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Martinez I, Davis ES, Wimberly CE, Towry L, Johnston EE, Walsh KM. Parental Attitudes Towards Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology: Insights From Bereaved Families. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00996-5. [PMID: 39270877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Palliative care (PC) has shown significant growth in the US and is associated with improved patient and caregiver experiences. Nevertheless, there are concerns that PC is underutilized in pediatric oncology. Understanding parental attitudes towards PC is crucial to improving PC utilization. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore bereaved parent attitudes towards PC in pediatric oncology. METHODS This study used data from Alex's Lemonade Stand: My Childhood Cancer Bereavement Survey. The survey included questions regarding bereaved parents' attitudes towards PC. RESULTS The survey included 72 bereaved families. Parents completed the survey a median of 11 years after their child's death. PC was involved in 71% of cases. These families were more likely to have do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, an advanced care plan, hospice care, a planned death location, and for their child to die outside the hospital. Although most parents (86%) agreed that it is a doctor's obligation to inform all patients with cancer about PC. PC referrals appeared to happen later than parents preferred. Lack of PC involvement was primarily due to PC not being offered or sudden death of the child. CONCLUSIONS Parental hesitancy should not be viewed as a barrier to PC involvement. Although parents held mixed attitudes about PC, families accepted PC, desired earlier referrals, and believed it was a doctor's obligation to offer PC. These findings highlight the need for timely PC referrals, improved education, and increased awareness of PC services to enhance the integration of PC in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Martinez
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship (I.M., E.D., E.J.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship (I.M., E.D., E.J.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Department of Surgery (E.D.), Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Courtney E Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (C.W., K.W.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Towry
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (L.T.), Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship (I.M., E.D., E.J.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics (E.J.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center (C.W., K.W.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Department of Pediatrics (K.W.), Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Cancer Institute (K.W.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Kim CH, Lee J, Lee JW, Kim MS. The impact of specialized pediatric palliative care on advance care planning and healthcare utilization in children and young adults: a retrospective analysis of medical records of in-hospital deaths. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:127. [PMID: 38778335 PMCID: PMC11110344 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric palliative care supports children and young adults with life-limiting conditions and their families, seeking to minimize suffering and enhance quality of life. This study evaluates the impact of specialized palliative care (SPC) on advance care planning (ACP) and patterns of end-of-life care for patients who died in the hospital. METHODS This is a retrospective cohort study of medical records extracted from a clinical data warehouse, covering patients who died aged 0-24 in an academic tertiary children's hospital in South Korea. Participants were categorized into before (2011-2013; pre-period) and after (2017-2019; post-period) the introduction of an SPC service. Within the post-period, patients were further categorized into SPC recipients and non-recipients. RESULTS We identified 274 and 205 patients in the pre-period and post-period, respectively. ACP was conducted more and earlier in the post-period than in the pre-period, and in patients who received palliative care than in those who did not. Patients who received SPC were likely to receive less mechanical ventilation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation and more opioids. A multivariable regression model showed that earlier ACP was associated with not being an infant, receiving SPC, and having a neurological or neuromuscular disease. CONCLUSIONS SPC involvement was associated with more and earlier ACP and less intense end-of-life care for children and young adults who died in the hospital. Integrating palliative care into routine care can improve the quality of end-of-life care by reflecting patients' and their families' values and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Hee Kim
- College of Nursing, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Lee
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Weon Lee
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Integrative Care Hub, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Park HS, DeGroote NP, Lange A, Kavalieratos D, Brock KE. The Scope of Practice of an Embedded Pediatric Palliative Oncology Clinic. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:250-259.e5. [PMID: 38065424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pediatric palliative care (PPC) improves end-of-life (EOL) outcomes for children with cancer. Though PPC visits are the 'intervention' in studies focused on EOL care, the content of PPC visits within pediatric oncology is poorly understood. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand the scope of PPC practice during visits for children with cancer and their families. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients 0-27 years with cancer seen in PPC clinic within an academic pediatric oncology center between 2017 and 2022. During each PPC visit, documenting providers chose the domains discussed or managed (goals of care, symptom management, and care coordination with respective subdomains). Data was abstracted from the electronic health record, PPC clinic database, and Cancer Registry. The differences in frequency and addressed domains were analyzed by demographics, visit type, diagnosis group, and proximity to EOL. RESULTS Across 351 patients, 1919 outpatient PPC visits occurred. Median domains were higher in visits <90 days vs. 91+ days from EOL (12.0 vs. 10.0; p < 0.0001); pain and hospice collaboration were particularly discussed closer to EOL. Psychological symptoms like anxiety (30.7% vs. 21.1%; p < 0.001) were addressed more in follow-ups than initial visits. Compared to brain tumor or leukemia/lymphoma visits, solid tumor visits addressed more symptom management subdomains, especially pain (79.9%; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The scope of PPC practice is broad and varied. Each visit encompasses many subdomains, the most common being care coordination with oncology teams and helping patients/families cope with the disease. More domains were addressed in solid tumor visits and near EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Su Park
- Emory University School of Medicine (H.S.P), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas P DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center (N.P.D, A.L., K.E.B.), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anna Lange
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center (N.P.D, A.L., K.E.B.), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine (D.K.), Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center (N.P.D, A.L., K.E.B.), Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care (K.E.B.), Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
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Lee A, DeGroote NP, Brock KE. Early Versus Late Outpatient Pediatric Palliative Care Consultation and Its Association With End-of-Life Outcomes in Children With Cancer. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1466-1473. [PMID: 37222727 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is no consensus on what constitutes "early" pediatric palliative care (PPC) referral within pediatric oncology. Few studies report outcomes based on PPC timing. Objectives: Investigate associations between early (<12 weeks) or late (≥12 weeks from diagnosis) outpatient PPC consultation with demographics, advance care planning (ACP), and end-of-life (EOL) outcomes. Design: Retrospective chart and database review of demographic, disease, visit data, and PPC/EOL outcomes. Setting/Subjects: Deceased pediatric patients with cancer 0-27 years of age seen at an embedded consultative PPC clinic. Measurements: Patient demographics, disease characteristics, PPC/EOL outcomes: timing/receipt of ACP, hospice enrollment, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) documentation, hospital days in last 90 days of life, concordance between actual and preferred location of death, receipt of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at EOL, and death in the intensive care unit. Results: Thirty-two patients received early and 118 received late PPC. Early outpatient PPC was associated with cancer type (p < 0.01). Early PPC (p = 0.04) and ACP documentation (p = 0.04) were associated with documentation of preferred location of death. Early PPC was associated with a preference for home death (p = 0.02). Timing of outpatient PPC was not associated with ACP documentation or other EOL outcomes. In the entire cohort, 73% of PPC patients received hospice, 74% had a DNR order, 87% did not receive CPR at EOL, and 90% died in their preferred location. Conclusions: When using a cutoff of 12 weeks from diagnosis, outpatient PPC timing was only associated with location of death metrics, likely due to high-quality PPC and EOL care among all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas P DeGroote
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Taub S, Macauley R. Early and often: Promoting early integration of pediatric palliative care for seriously ill children with cancer. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:101023. [PMID: 37891032 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2023.101023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care, despite substantial overlap with its adult counterpart, is also distinct in some ways. Serious illness and comorbidities are less common in children, for whom there is a stronger presumption toward aggressive treatment. This, along with impressive cure rates for pediatric cancer, can help explain why children typically survive for a longer period of time following initial palliative care consultation. Though many of the studies demonstrating benefit of integration of palliative care early in the course of the disease for seriously ill patients rather than near or at end-of-life were conducted in adults, similar findings have been documented for children with serious illness. Several barriers to early integration exist, however, including misperceptions that palliative care constitutes "giving up" and concerns about potential role confusion with the primary team. By directly addressing these misperceptions and challenges, it is possible for palliative care and oncology to work in constructive partnerships that will benefit children with cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR.
