Pediatric Heart Transplant Centers around the world face many challenges in supporting children and adolescents in advanced heart failure. Mechanical circulatory support is used with increasing frequency and with significantly less available research than in adult transplant and VAD centers. As a result, pediatric centers are often left with extrapolating data and experience to apply to pediatric populations.
This workshop will review the case of a 15-year-old previously healthy male with Dilated Cardiomyopathy who presented to the hospital in end stage heart failure. While this diagnosis makes up approximately half of the heart transplants performed at our center, this particular young man also had Fragile X Syndrome and Autism. The family dynamics and strengths will be presented as well as the barriers to discharge post-LVAD implant.
During this workshop, we will discuss the challenges and triumphs of supporting an adolescent with Autism through the LVAD and heart transplant process. We will review the multidisciplinary approach to supporting this young man and his family. We will consider the psychosocial stressors and cultural considerations that affected a safe discharge pre-transplant. We will review lessons learned and celebrate great interventions. We will have the opportunity to hear from our pediatric colleagues from across the country and learn how their centers face the unique challenges of MCS in the pediatric population.
LCSW, CCTSW-MCS, Advanced Cardiac Therapies Program Social Worker | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Molly Dugan is a social worker with over 25 years of experience with children, adolescents, and their families. Molly received her MSW from the University of Georgia in 1995 and has worked in various programs including Child Protective Services, inpatient psychiatric care and group homes, outpatient therapy with children and adults, and for the past ten years, medical social work. At Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Molly served as the Dialysis Social Worker for two years prior to her current role as the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Social Worker. Molly joined the STSW in October of 2013 and received her CCTSW in March of 2014 and later her MCS in July of 2020. She joined the Board of the society as the Pediatric Board Member at Large in 9/2014 and chaired the committee of pediatric social workers across the country tasked with creating a standardized pediatric psychosocial transplant evaluation tool. Molly became the Vice President of STSW in January of 2017 and then the President of the Society in January of 2019. Molly strives to promote collaboration and support in the Pediatric Transplant Social Work community.
