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

Journal: JHLT open
Published Date: Jun 13, 2025

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.

Authors

  • Michael O Killian
    College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
  • Sonnie E Mayewski
    College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
  • Schyler E Brumm
    College of Social Work, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.
  • Zhe He
    School of Information, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
  • Dipankar Gupta
    College of Medicine University of Florida Gainesville, FL, Florida.

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