| | - Robert Macauley
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR
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Delgado-Corcoran C, Wawrzynski SE, Flaherty B, Kirkland B, Bodily S, Moore D, Cook LJ, Olson LM. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and paediatric palliative care in an ICU. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:1846-1852. [PMID: 36278475 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122003018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compare rates, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of paediatric palliative care consultation in children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admitted to a single-centre 16-bed cardiac or a 28-bed paediatric ICU. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical characteristics and outcomes of children (aged 0-21 years) supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January, 2017 and December, 2019 compared by palliative care consultation. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS One hundred children (N = 100) were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 19% received a palliative care consult. Compared to non-consulted children, consulted children had higher disease severity measured by higher complex chronic conditions at the end of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation (5 versus. 3; p < 0.001), longer hospital length of stay (92 days versus 19 days; p < 0.001), and higher use of life-sustaining therapies after decannulation (79% versus 23%; p < 0.001). Consultations occurred mainly for longitudinal psychosocial-spiritual support after patient survived device deployment with a median of 27 days after cannulation. Most children died in the ICU after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies regardless of consultation status. Over two-thirds of the 44 deaths (84%; n = 37) occurred during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care consultation was rare showing that palliative care consultation was not viewed as an acute need and only considered when the clinical course became protracted. As a result, there are missed opportunities to involve palliative care earlier and more frequently in the care of extracorporeal membrane survivors and non-survivors and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Delgado-Corcoran
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sarah E Wawrzynski
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, 10 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brian Flaherty
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brandon Kirkland
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stephanie Bodily
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dominic Moore
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lawrence J Cook
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Broden EG, Mazzola E, DeCourcey DD, Blume ED, Wolfe J, Snaman JM. The roles of preparation, location, and palliative care involvement in parent-perceived child suffering at the end of life. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 72:e166-e173. [PMID: 37355461 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents' perceptions of their child's suffering affect their bereavement experience. Identifying factors that shape parental perceptions of suffering could help build effective supportive interventions for children and parents navigating EOL and grief. We aimed to compare parent-perceived child suffering between diagnostic groups and identify related factors. DESIGN AND METHODS We combined databases from 3 surveys of parents whose children who died following cancer, a complex chronic condition (CCC), or advanced heart disease. We built multivariable logistic regression models to identify relationships between parent-perceived child suffering and parent/child, illness experience, and care-related factors. RESULTS Among 277 parents, 41% rated their child's suffering as moderate or high. Fifty-seven percent of parents whose child died from cancer reported that their child suffered "a lot" or "a great deal" at EOL, compared to 33% whose child died from a CCC, and 17% whose child died from heart disease (P < 0.001). Preparation for EOL symptoms was associated with decreased parent-perceived child suffering in multivariable modeling, with parents who were prepared for EOL 68% less likely to rate their child's suffering as high compared to those who felt unprepared (AOR: 0.32, CI [0.13-0.77], P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Preparing families for their child's EOL may help mitigate lingering perceptions of suffering. Operationalizing preparation is crucial to optimizing family support during EOL care. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Preparation for symptoms, and access to resources, including medical/psychosocial interventions and staff, may help ease parental perception of EOL suffering. Clinicians should prioritize preparing families for what to expect during a child's dying process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Medical Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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McNeil MJ, Godfrey A, Loggetto P, de Oliveira Junior A, Job G, Boldrini E, Regina Costa Murra G, Antunes Geronutti Ayub D, Francisco Oliveira de Lima A, Esmeraldo Andrade de Almeida A, Lopes Garcia J, Beatriz Costa Neves do Amaral A, Cristina Cunha Ferreira e Fonseca I, Friedrich P, Metzger ML, Devidas M, Agulnik A, Baker JN. Physician Perceptions of and Barriers to Pediatric Palliative Care for Children With Cancer in Brazil. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2300057. [PMID: 37535886 PMCID: PMC10581636 DOI: 10.1200/go.23.00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Early integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with cancer is critical to improving the quality of life of both the patient and family. Understanding physician perceptions of palliative care and perceived barriers to early integration is necessary to develop PPC in Brazil. METHODS The Assessing Doctors' Attitudes on Palliative Treatment survey was modified for use in Brazil. The survey was open from January 2022 to June 2022 and distributed to physicians of all specialties from participating institutions who treat children with cancer. Statistical analysis was complemented by qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. RESULTS A total of 272 respondents participated. Most respondents reported access to PPC experts for consultation (77.2%) and 34.5% indicated previous palliative care training. Physician knowledge of PPC was generally aligned with WHO guidance (median alignment, 93.0%; range, 80.5%-98.2%). However, about half (53.3%) felt comfortable addressing physical needs of patients receiving PPC, 35.3% addressing emotional needs, 25.8% addressing spiritual needs, and 33.5% addressing grief and bereavement needs. Most respondents (65.4%) felt palliative care should be involved from diagnosis, but only 10.3% stated that this occurred in their setting. The most important barriers identified were physician discomfort (89.0%), limited physician knowledge (88.6%), and lack of home-based services (83.8%). CONCLUSION Despite a strong understanding of the role of palliative care, physicians in Brazil reported low confidence delivering PPC to children with cancer. Additionally, physicians generally believed that PPC should be integrated earlier in the disease trajectory of children with cancer. This work will direct educational and capacity building initiatives to ensure greater access to high-quality PPC for children with cancer in Brazil to address patient and family suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McNeil
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Patricia Loggetto
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Godwin Job
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Erica Boldrini
- Hospital de Câncer Infantojuvenil de Barretos, Barretos, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Julia Lopes Garcia
- Instituto de Tratamento do Câncer Infantil, Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Paola Friedrich
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | - Meenakshi Devidas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Asya Agulnik
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Root MC, Koo J, Collins G, Penumarthy NL, Hermiston M, Bogetz JF. Allowing Relationships to Unfold: Consult Reason and Topics Discussed in Initial and Subsequent Palliative Care Visits Among Children Who Died From Relapsed/Refractory Cancer. JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY NURSING 2023; 40:170-177. [PMID: 36726328 PMCID: PMC10331083 DOI: 10.1177/27527530221140069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Children with relapsed/refractory cancer have a myriad of palliative care needs. While pediatric oncology clinicians meet many of these needs, studies suggest that these children often have distressing symptoms and that families feel unprepared for their child's end-of-life (EOL). Oncology clinicians cite barriers to pediatric palliative care (PPC) consultation, including concerns that PPC teams will upset families with EOL discussions. This study evaluated topics addressed by PPC teams over the course of their relationship with children who died from cancer. Methods: Retrospective chart review of children who were diagnosed with relapsed/refractory cancer, received PPC consultation at an academic children's hospital, and died between January 2008 and January 2017. Information was extracted regarding the child's treatment, EOL care, and the content of PPC consultation over the course of the team's relationship with the child/family. Results: Fifty-six children were included in the analysis. The most frequent reasons for the initial consult were pain (n = 31, 55%) and non-pain symptom management (n = 18, 32%). At the initial consult, the PPC team most often discussed symptom management and psychosocial support. Prognosis was not discussed in any initial consult. Over subsequent visits, the PPC team expanded their scope of discussion to include goals of care, advance care planning, and hospice. Discussion: Concerns from oncology clinicians that PPC teams will extend beyond the reasons for initial consult into prognostic/EOL discussions at the first visit may be unfounded. Greater familiarity with PPC team practices may facilitate more timely consultation of PPC and its complementary set of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C. Root
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jane Koo
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Griffin Collins
- Hospitalist Program, Division of Quality of Life, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Neela L. Penumarthy
- Departments of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Pediatric Palliative Care, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Hermiston
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jori F. Bogetz
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Treuman Katz Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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10
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Cuviello A, Cianchini de la Sota A, Baker J, Anghelescu D. Regional blocks for pain control at the end of life in pediatric oncology. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1127800. [PMID: 37025167 PMCID: PMC10070999 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1127800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pain management at the end of life is a fundamental aspect of care and can improve patients' quality of life. Interventional approaches may be underutilized for pediatric cancer patients. Objective To describe a single institution's 10 years of experience with regional pain management at the end of life in pediatric oncology. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 27 patients with pediatric cancer who died between April 2011 and December 2021 and received continuous nerve block (CNB) catheters or single-shot nerve blocks (SSBs) during their last three months of life. The type of blocks, analgesic efficacy, and palliative care involvement were evaluated. Results Twenty-two patients (81.5%) had solid tumor diagnoses, including carcinomas, sarcomas, and neuroblastoma. Most (59%) patients received CNB catheters, and 12 patients (44%) received SSBs for pain control. The mean pain score decreases for CNB catheters and SSBs after interventions were -2.5 and -2.8, respectively, on an 11-point scale. Decreases in opioid patient-controlled analgesia dosing requirements were noted in 56% of patients with CNB catheters; likewise, in 25% of patients with SSBs at 24 h and in 8% at 5 days after interventions. Nearly all patients had PC involvement and received care from pain specialists (96% and 93%, respectively). Twenty-three (85%) had physician orders for scope of treatment orders completed before death. Conclusion Regional pain control interventions can be effective and safe for relieving regional pain and suffering in dying children and young adults. The collaboration between palliative care and pain management specialists at the end of life can help alleviate suffering and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuviello
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - Justin Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Doralina Anghelescu
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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Jewitt N, Rapoport A, Gupta A, Srikanthan A, Sutradhar R, Luo J, Widger K, Wolfe J, Earle CC, Gupta S, Kassam A. The Effect of Specialized Palliative Care on End-of-Life Care Intensity in AYAs with Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:222-232. [PMID: 36423804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many adolescents and young adults (AYAs; 15-39 years) with cancer receive high intensity (HI) care at the end of life (EOL). Palliative care (PC) involvement in this population is associated with lower risk of HI-EOL care. Whether this association differs by specialized vs. generalist PC (SPC, GPC) is unknown. OBJECTIVES (1) To evaluate whether SPC had an impact on the intensity of EOL care received by AYAs with cancer; (2) to determine which subpopulations are at highest risk for reduced access to SPC. METHODS A decedent cohort of AYAs with cancer who died between 2000-2017 in Ontario, Canada was identified using registry and population-based data. The primary composite measure of HI-EOL care included any of: intravenous chemotherapy <14 days from death; more than one ED visit, more than one hospitalization or any ICU admission <30 days from death. Physician's billing codes were used to define SPC and GPC involvement. RESULTS Of 7122 AYA decedents, 2140 (30%) received SPC and 943 (13%) received GPC. AYAs who died in earlier years, those with hematologic malignancies, males and rural AYAs were least likely to receive SPC. No PC involvement was associated with higher odds of receiving HI-EOL care (odds ratio (OR) 1.5; P < 0.0001). SPC involvement was associated with the lowest risk of HI-EOL care (OR SPC vs. GPC 0.8; P = 0.007) and decreased odds of ICU admission (OR 0.7; P = 0.006). CONCLUSION SPC involvement was associated with the lowest risk of HI-EOL care in AYAs with cancer. However, access to SPC remains a challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Jewitt
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Adam Rapoport
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abha Gupta
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amirrtha Srikanthan
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jin Luo
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig C Earle
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alisha Kassam
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) (N.J., A.R., K.W.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (N.J., A.R., A.G., S.G., A.K.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice (A.R.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Haematology/Oncology (A.G., S.G., A.K.), The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Oncology (A.S.), The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Faculty of Medicine (A.S.), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Cancer Research Program (R.S., J.L., C.E., S.G.), Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Institute for Health Policy (S.G.), Evaluation and Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Palliative Care (A.K.), Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Currie ER, Wolfe J, Boss R, Johnston EE, Paine C, Perna SJ, Buckingham S, McKillip KM, Li P, Dionne-Odom JN, Ejem D, Morvant A, Nichols C, Bakitas MA. Patterns of Pediatric Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Patients in the Southern U.S. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:532-540. [PMID: 36801354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite high rates of mortality among infants in the Southern U.S., little is known about the timing of pediatric palliative care (PPC), the intensity of end-of-life care, and whether there are differences among sociodemographic characteristics. OBJECTIVES To describe PPC patterns and treatment intensity during the last 48 hours of life among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients in the Southern U.S. who received specialized PPC. METHODS Medical record abstraction of infant decedents who received PPC consultation in two NICUs (in Alabama and Mississippi) from 2009 to 2017 (n = 195) including clinical characteristics, palliative and end-of-life care characteristics, patterns of PPC, and intensive medical treatments in the last 48 hours of life. RESULTS The sample was racially (48.2% Black) and geographically (35.4% rural) diverse. Most infants died after withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions (58%) and had do not attempt resuscitation orders documented (75.9%); very few infants enrolled in hospice (6.2%). Initial PPC consult occurred a median of 13 days after admission and a median of 17 days before death. Infants with a primary diagnosis of genetic or congenital anomaly received earlier PPC consultation (P = 0.02) compared to other diagnoses. In the last 48 hours of life, NICU patients received intensive interventions including mechanical ventilation (81.5%), CPR (27.7%) and surgeries or invasive procedures (25.1%). Black infants were more likely to receive CPR compared to White infants (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Overall, PPC consultation occurred late in NICU hospitalizations, infants received high-intensity medical interventions in the last 48 hours of life, and there are disparities in intensity of treatment interventions at end of life. Further research is needed to explore if these patterns of care reflect parent preferences and goal concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Currie
- School of Nursing (E.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston, USA; Harvard Medical School
| | - Renee Boss
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (R.B.)
