the parental perspective.
Based on surveys of parents who received a prenatal diagnosis of CHD at two fetal cardiology centers, information was gathered to brainstorm, sort, and rate statements to help parents with the things that remained unknown or uncertain. Findings were then analyzed and interpreted to identify targets for future interventions.
Ultimately, the largest points of emphasis from recruited parents involved empathic communication, anchoring uncertainty within known and controllable factors, realistic expectations, and access to practical and peer support. The findings indicate context-specific targets for optimizing clinician-caregiver communication, thereby better managing the inherent stress involved with prenatal CHD diagnosis.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Harris on this impactful and significant research. And follow Pitt Pediatrics on Bluesky for future updates on faculty publications and research.