Master Teacher Series: Case Study on the Field of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care

Learning Objectives
Recall organizational features of pediatric cardiac intensive care units that support safe escalation of airway and cardiopulmonary interventions
Explain how interdisciplinary communication and team structure influence airway decision‑making and resuscitation readiness in high‑acuity cardiac ICUs
Apply principles of structured team communication and continuity of care to airway escalation scenarios in critically ill children
Analyze how handoffs, staffing models, and role clarity affect safety during high‑risk airway and resuscitation events
Evaluate ICU organizational models to identify strengths and vulnerabilities related to airway management, escalation, and family communication
Author(s)
David Wessel, MD
Professior, Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine | Children's National Hospital
Lisa DelSignore, MD
Associate Professor, Fellowship Program Director, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine | Yale University
Jefferey Burns, MD, MPH
Assoc. Chief Medical Officer, Critical Care Services; Shapiro Chair in Critical Care Medicine, Division of Critical Care MedicineDirector, OPENPediatrics; Sr. Assoc. in Critical Care Medicine; Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Medicine | Boston Children's Hospital
Professor of Anesthesia | Harvard Medical School
Citation
Wessel D, DelSignore L, Burns JP. Master Teacher Series: Case Study on the Field of Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care. 5/2016. Online Video. OPENPediatrics. https://learn.openpediatrics.org/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/3165/master-teacher-series-case-study-on-the-field-of-pediatric-cardiac-intensive-care.