| | - Emily E Johnston
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (E.E.J.), Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
| | | | - Samuel J Perna
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (S,J.P.), Department of Medicine, Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care
| | - Susan Buckingham
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.B.), Palliative and Hospice Medicine
| | | | - Peng Li
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | - James N Dionne-Odom
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | - Deborah Ejem
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | | | | | - Marie A Bakitas
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
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13
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Cuviello A, Pasli M, Bhatia S, Johnson LM, Anghelescu DL, Baker JN. Dexmedetomidine and Propofol at End of Life in Pediatric Oncology: Trends in Palliative Sedation Therapy. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:79-86. [PMID: 35944277 PMCID: PMC9810498 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Context: Palliative sedation therapy (PST) can address suffering at the end of life (EOL) in children with cancer; yet, little is known about PST in this population. Objectives: We sought to describe the characteristics of pediatric oncology patients requiring PST at the EOL. Methods: A retrospective review was completed for pediatric oncology patients who required PST at a United States academic institution over 10 years, including demographics, disease characteristics, EOL characteristics, and medications for PST and symptom management. Results: PST was utilized in 3% of patients at the EOL. Of 24 study participants receiving PST, 83% (n = 20), 12.5% (n = 3), and 4.2% (n = 1) received dexmedetomidine, propofol, or both, respectively. The most frequent diagnosis for patients receiving PST was acute myelogenous leukemia (20.8%, n = 5). All patients were followed up by the palliative care team, and two-thirds (66.6%, n = 16) were also followed up by the pain management service; 79% (n = 19) were enrolled in hospice, and 98.5% (n = 23) had a Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment in place. Pain was the most common refractory symptom leading to PST initiation (33.3%, n = 8), followed by neuroagitation and dyspnea. PST was initiated a median of 2.5 days before death. A third of deaths occurred in the intensive care unit (33.3%, n = 8). Conclusions: PST was rare in this study; dexmedetomidine was used as first-line treatment for PST in patients at the EOL with refractory symptoms. Its place in PST protocols in pediatric oncology should be validated with prospective studies. Our study suggests the potential value of collaboration between palliative care and pain specialists in the context of PST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuviello
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Melisa Pasli
- Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shalini Bhatia
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Doralina L. Anghelescu
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Oncology and Anesthesiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Salins N, Hughes S, Preston N. Presuppositions, cost–benefit, collaboration, and competency impacts palliative care referral in paediatric oncology: a qualitative study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:215. [DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01105-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Although a significant proportion of children with cancer need palliative care, few are referred or referred late, with oncologists and haematologists gatekeeping the referral process. We aimed to explore the facilitators and barriers to palliative care referral.
Methods
Twenty-two paediatric oncologists and haematologists were purposively recruited and interviewed. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings were interpreted using the critical realist paradigm.
Results
Four themes were generated. 1) Oncologists expressed concern about the competency of palliative care teams. Palliative care often symbolised therapeutic failure and abandonment, which hindered referral. Trustworthy palliative care providers had clinical competence, benevolence, and knowledge of oncology and paediatrics. 2) Making a palliative care referral was associated with stigma, navigating illness-related factors, negative family attitudes and limited resources, impeding palliative care referral. 3) There were benefits to palliative care referral, including symptom management and psychosocial support for patients. However, some could see interactions with the palliative care team as interference hindering future referrals. 4) Suggested strategies for developing an integrated palliative care model include evident collaboration between oncology and palliative care, early referral, rebranding palliative care as symptom control and an accessible, knowledgeable, and proactive palliative care team.
Conclusion
Presuppositions about palliative care, the task of making a referral, and its cost-benefits influenced referral behaviour. Early association with an efficient rebranded palliative care team might enhance integration.
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Vasli P, Karami M, AsadiParvar-Masouleh H. Pediatric palliative care for children with cancer: a concept analysis using Rodgers' evolutionary approach. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:791-803. [PMID: 36100798 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Providing access to pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children living with a serious illness, such as cancer, is of critical importance, although this specialized intervention, as a novel concept, still seems vague and complicated. The present study analyzed the concept of PPC for children with cancer. METHODS Rodgers' evolutionary method was employed for the concept analysis. Articles on PPC, particularly those for children suffering from cancer, published between 2010 and 2021 were searched in valid academic research databases. The inclusion criteria for the full-text articles were based on the characteristics, antecedents, and consequences of PPC for children with cancer. RESULTS In total, 19 relevant articles were selected and then reviewed and analyzed after applying the inclusion criteria and the final sampling. The analysis of the concept of PPC for children affected with cancer revealed four characteristics, including "PPC as holistic and integrated care", "PPC as patient- and family-centered care", "PPC as early-start continuous care", and "PPC as interdisciplinary and team-based care". Some effective factors could also act as antecedents for this concept, i.e., health care providers' training and expertise as well as human resources and financing. Moreover, improved quality of life, symptom reduction, and coordination between patient care and family support were among the PPC consequences for such children. CONCLUSIONS The study results demonstrated that delivering PPC to children with cancer demanded a comprehensive view of its various dimensions. Furthermore, numerous factors need to be delineated for its accurate and complete implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvaneh Vasli
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali Asr Ave., Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani Cross Road, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Maryam Karami
- School of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bingöl H, Aydın A, Kebudi R, Umaç EH, Koç B, Yıldırım ÜM, Zülfikar B. Desires vs. conditions: A qualitative study exploring the factors affecting the place of death of child with cancer in Turkey. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2022; 31:e13703. [PMID: 36131608 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe factors affecting the place of death of children with cancer at the end of life. METHODS The descriptive phenomenological approach was used. Eighteen mothers who lost their children to cancer participated in in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using MAXQDA software version. Codes and categories were developed inductively from participants' narratives. RESULTS The factors affecting the place of death of children were categorised into two main themes: (1) desires and (2) conditions. Most of the mothers reported that their deceased children wanted to be with their families at the end of life and they wanted to go home. The conditions related to health services were defined as the barriers to the death of their children in the places of death preferred by the mothers. CONCLUSION The desire to be close to the child was the main factor affecting the parents' decisions. The findings revealed the prevailing circumstances in the death place decision beyond parental desires. These were the child's health conditions, physical conditions of hospitals, and the lack of home care and paediatric palliative care services, which were factors related to the system, and the lack of other options for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hülya Bingöl
- Oncology Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayfer Aydın
- School of Nursing, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Rejin Kebudi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Department of Preventive Oncology, Oncology Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Başak Koç
- Oncology Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Bülent Zülfikar
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology & Department of Preventive Oncology, Oncology Institute, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Földesi E, Zörgő S, Nyirő J, Péter G, Ottóffy G, Hauser P, Hegedűs K. Medical Communication during the Transition to Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology in Hungary-The Parents' Perspective. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9050651. [PMID: 35626828 PMCID: PMC9139565 DOI: 10.3390/children9050651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The transition to palliative care (PC) is a critical aspect of pediatric oncology, and it requires a high level of communication skills from doctors, which could be best judged by the parents of children who have died from cancer. Our aim was to explore the parents' perspectives regarding the timing of the consultation on the implementation of PC, as well as facets of verbal and nonverbal communication in Hungary. Semistructured interviews were conducted with parents who had lost a child to cancer within the past 1-5 years. Interview transcripts (n = 23) were scrutinized with interpretative phenomenological analysis. The parents frequently associated palliation with end-of-life care and they clearly delimited the transition to PC after curative treatments had been exhausted. The parents were ambivalent with regard to the use of the word "death" during this consultation, and they often did not receive information on what to expect (e.g., regarding symptoms) or on who to turn to for further information or support (e.g., concerning bereavement). Although significant progress could be observed in the organization of pediatric palliative care in Hungary, there is still no widely accepted communication method for the transition to sole PC. There is a need for a culturally sensitive approach to refining the recommendations on the word use and communication protocol in pediatric PC in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Földesi
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (S.Z.); (J.N.); (K.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Szilvia Zörgő
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (S.Z.); (J.N.); (K.H.)
