Psychosocial considerations in pediatric heart transplantation: Initial validation of the Pediatric Psychosocial Assessment Tool at a single center

Abstract

Background

Pre-transplant psychosocial assessment, in conjunction with medical and surgical evaluation, is a critical component of determining pediatric heart transplant candidacy. Psychosocial factors such as family dynamics, health literacy, mental health, financial stability, and adherence potential are often multidimensional and interdependent, making their assessment both vital and complex. However, few standardized tools exist to guide these evaluations in pediatric heart transplant settings, and even fewer have demonstrated empirical validity or predictive value. To address this gap, the Pediatric Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PPAT) was developed to provide a structured, semi-quantitative framework for evaluating psychosocial risk in pediatric transplant candidates.

Methods

This study presents initial validation data for the PPAT, based on 189 assessments conducted at a large pediatric heart transplant center. The tool evaluates nine psychosocial domains, assigns risk ratings, and yields a total risk score.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported the unidimensional structure of the tool, and internal consistency was strong (α = 0.89). Higher PPAT scores were significantly associated with lower odds of being listed for transplant by the center’s multidisciplinary medical review board (MRB), even after accounting for clinical factors. Domain-level findings revealed financial and health literacy issues as commonly identified risk areas.

Conclusion

The PPAT holds promise as a valid, reliable, and clinically useful instrument for guiding MRB discussions and targeting interventions to support high-risk families. Future directions include expanding implementation to other centers and integrating the PPAT into digital platforms using artificial intelligence and natural language processing to enhance efficiency, consistency, and patient-centered care.