Diagnostic Testing Is Not Associated with Patient Experience in Common Pediatric Cardiology Referrals

Abstract To describe patient and family experience (PFE) scores for common new pediatric cardiology referrals and to evaluate whether the intensity of cardiac testing is associated with patient experience. We performed a retrospective study of PFE surveys completed following new outpatient pediatric cardiology visits at a single tertiary center from 2022 to 2023. Patients ≤ 18 years old referred for chest pain, palpitations, murmur, or dizziness/syncope were included. Survey domains included overall experience, provider respect, communication, and time spent with the provider. Responses were dichotomized, with top-box approach scores designated as 9–10 on a 0–10 Likert scale or a response of “yes, definitely.” Additional variables included patient demographics, clinic location, referral-to-visit interval, cardiac testing performed and follow-up recommendations. Univariable and multivariable statistical analysis were used to identify factors associated with top-box scores. A total of 1293 surveys were analyzed. The performance of cardiac testing—including echocardiography, exercise stress testing, or ambulatory monitoring—was not associated with higher PFE scores. PFE scores also did not differ significantly by referral reason, clinic location, referral-to-visit interval, or follow-up recommendation. Overall PFE scores were high (91% in top-box category). Among common pediatric cardiology referrals, greater testing intensity was not associated with improved patient and family experience. These findings suggest that reducing non-essential testing may represent an opportunity to optimize resource utilization without negatively affecting perceived quality of care.