| | - Judit Nyirő
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (S.Z.); (J.N.); (K.H.)
| | - György Péter
- Hemato-Oncology Unit, Heim Pál Children’s Hospital, Üllői út 86, 1089 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Gábor Ottóffy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pécs, József Attila utca 7, 7623 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Peter Hauser
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Tűzoltó utca 7–9, 1094 Budapest, Hungary;
- Velkey László Child’s Health Center, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Central Hospital and University Teaching Hospital, Szentpéteri kapu 72–76, 3526 Miskolc, Hungary
| | - Katalin Hegedűs
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary; (S.Z.); (J.N.); (K.H.)
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Chen Y, Jiang J, Peng W, Zhang C. Palliative sedation for children at end of life: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:57. [PMID: 35473555 PMCID: PMC9044579 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00947-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative sedation is consciously reducing the patient's consciousness to alleviate the refractory symptoms. However, studies on palliative sedation for children are scarce. We aimed to survey the symptom control and risks for children with sedative therapy in end of life. METHOD This study was a single center retrospective cohort study. Children who died in the Department of Palliative Medicine were divided into palliative sedation (Group A) and non-palliative sedation group (Group B). The symptoms relief, survival time, and last hospitalization time were compared between two groups. RESULTS From January 2012 to November 2019, 41 children died in department of palliative care. 24 children were sedated (Group A), meanwhile 17 children were not (Group B). The symptoms in Group A were more complex than Group B (p = 0.013). Overall symptom relief in Group A was higher than that in Group B (24/24, 10/15 p = 0.041). Pain relief rates (7/7, 20/21 p = 0.714), maximum/pre-death opioid dose [30(20, 77.5), 18(9, 45) p = 0.175, 30(20, 60), 18(9, 45) p = 0.208] and pain intensity difference [5(4,6.5), 4(2,6) p = 0.315] did not differ significantly in either groups. After diagnosis, the survival time of the Group A was longer than the Group B (p = 0.047). However, the length of hospitalization before death was similar in two groups (p = 0.385). CONCLUSION Palliative sedation controls complicated, painful symptoms at the end of life and does not shorten the hospitalization time in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 18, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan province China
| | - Jianjun Jiang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University; West China – PUMC C.C. Chen Institute of Health, Sichuan University, No. 18, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan province China
| | - Wei Peng
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 18, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan province China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- Department of Palliative Medicine, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 18, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan province China
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19
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Uber A, Ebelhar JS, Lanzel AF, Roche A, Vidal-Anaya V, Brock KE. Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:161-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Abstract
Purpose of this Review The purpose of this review is to describe the evolution of palliative care in paediatric oncology, the needs of children and their families in a paediatric oncology setting, palliative care referral practices in paediatric oncology, outcomes of palliative care referral in paediatric oncology and models of palliative care in paediatric oncology. Recent Findings Cancer constitutes 5.2% of the palliative care needs in children. Approximately, 90% of children with cancer lives in low and middle-income countries, constituting 84% of the global burden of childhood cancers. Children in low and middle-income countries have low cure rates and high death rates making palliative care relevant in a paediatric oncology setting. Children with cancer experience pain and physical symptoms, low mood, anxiety, and fear. They feel less resilient, experience low self-worth, and have challenges coping with the illness. The families lead very stressful lives, navigating the hospital environment, and dealing with uncertainties of the future. Palliative care referral in children with cancer improves physical symptoms, emotional support, and quality of life. It enables communication between families and health care providers. It improves end-of-life care support to children and their families and facilitates less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions at the end of life. Worldwide children with cancer are infrequently referred to palliative care and referred late in the illness trajectory. Most of the children referred to palliative care receive some form of cancer-directed therapy in their last days. Children in low and low-middle income countries are less likely to access palliative care due to a lack of awareness amongst paediatric oncologists about palliative care and the reduced number of services providing palliative care. A three-tier model is proposed to provide palliative care in paediatric oncology, where most children with palliative care needs are managed by paediatric oncologists and a smaller number with complex physical and psychosocial needs are managed by paediatric palliative care specialists. There are several palliative care models in paediatric oncology practised globally. However, no one model was considered better or superior, and the choice of model depended on the need, preferences identified, and available resources. Summary Children with cancer are sparingly referred to palliative care and referred late and oncologists and haematologists gatekeep the referral process. Knowledge on palliative care referral in paediatric oncology settings might enhance collaboration between paediatric oncology and paediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Sean Hughes
- Division of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Lancaster University, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster, LA1 4AT UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- Division of Health Research, Health Innovation One, Lancaster University, Sir John Fisher Drive, Lancaster, LA1 4AT UK
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21
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Lysecki DL, Gupta S, Rapoport A, Rhodes E, Spruin S, Vadeboncoeur C, Widger K, Tanuseputro P. Children's Health Care Utilization and Cost in the Last Year of Life: A Cohort Comparison with and without Regional Specialist Pediatric Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1031-1040. [PMID: 34981956 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Research remains inconclusive regarding the impact of specialist pediatric palliative care (SPPC) on health care utilization and cost. Objective: To better understand and quantify the impact of regional SPPC services on children's health care utilization and cost near end of life. Design: A retrospective cohort study used administrative databases to compare outcomes for child decedents (age 31 days to 19 years) from two similar regions in Ontario, Canada between 2010 and 2014, wherein one region had SPPC services (SPPC+) and the other did not (SPPC-). Measurements: Administrative databases provided demographics, health care utilization (days), and costs Canadian dollars) across settings in the last year of life, and location of death. Multivariable analyses produced relative rates (RRs) of health care days (acute and home care), intensive care unit (ICU) days, and health care costs (inpatient, outpatient, home, and physician) as well as the odds ratio (OR) of in-hospital death. Counterfactual analysis quantified the differences in utilization and costs. Results: A total of 807 children were included. On multivariable analysis, residence in the SPPC+ region (n = 363) was associated with fewer mean health care days (RR = 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.90); fewer mean ICU days (RR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.44-0.94); lower mean health care costs (RR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56-0.91); and lower likelihood of in-hospital death (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49-0.92). The counterfactual analysis estimated mean reductions of 16.2 days (95% CI: 14.4-18.0) and $24,940 (95% CI: $21,703-$28,177) per child in the SPPC+ region. Conclusions: Although not a causal study, these results support an association between regional SPPC services and decreased health care utilization, intensity, and cost for children near end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Lysecki
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Quality of Life and Advanced Care, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam Rapoport
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Emily's House, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emily Rhodes
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Spruin
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Vadeboncoeur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, CHEO, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Roger Neilson House, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontatio, Canada
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Bruyère Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Marcus KL, Kao PC, Ma C, Wolfe J, DeCourcey DD. Symptoms and Suffering at End of Life for Children With Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:88-97. [PMID: 34311060 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with cancer and cardiac disease suffer with high symptom burden at end of life (EOL). Little is known about the EOL experience for children with other complex chronic conditions (CCCs). OBJECTIVES To evaluate symptoms and suffering at EOL for children with noncancer, noncardiac CCCs as well as parental distress related to child suffering. METHODS This study is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional, single-center survey of bereaved parents of children with CCCs who died between 2006 to 2015. The primary outcome was parent-reported child suffering in the final two days of life. RESULTS Among 211 eligible parents contacted for participation, 114 completed the survey, and 99 had complete primary outcome data (participation rate 47%). Most children had congenital/chromosomal (42%) or progressive central nervous system (22%) conditions. Twenty-eight percent of parents reported high child suffering in the final two days of life. Parents reported that pain and difficulty breathing caused the greatest suffering for children and distress among themselves. Some parents also reported distress related to uncertainty about child suffering. Parents were less likely to report high child suffering if they were confident in knowing what to expect when their child was dying (AOR 0.20; 95% CI 0.07-0.60) or felt prepared for medical problems at EOL (AOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.04-0.42). CONCLUSION Nearly one-third of parents of children with CCCs report high suffering in their child's final days of life. Parent preparedness was associated with lower perceived child suffering. Future research should target symptoms contributing to parent and child distress and assess whether enhancing parent preparedness reduces perceived child suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Marcus
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Pei-Chi Kao
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clement Ma
