Summary
This article describes the development and pilot use of iDECIDE-VAD-PEDIATRIC, a decision aid designed to support families and clinicians in making complex, high-stakes choices about pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation. Unlike in adults, pediatric VAD decisions involve unique challenges such as surrogate (parental) decision-making, adolescent assent, higher risks in certain populations, and lifestyle disruptions for children. Building on the adult iDECIDE-LVAD tool, the pediatric version was created by Stanford University and the Colorado Program for Patient Centered Decisions, with feedback from the ACTION Network. The tool is an accessible, no-cost resource available in English and Spanish, offering written guides and electronic formats. A quality initiative pilot across eight pediatric centers (2022–2024) evaluated clinician experiences with the tool, aiming to promote consistent, equitable, and values-aligned decision-making in pediatric VAD care.
This ACTION study was available online in ASAIO Journal on September 10, 2025. Congratulations to the authors:
- Seth Hollander
- Jenna Murray
- John Dykes
- Toni Duganiero
- Jocelyn Thompson
- Tiffany Hunter
- Kari Christ
- Sabena Hussain
- Daniel Matlock
- Larry Allen
- Colleen Mcllvennan
CITATION
Hollander, Seth A. et al. iDECIDE-VAD-PEDIATRIC: Development of a Decision Aid to Assist Children and Their Caregivers When Considering a Ventricular Assist Device. ASAIO Journal ():10.1097/MAT.0000000000002552, September 10, 2025. | DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000002552
