The role of teamwork and mentorship in pediatric and congenital heart surgery

Francis, Jeevan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8017-8727, George, Joseph, Peng, Edward and Corno, Antonio F ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4374-0992 (2024) The role of teamwork and mentorship in pediatric and congenital heart surgery. Translational Pediatrics, 13 (10). pp. 1870-1878. ISSN 2224-4336

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Abstract

Pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery, characterized by its complexity and high-stakes nature, demands superior technical expertise and multidisciplinary teamwork. With limited surgeons worldwide, the role of continuous skill refinement and collaborative practice is crucial for patient safety and successful outcomes. A literature search was performed using the PubMed, Cochrane, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases for studies published until September 2024. Articles were analysed to summarize findings on the impact of mentorship and teamwork within pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery. This article explores the dual importance of teamwork and mentorship in shaping the next generation of pediatric and congenital cardiac surgeons. The study examines the impact of mentorship on reducing learning curves and improving surgical outcomes whilst highlight the unique challenges faced by surgeons in low-income countries (LICs). Effective mentorship can serve as a bridge between knowledge and practice, ensuring that surgeons in resource-constrained environments can confidently adapt to challenges and improve patient outcomes despite the limited resources. By emphasizing a culture of innovation and collaborative teamwork, pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery continues to achieve increasingly better patient outcomes on a global scale. This study highlights how continuous mentorship and teamwork not only enhance technical proficiency but also drive advancements in surgical techniques and overall care, contributing to the ongoing global progress in pediatric and congenital cardiac surgery.