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE/METHODS Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a multidisciplinary medical subspecialty focused on the care of children with serious illnesses and terminal diagnoses. Providers impact the care of children from the perinatal stage through adolescence/young adulthood and help patients and families face diagnoses such as complex chronic disease and malignancy. This article describes these unique populations and distinct areas of current PPC research. RESULTS Unique aspects of PPC include a high level of prognostic uncertainty, symptom burden, pediatric, and surrogate advance care planning, hope in the face of prognostic challenges, care of children at end of life, concurrent care, staff support, sibling support, and bereavement. CONCLUSION PPC's evolution from an extension of hospice into a continuum of support for families and staff caring for children with serious illnesses is exemplified in both qualitative and quantitative research. The literature proves the value that PPC can provide to families, hospitals, and communities. PPC is evolving from a supportive service into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, educational, and interdisciplinary specialty that improves outcomes for all involved.Plain Language Summary (PLS)Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a service provided to all children with serious illness as a way of addressing suffering. Populations served by PPC range from those not yet born to patients preparing for adulthood. The serious illnesses they face range from chronic disease to cancer. Over the last 20 years research has explored the unique aspects of the pediatric experience of serious illness, including prognostic uncertainty, concurrent care, symptom management, advance care planning, hope, family experience of illness, care at the end of life, staff support, and bereavement.As the number of patients who would benefit from PPC services rapidly expands nationally and worldwide, PPC teams provide education and skills training for their colleagues in primary and subspecialty fields. Hospitals benefit from PPC through improved patient experience, family-centered care, and staff support. Communities are served by PPC that occurs in and out of the hospital.Research in PPC provides guidance for challenging questions in care and has resulted in an increasingly robust body of work. PPC providers have skills of advanced communication training, hope in the face of uncertainty, targeted and personalized symptom management, and a diverse understanding of quality of life. These skills help support decision-making and establish strong connections between providers and families.The field of PPC has a distinct skillset to support families who face serious illness. This article helps medical and psychosocial providers visualize how PPC is evolving from what has often been explained to families as an added layer of support into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, and interdisciplinary service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Moresco
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Dominic Moore
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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24
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Rogers MM, Friebert S, Williams CSP, Humphrey L, Thienprayoon R, Klick JC. Pediatric Palliative Care Programs in US Hospitals. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-021634. [PMID: 34183362 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-021634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is integral to the care of children living with serious illnesses. Despite the growth in the number of established palliative care programs over the past decade, little is known about the current operational features of PPC programs across the country. METHODS The National Palliative Care Registry collects annualized data on palliative care programs' structures, processes, and staffing. Using data from the 2018 registry survey, we report on the operational features of inpatient PPC programs across the United States. RESULTS Fifty-four inpatient PPC programs submitted data about their operations. Programs reported a median of 3.8 full-time equivalent staff per 10 000 hospital admissions (range 0.7-12.1) across the core interdisciplinary team, yet few (37%) met the minimum standards of practice for staffing. Programs provided more annual consults if they were longer-standing, had more interdisciplinary full-time equivalent staff, offered 24/7 availability for patients and families, or were at larger hospitals. The majority of programs reported concern for burnout (63%) and an inability to meet clinical demand with available staffing (60%). CONCLUSIONS There is considerable variability in PPC program operations and structure in hospitals. This study affirms the need for updated program standards and guidelines, as well as research that describes how different care delivery models impact outcomes for patients, families, staff, and health care systems. Future studies that further define the clinical demand, workload, and sustainability challenges of PPC programs are necessary to foster the provision of high-quality PPC and maintain a vital clinical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie M Rogers
- Center to Advance Palliative Care at the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Conrad S P Williams
- Palliative Care Program and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Lisa Humphrey
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey C Klick
- Department of Palliative Care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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25
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Providing Palliative and Hospice Care to Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer. Semin Oncol Nurs 2021; 37:151166. [PMID: 34175165 DOI: 10.1016/j.soncn.2021.151166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe palliative, concurrent, and hospice care in pediatric oncology in the United States (US), we present a clinical scenario illustrating palliative and hospice care, including eligibility for concurrent care, insurance coverage and billing, barriers to accessing quality pediatric palliative and hospice care, and implications for oncology nursing practice. DATA SOURCES Peer-reviewed articles, clinical practice guidelines, professional organizations, and expert clinical opinion examining pediatric oncology, palliative care, and hospice care. CONCLUSION Understanding the goals of palliative and hospice care and the differences between them is important in providing holistic, goal-directed care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in supporting the goals of pediatric palliative care and hospice care and in educating patients and their families. Nurses form trusting relationships with pediatric oncology patients and their families and are in a position to advocate for best palliative care practices as disease progresses to end of life, including when appropriate concurrent care or hospice.
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26
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Kaye EC, Weaver MS, DeWitt LH, Byers E, Stevens SE, Lukowski J, Shih B, Zalud K, Applegarth J, Wong HN, Baker JN, Ullrich CK. The Impact of Specialty Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1060-1079.e2. [PMID: 33348034 PMCID: PMC9896574 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with cancer and their families have complex needs related to symptoms, decision-making, care planning, and psychosocial impact extending across the illness trajectory, which for some includes end of life. Whether specialty pediatric palliative care (SPPC) is associated with improved outcomes for children with cancer and their families is unknown. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines to investigate outcomes associated with SPPC in pediatric oncology with a focus on intervention delivery, collaboration, and alignment with National Quality Forum domains. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases from inception until April 2020 and reviewed references manually. Eligible articles were published in English, involved pediatric patients aged 0-18 years with cancer, and contained original data regarding patient and family illness and end-of-life experiences, including symptom management, communication, decision-making, quality of life, satisfaction, and healthcare utilization. RESULTS We screened 6682 article abstracts and 82 full-text articles; 32 studies met inclusion criteria, representing 15,635 unique children with cancer and 342 parents. Generally, children with cancer who received SPPC had improved symptom burden, pain control, and quality of life with decreased intensive procedures, increased completion of advance care planning and resuscitation status documentation, and fewer end-of-life intensive care stays with higher likelihood of dying at home. Family impact included satisfaction with SPPC and perception of improved communication. CONCLUSION SPPC may improve illness experiences for children with cancer and their families. Multisite studies utilizing comparative effectiveness approaches and validated metrics may support further advancement of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Meaghann S Weaver
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Leila Hamzi DeWitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth Byers
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sarah E Stevens
- Departments of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joe Lukowski
- The University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Brandon Shih
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristina Zalud
- St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacob Applegarth
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hong-Nei Wong
- Lane Medical Library & Knowledge Management Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Christina K Ullrich
- Departments of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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27
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Triggers for Palliative Care Referral in Pediatric Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061419. [PMID: 33808881 PMCID: PMC8003810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Palliative care (PC) can improve the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients, yet these services remain underutilized, with referrals occurring late in the disease course or not at all. We previously described the patient and family characteristics that diverse pediatric oncology providers agree should be high yield triggers for PC referral in pediatric cancer patients. The current study examined how often those triggers were associated with a completed PC consult for a cohort of 931 patients. We discovered that PC referrals occur very infrequently and patients with stated triggers often do not get referred. These findings help support the need for a screening tool to standardize PC integration and improve care. Abstract Palliative care (PC) integration into the care of pediatric oncology patients is growing in acceptance and has been shown to improve the quality of life of children with cancer. Yet timing for referrals and referral practices remain inconsistent, and PC remains underutilized. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric oncology patients treated at an academic institution between January 2015 to November 2018. Data collected included demographics, disease and therapy characteristics, and consultation notes, specifically documenting existence of predetermined “high yield triggers” for PC consultation. Among 931 eligible patients the prevalence of PC consultation was 5.6% while approximately 94% of patients had at least 1 trigger for PC consultation. The triggers that more often resulted in PC consultation included: symptom management needs (98%; n = 51) high-risk disease (86%; n = 45), poor prognosis (83%; n = 43), multiple lines of therapy (79%; n = 41) and a documented ICU admission (67%; n = 35). Our findings suggest that the high yield triggers for palliative care consultation that pediatric oncologists identify as important are not translating into practice; incorporating these triggers into a screening tool may be the next step to improve early PC integration.
