Joint programs in pediatric cardiac surgery: an update and descriptive analysis.

Of the 34 unique congenital cardiac surgery programs identified in this survey, 14 have participated in a joint program and 50% of those joint programs existed for more than 10 years. Most joint programs (86%) participate or participated in a model where participants are engaged in a "mother-daughter" relationship in both perception and case volume distribution. In 3 out of 4 defunct joint programs, there were case complexity limitations placed on partner institutions, but the now independent partner institutions operate with no limitation on complexity. Most (71%) of participants in a joint program felt that the joint program produced better outcomes than two separate programs; however, among those who participate or have participated in a joint program, only 18% felt that joint programs were the optimal model for delivery of congenital cardiac surgical care.