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28
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Massie AM, Ebelhar J, Allen KE, DeGroote NP, Wasilewski-Masker K, Brock KE. Defining and timing of palliative opportunities in children with central nervous system tumors. Neurooncol Pract 2021; 8:451-459. [PMID: 34277023 DOI: 10.1093/nop/npab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children with brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors experience substantial challenges to their quality of life during their disease course. These challenges are opportunities for increased subspecialty palliative care (PC) involvement. Palliative opportunities have been defined in the pediatric oncology population, but the frequency, timing, and factors associated with palliative opportunities in pediatric patients with CNS tumors are unknown. Methods A single-institution retrospective review was performed on children ages 0-18 diagnosed with a CNS tumor who died between January 1, 2012 and November 30, 2017. Nine palliative opportunities were defined prior to data collection (progression, relapse, admission for severe symptoms, intensive care admission, bone marrow transplant, phase 1 trial, hospice, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order). Demographic, disease, treatment, palliative opportunity, and end-of-life data were collected. Opportunities were evaluated over quartiles from diagnosis to death. Results Amongst 101 patients with a median age at death of eight years (interquartile range [IQR] = 8.0, range 0-22), there was a median of seven (IQR = 6) palliative opportunities per patient, which increased closer to death. PC consultation occurred in 34 (33.7%) patients, at a median of 2.2 months before death, and was associated with having a DNR order (P = .0028). Hospice was involved for 72 (71.3%) patients. Conclusion Children with CNS tumors suffered repeated events warranting PC yet received PC support only one-third of the time. Mapping palliative opportunities over the cancer course promotes earlier timing of PC consultation which can decrease suffering and resuscitation attempts at the end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Ebelhar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kristen E Allen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Nicholas P DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Bao D, Feichtinger L, Andrews G, Pawliuk C, Steele R, Siden HH. Charting the Territory: End-of-Life Trajectories for Children With Complex Neurological, Metabolic, and Chromosomal Conditions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:449-455.e1. [PMID: 32916263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT For parents, family, or clinicians of children with rare life-threatening conditions, there is little information regarding likely symptoms, illness trajectory, and end-of-life care. OBJECTIVES This descriptive analysis of a bereaved cohort recruited in the charting the territory study describes patient characteristics, symptoms, use of medications, discussion of resuscitation orders, and care provided preceding and during the end of life. METHODS Of the 275 children enrolled in the Charting the Territory study, 54 died between 2009 and 2014. Baseline demographic information, symptoms, interventions, and medical information were collected via chart review, interviews, and surveys. RESULTS Fifty-one of the 54 children had complete medical records. Of the seven symptoms evaluated, children were found to have an increase in median symptoms from baseline (n = 2) to time of death (n = 3). Opioids were used in the last 48 hours of life in 29 (56.9%) children, whereas only eight (15.7%) were receiving opioids at baseline. Do Not Attempt Resuscitation orders were in place at baseline in 17 (33.3%) children, increasing to 33 (64.7%) at time of death. Death occurred in a hospice setting in 16 (31.4%) children. CONCLUSION Although much emphasis on pediatric palliative care has been on supportive treatment and symptom management, when faced with a lack of sound understanding of a rare illness, the mode of care can often be reactive and based on critical needs. By developing greater knowledge of symptoms and illness trajectory, both management and care can be more responsive and anticipatory, thereby helping ease illness burden and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Bao
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of General Medicine, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Leanne Feichtinger
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gail Andrews
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colleen Pawliuk
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rose Steele
- Faculty of Health, School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harold Hal Siden
- Department of Pediatrics, BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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30
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Impact of palliative care on end-of-life care and place of death in children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting conditions: A systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:488-500. [PMID: 33478607 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of palliative care (PC) on end-of-life (EoL) care and the place of death (PoD) in children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting conditions. METHOD Eight online databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Airiti, GARUDA Garba Rujukan Digital, and OpenGrey) from 2010 to February 5, 2020 were searched for studies investigating EoL care and the PoD for pediatric patients receiving and not receiving PC. RESULTS Of the 6,468 citations identified, 14 cohort studies and one case series were included. An evidence base of mainly adequate- and strong-quality studies shows that inpatient hospital PC, either with or without the provision of home and community PC, was found to be associated with a decrease in intensive care use and high-intensity EoL care. Conflicting evidence was found for the association between PC and hospital admissions, length of stay in hospital, resuscitation at the time of death, and the proportion of hospital and home deaths. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Current evidence suggests that specialist, multidisciplinary involvement, and continuity of PC are required to reduce the intensity of EoL care. Careful attention should be paid to the need for a longer length of stay in a medical setting late in life, and earlier EoL care discussion should take place with patients/caregivers, especially in regard to attempting resuscitation in toddlers, adolescents, and the young adult population. A lack of robust evidence has identified a gap in rigorous multisite prospective studies utilizing data collection.
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31
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Cuviello A, Raisanen JC, Donohue PK, Wiener L, Boss RD. Initiating Palliative Care Referrals in Pediatric Oncology. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:81-89.e1. [PMID: 32711123 PMCID: PMC9116129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Early palliative care (PC) has been shown to improve the quality of life of children with cancer, yet referral practices by pediatric oncology providers remains inconsistent and few patients receive a formal PC consult. OBJECTIVES We sought to describe patient characteristics used by oncologists for PC referral and identify ways to improve PC integration into the care for children with cancer. METHODS This mixed-methods study used semistructured audiotaped interviews to explore the patient or disease characteristics used by pediatric oncology providers to trigger PC referral. Conventional content analysis was applied to interview transcripts. RESULTS About 77 participants with diverse experience were interviewed. More than 75% of participants reported that PC was consulted too late and cited communication and systems issues as the top barriers. Most participants (85%) stated that a screening tool would be helpful to standardize referral practices to PC. Characteristics such as poor prognosis (88%), symptom management (86%), comorbidities (65%), and psychosocial needs (65%) were commonly reported triggers that should initiate PC consultation. However, when presented with case scenarios that included these characteristics, participants did not consistently identify the PC triggers. Nearly 50% of participants stated they had received some formalized PC training; however, only one-third of these participants noted completing a PC rotation. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that pediatric oncologists are committed to improving the integration of PC for their patients and that standardization of referral practices, through the use of a screening tool, would be of benefit. Additional PC education might reinforce pediatric oncologists' recognition of PC triggers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuviello
- St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | | | | | - Lori Wiener
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Renee D Boss
- Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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32
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Ebelhar J, Allen K, DeGroote N, Wasilewski-Masker K, Brock KE. Defining palliative opportunities in pediatric patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28363. [PMID: 32706495 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric patients with sarcomas experience significant morbidity and compromised quality of life throughout their course. These times could be viewed as opportunities for increased subspecialty palliative care (PC). Systematically defining opportunities for additional PC support has not occurred in pediatric oncology. The frequency, timing, and associated factors for palliative opportunities in pediatric patients with sarcomas are unknown. METHODS A priori, nine palliative opportunities were defined (disease progression or relapse, admission for symptoms, social concerns or end-of-life, intensive care or bone marrow transplant admission, phase 1 trial or hospice enrollment, do-not-resuscitate status). A single-center retrospective review was conducted on patients aged 0-18 years with bone/soft tissue sarcomas who died from January 1, 2012 to November 30, 2017. Demographic, disease, and treatment data were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed. Opportunities were evaluated over quartiles from diagnosis to death. RESULTS Patients (n = 60) had a mean of nine (SD = 4) palliative opportunities with the majority occurring in the last quartile of the disease course. Number and type of opportunities did not differ by demographics or diagnosis. Eighteen patients (30%) received PC consultation a median of 2.2 months (interquartile range [IQR] 11.5) prior to death. Consultation was unrelated to diagnosis or total opportunities. CONCLUSIONS Patients with sarcomas incur repeated events warranting subspecialty PC, which increase toward the end-of-life. Increased PC utilization may help decrease suffering and bolster family coping during these episodes. Additional work should further refine if opportunities differ across cancers, and how to incorporate this framework into clinical oncology care to prevent missed opportunities for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristen Allen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicholas DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
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33
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Coombs S, Aouad P, Jaaniste T. Factors Associated With the Location of Expected Pediatric Deaths in the Palliative Care Context. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2020; 85:850-867. [PMID: 32938305 DOI: 10.1177/0030222820959941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Early planning and knowing which factors to consider when planning the location of death (LOD) of a palliative child, may help minimize the burden of hasty decision-making in the future, and may provide families with a sense of control. The current paper reviewed which factors were associated with pediatric LOD and further considered some emerging factors that should are important to better facilitate integrative planning. Three overarching areas of consideration related to pediatric LOD planning were identified including health service factors, familial factors and patient factors. Multiple sub-factor considerations are presented. Further, the paper presents a conceptual model of the factors found to be related to pediatric LOD planning. The limitations that exist with rigorously and empirically studying pediatric LOD preferences are apparent from the dearth of knowledge seen in the field. However, future studies should continue to examine such factors more closely to better understand the nuanced implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Coombs
- Departments of Pain and Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital - Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Aouad
- Departments of Pain and Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital - Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Pain, Sydney Children's Hospital - Randwick, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tiina Jaaniste
- Departments of Pain and Palliative Care, Sydney Children's Hospital - Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Pain, Sydney Children's Hospital - Randwick, Sydney, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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34
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Le Rouzic MA, Claudot F. Characteristics of parental decision-making for children with advanced cancer who are offered enrollment in early-phase clinical trials: A systematic review. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:500-529. [PMID: 32401102 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1759738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Limited research is available on parental decision-making regarding their children's participation in pediatric phase I oncology trials compared with the adult population. The objectives of this review were to describe: (1) the process of parental decision-making in this situation; (2) the optimal communication features physicians need when proposing inclusion in such trials; and (3) the place of the child/adolescent in the assent process. Thirty relevant studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified by searching five computerized databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cairn, Psychinfo, EM Premium). Parental decision-making is a complex process based on hopeful expectations, multiple family considerations and the child's previous cancer experience. It is highly impacted by the quality of physicians' communication. A therapeutic alliance along with an empathetic attitude and a timely delivery of accurate information is essential. Due weight should be given to the voice of children or adolescents and their optimal level of involvement may be discussed depending on their age and maturity. They should be given age-adapted information in order to empower them to be rightfully and meaningfully involved in early-phase research. This review highlights the main gaps and necessary remedial actions to support an optimal patient care management in this situation. Physicians' training in communication, structured interdisciplinary teamwork and early integration of palliative care are three key challenges which need to be implemented to actively engage in optimization strategies which would improve patient care and family support when offering enrollment in a phase I trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Amelyne Le Rouzic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Frédérique Claudot
- APEMAC, team MICS, Lorraine University, Nancy, France.,Platform of the Clinical Research Initiative, Nancy University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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35
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Association of a pediatric palliative oncology clinic on palliative care access, timing and location of care for children with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:1849-1857. [PMID: 32783177 PMCID: PMC7419028 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05671-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Most pediatric palliative care (PPC) services are inpatient consultation services and do not reach patients and families in the outpatient and home settings, where a vast majority of oncology care occurs. We explored whether an embedded pediatric palliative oncology (PPO) clinic is associated with receipt and timing of PPC and hospital days in the last 90 days of life. Methods Oncology patients (ages 0–25) with a high-risk event (death, relapse/progression, and/or phase I/II clinical trial enrollment) between 07/01/2015 and 06/30/2018 were included. PPO clinic started July 2017. Two cohorts were defined: pre-PPO (high-risk event(s) occurring 07/01/2015–06/30/2017) and post-PPO (high-risk event(s) occurring 07/01/2017–06/30/2018). Descriptive statistics were performed; demographic, disease course, and outcomes variables across cohorts were compared. Results A total of 426 patients were included (pre-PPO n = 235; post-PPO n = 191). Forty-seven patients with events in both pre- and post-PPO cohorts were included in the post-PPO cohort. Mean age at diagnosis was 8 years. Diagnoses were evenly distributed among solid tumors, brain tumors, and leukemia/lymphoma. Post-PPO cohort patients received PPC more often (45.6% vs. 21.3%, p < 0.0001), for a longer time before death than the pre-PPO cohort (median 88 vs. 32 days, p = 0.027), and spent fewer days hospitalized in the last 90 days of life (median 3 vs. 8 days, p = 0.0084). Conclusion A limited-day, embedded PPO clinic was associated with receipt of PPC and spending more time at home in patients with cancer who had high-risk events. Continued improvements to these outcomes would be expected with additional oncology provider education and PPO personnel.
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36
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Johnston EE, Martinez I, Currie E, Brock KE, Wolfe J. Hospital or Home? Where Should Children Die and How Do We Make That a Reality? J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 60:106-115. [PMID: 31887402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.12.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Most of the 20,000 U.S. children dying of serious illnesses annually die in the hospital. It is unknown if this hospital death predominance reflects family wishes or systemic issues such as lack of hospice access. Hence, we need to better understand location of death preferences for children and their families. OBJECTIVE To better understand location of death preferences in North America, we reviewed the literature to examine the evidence for and against home death in seriously ill children (0-18 years). METHODS We searched English articles in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase published during 2000-2018 for articles related to parental, child/adolescent, and provider preference for death location and articles that correlated death location with bereavement or quality of life outcomes. RESULTS The search results (n = 877 articles and n = 58 abstracts of interest) were reviewed, and 34 relevant articles were identified. Parent, child, and provider preferences, bereavement outcomes, and associated factors all point to some preference for home death. These findings should be interpreted with several caveats: 1) many studies are small and prone to selection bias, 2) not all families prefer home death and some that do are not able to achieve home death due to inadequate home support, 3) studies of bereavement outcomes are lacking. CONCLUSION Adequate resources are needed to ensure children can die in their chosen location-be that home, hospital, or free-standing hospice. This review highlights research areas needed to better understand death location preference and programs and policies that will support home death for those that desire it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Erin Currie
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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37
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Interdisciplinary Communication: Documentation of Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2020; 21:215-222. [PMID: 30829829 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Advance care planning is being increasingly recognized as a component of quality in end-of-life care, but standardized documentation in the electronic health record has not yet been achieved, undermining interdisciplinary communication about care needs and limiting research opportunities.We examined the electronic health records of nine adolescent and young adults with cancer who died after participation in an advance care planning clinical trial (N = 30). In this secondary analysis of this subgroup, disease trajectory and end-of-life information were abstracted from the electronic health record, and treatment preferences from the original study were obtained.All deceased participants older than 18 years had a surrogate decision maker identified in the electronic health record, and all deceased participants had limitations placed on their care, varying from 1.5 hours up to 2 months before death. However, assessment of relations between treatment preferences and end-of-life care was difficult and revealed the presence of circumstances that advance care planning is designed to avoid, such as family conflict. Lack of an integrated health care record regarding advance care planning and end-of-life care makes both care coordination and examination of the association between planning and goal concordant care more difficult.
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38
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Taylor J, Booth A, Beresford B, Phillips B, Wright K, Fraser L. Specialist paediatric palliative care for children and young people with cancer: A mixed-methods systematic review. Palliat Med 2020; 34:731-775. [PMID: 32362212 PMCID: PMC7243084 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320908490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialist paediatric palliative care services are promoted as an important component of palliative care provision, but there is uncertainty about their role for children with cancer. AIM To examine the impact of specialist paediatric palliative care for children and young people with cancer and explore factors affecting access. DESIGN A mixed-methods systematic review and narrative synthesis (PROSPERO Registration No. CRD42017064874). DATA SOURCES Database (CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) searches (2000-2019) identified primary studies of any design exploring the impact of and/or factors affecting access to specialist paediatric palliative care. Study quality was assessed using The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS An evidence base of mainly low- and moderate-quality studies (n = 42) shows that accessing specialist paediatric palliative care is associated with less intensive care at the end of life, more advance care planning and fewer in-hospital deaths. Current evidence cannot tell us whether these services improve children's symptom burden or quality of life. Nine studies reporting provider or family views identified uncertainties about what specialist paediatric palliative care offers, concerns about involving a new team, association of palliative care with end of life and indecision about when to introduce palliative care as important barriers to access. There was evidence that children with haematological malignancies are less likely to access these services. CONCLUSION Current evidence suggests that children and young people with cancer receiving specialist palliative care are cared for differently. However, little is understood about children's views, and research is needed to determine whether specialist input improves quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Taylor
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
| | - Alison Booth
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
| | - Bryony Beresford
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
- Social Policy Research Unit, University of York, York, UK
| | - Bob Phillips
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Kath Wright
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lorna Fraser
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
- Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
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39
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Sedig LK, Spruit JL, Paul TK, Cousino MK, McCaffery H, Pituch K, Hutchinson R. Supporting Pediatric Patients and Their Families at the End of Life: Perspectives From Bereaved Parents. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 37:1009-1015. [PMID: 32372700 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120922973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease for children in the United States. It is imperative to optimize measures to support patients and families facing the end of a child's life. This study asked bereaved parents to reflect on their child's end-of-life care to identify which components of decision-making, supportive services, and communication were helpful, not helpful, or lacking. METHODS An anonymous survey about end-of-life experiences was sent to families of children treated at a single institution who died of a malignancy between 2010 and 2017. RESULTS Twenty-eight surveys were returned for a 30.8% response rate. Most of the bereaved parents (61%) reported a desire for shared decision-making; this was described by 52% of families at the end of their child's life. There was a statistically significant association between how well death went and whether the parental perception of actual decision-making aligned with desired decision-making (P = .002). Families did not utilize many of the supportive services that are available including psychology and psychiatry (only 22% used). Respondents felt that additional services would have been helpful. CONCLUSIONS Health care providers should strive to participate in decision-making models that align with the preferences of the patient and family and provide excellent communication. Additional resources to support families following the death of a child should be identified for families or developed and funded if a gap in available services is identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Sedig
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica L Spruit
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,2954Wayne State University College of Nursing, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Trisha K Paul
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Melissa K Cousino
- Division of Pediatric Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Harlan McCaffery
- Center for Human Growth and Development, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kenneth Pituch
- Pediatric Palliative Care Program, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Raymond Hutchinson
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 1259University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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40
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Snaman J, McCarthy S, Wiener L, Wolfe J. Pediatric Palliative Care in Oncology. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:954-962. [PMID: 32023163 DOI: 10.1200/jco.18.02331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care aims to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life of children with serious disease and increase support for their parents and other family members. Integration of palliative care into the routine care of children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer has resulted in improved outcomes in patients and their families. The field of pediatric palliative oncology-encompassing primary palliative care provided by the multidisciplinary oncology team as well as subspecialty palliative care provided by the palliative care team for more complex cases-is unique from palliative care in adults given its focus on care of the child and the larger family. In this review, we focus on advancements in the specific domains within pediatric palliative oncology care including family-centered communication, assessment and management of physical symptoms and distress, psychosocial concerns, and spiritual considerations of the patient, parents, and siblings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lori Wiener
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA.,Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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41
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Wiener L, Tager J, Mack J, Battles H, Bedoya SZ, Gerhardt CA. Helping parents prepare for their child's end of life: A retrospective survey of cancer-bereaved parents. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e27993. [PMID: 31595653 PMCID: PMC8330433 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.27993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most parents vividly recall the weeks, days, and moments preceding their child's death for years to come. Dissatisfaction with communication about their child's condition and lack of guidance can contribute to stress prior to a child's death. Based on findings from a study assessing the degree of preparation bereaved parents received and our collective clinical experience, the authors provide suggestions on end-of-life communication and guidance for parents. METHODS Caregivers of a child who died from cancer were invited to complete a 46-item survey through a closed social media (Facebook) group ("Parents who lost children to cancer"). In four months' time, 131 bereaved caregivers completed the survey. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and a thematic content analysis framework. The mean age of the child at the time of death was 12. RESULTS Approximately 40% of the parents in this study felt unprepared for both the medical problems their child faced and how to respond to their child's emotional needs; fewer than 10% felt very prepared for either. Parents were more likely to feel unprepared when perceived suffering was high, highlighting the critical importance of communication and support from the healthcare team as an adjunct to optimal symptom control. CONCLUSIONS Through quantitative and open-ended responses, this study identified specific medical and emotional issues about which parents wanted greater preparation. Future research to evaluate guidance strategies to reduce parental suffering prior to the child's death is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Julia Tager
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts
| | | | - Haven Battles
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sima Zadeh Bedoya
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Cynthia A. Gerhardt
- Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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Marcus KL, Santos G, Ciapponi A, Comandé D, Bilodeau M, Wolfe J, Dussel V. Impact of Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2020; 59:339-364.e10. [PMID: 31404638 PMCID: PMC6989377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) is increasingly involved in the care of seriously ill children, yet the evidence on its impact has not been comprehensively reviewed. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the effects of providing SPPC to seriously ill children on patient-, caregiver-, and systems-level outcomes. METHODS We performed a Systematic Review following Cochrane methods. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched from January 1996 to June 2018. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION We included randomized controlled, cohort, case-control, and before-after studies in which exposure to SPPC services was the intervention of interest. All outcomes reported in these studies were included. Two investigators independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of included studies using standardized criteria. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included in qualitative synthesis: one nonrandomized controlled trial, 16 cohort studies, and seven before-after studies. Evidence certainty was low. Twenty-one studies had one or more area with high risk of bias, most commonly selection bias, low group comparability, risk for confounding, and inadequate statistical reporting. Studies analyzed 46 domains, operationalized as 136 distinct outcomes. SPPC was associated with better child quality of life scores in all four studies that assessed this outcome. No other outcome showed this consistency. CONCLUSION Receiving SPPC was associated with better child quality of life. However, the paucity and low certainty of the evidence precluded any firm recommendations about SPPC practice. Larger collaborative networks and greater consensus regarding SPPC research standards are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Marcus
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gisella Santos
- Center for Research and Implementation in Palliative Care, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Ciapponi
- Cochrane Center, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniel Comandé
- Cochrane Center, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Madeline Bilodeau
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Veronica Dussel
- Center for Research and Implementation in Palliative Care, Instituto de Efectividad Clinica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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43
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Nilsson S, Ohlen J, Hessman E, Brännström M. Paediatric palliative care: a systematic review. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 10:157-163. [PMID: 31836595 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review literature relating to evidence, context and facilitation to describe knowledge translation in paediatric palliative care. Paediatric palliative care requires competences including both paediatric specialists as well as services that are developed for this purpose, and there is a need to facilitate paediatric palliative care knowledge translation. Promoting Action on Research Implementation in the Health Services (PARiHS) is a framework for knowledge translation, which highlights the relationships between evidence, context and facilitation. PARiHS framework has been revised and updated in a new version called i-PARiHS. METHODS The electronic databases AgeLine, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus were searched. Papers included were limited to English and Swedish publications and restricted to publications dated between 1993 and August 2019. All types of observational and experimental studies using any research design were included. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Thirty-eight articles were included and there was a common vision about how and when palliative care should be offered to children. The i-PARiHS was used as a lens to describe the knowledge translation in paediatric palliative care. Symptom relief was the most commonly described evidence-based strategy, and the hospital environment was the most commonly described context. Different types of education were the most commonly used strategies to facilitate knowledge translation. The results mainly focused on increasing knowledge of palliative care in paediatric care. To sum up, the results report strategies to achieve knowledge translation of paediatric palliative care, and these can be interpreted as a guideline for how this process can be facilitated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018100663.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Nilsson
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden .,University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Ohlen
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centred Care, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Hessman
- Biomedical Library, Gothenburg University Library, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margareta Brännström
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Campus Skellefteå, Umeå, Sweden
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Streuli JC, Widger K, Medeiros C, Zuniga-Villanueva G, Trenholm M. Impact of specialized pediatric palliative care programs on communication and decision-making. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1404-1412. [PMID: 30772117 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize and analyze the impact of specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) programs on communication and decision-making for children with life-threatening conditions. METHODS Our search strategy covered MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase through September 2018. RESULTS We reviewed 13 studies analyzing the impact of SPPC programs on communication and decision-making using a wide range of outcome indicators. Study quality was poor in 58% of included papers. SPPC programs improved communication and decision-making between families and healthcare professionals (HCPs), within and between families, and among HCPs. CONCLUSION SPPC programs generally support and improve communication and decision-making for children with life-threatening conditions, their families and associated HCPs. Families referred to an SPPC program had more discussions with HCPs on a broad variety of topics. However, data on communication with children, siblings, and other family members was scarce and of poor quality. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS More research on SPPC program efficacy is needed from the perspective of the ill child, as well as about barriers to end-of-life discussions and the specific aspects of SPPC programs responsible for improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg C Streuli
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada; University Children's Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada; Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Madeline Trenholm
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada
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45
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Moynihan KM, Snaman JM, Kaye EC, Morrison WE, DeWitt AG, Sacks LD, Thompson JL, Hwang JM, Bailey V, Lafond DA, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Integration of Pediatric Palliative Care Into Cardiac Intensive Care: A Champion-Based Model. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0160. [PMID: 31366685 PMCID: PMC6855829 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into management of children with serious illness and their families is endorsed as the standard of care. Despite this, timely referral to and integration of PPC into the traditionally cure-oriented cardiac ICU (CICU) remains variable. Despite dramatic declines in mortality in pediatric cardiac disease, key challenges confront the CICU community. Given increasing comorbidities, technological dependence, lengthy recurrent hospitalizations, and interventions risking significant morbidity, many patients in the CICU would benefit from PPC involvement across the illness trajectory. Current PPC delivery models have inherent disadvantages, insufficiently address the unique aspects of the CICU setting, place significant burden on subspecialty PPC teams, and fail to use CICU clinician skill sets. We therefore propose a novel conceptual framework for PPC-CICU integration based on literature review and expert interdisciplinary, multi-institutional consensus-building. This model uses interdisciplinary CICU-based champions who receive additional PPC training through courses and subspecialty rotations. PPC champions strengthen CICU PPC provision by (1) leading PPC-specific educational training of CICU staff; (2) liaising between CICU and PPC, improving use of support staff and encouraging earlier subspecialty PPC involvement in complex patients' management; and (3) developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives and CICU-specific PPC protocols. Our PPC-CICU integration model is designed for adaptability within institutional, cultural, financial, and logistic constraints, with potential applications in other pediatric settings, including ICUs. Although the PPC champion framework offers several unique advantages, barriers to implementation are anticipated and additional research is needed to investigate the model's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Moynihan
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wynne E. Morrison
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Aaron G. DeWitt
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Loren D. Sacks
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jess L. Thompson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children’s Heart Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
| | - Jennifer M. Hwang
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Bailey
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A. Lafond
- PANDA Palliative Care Team, Children’s National and School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D. Blume
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Harmoney K, Mobley EM, Gilbertson-White S, Brogden NK, Benson RJ. Differences in Advance Care Planning and Circumstances of Death for Pediatric Patients Who Do and Do Not Receive Palliative Care Consults: A Single-Center Retrospective Review of All Pediatric Deaths from 2012 to 2016. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1506-1514. [PMID: 31233350 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Growing evidence suggests that pediatric palliative care (PPC) teams influence the care received by children and young adults with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. Little is known about how PPC involvement affects advance care planning (ACP) and circumstances of death in pediatric populations with a wide range of diagnoses. Objective: To determine the relationship between PPC involvement, ACP, and circumstances of death for pediatric patients. Design: A retrospective chart review of 558 pediatric patients who died between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. A multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain associations between PPC involvement and ACP. Setting: Large, multidisciplinary tertiary care center in a rural state. Measurements: Data abstracted for each patient included the following: demographic information, diagnosis, location of primary unit, hospice involvement, goals of care (GOC), code status, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) completion, and location of death. Results: Patients with PPC involvement were more likely to have had ACP addressed before death. After adjusting for covariates in the model, patients with PPC were more likely to have their GOC documented (odds ratio [OR] = 96.93), completion of POLST (OR = 24.06), do-not-resuscitate code status (OR = 7.71), and hospice involvement at the time of death (OR = 11.70) compared with those who did not receive PPC. Conclusions: Pediatric patients are more likely to have ACP addressed if they have PPC involvement. Patients with chronic complex conditions are most likely to receive palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Harmoney
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Erin M Mobley
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Nicole K Brogden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rebecca J Benson
- Stead Family Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
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Rossfeld ZM, Miller R, Fosselman DD, Ketner AR, Tumin D, Tobias JD, Humphrey L. Timing of Palliative Consultation for Children During a Fatal Illness. Hosp Pediatr 2019; 9:373-378. [PMID: 30995995 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2018-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends palliative care for children at the diagnosis of serious illness. Yet few children who die receive specialty palliative care consultation, and when it is provided, palliative care consultation tends to occur after >75% of the time from diagnosis until death. Focusing on the timing of palliative consultation in relation to the date of diagnosis, we evaluated factors predicting earlier receipt of pediatric palliative care in a cohort of decedents. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients diagnosed with a life-limiting disease who died at our hospital in 2015-2017 after at least 1 inpatient palliative medicine consultation. Our primary outcome was time from palliative-qualifying diagnosis to earliest receipt of specialty palliative care. A survival analysis was used to describe factors associated with earlier receipt of palliative care. RESULTS The analysis included 180 patients (median age at diagnosis <1 month [interquartile range (IQR): 0-77]). The median time to first palliative consultation was 7 days after diagnosis (IQR: 2-63), compared with a median of 50 days between diagnosis and death (IQR: 7-210). On the multivariable analysis, palliative consultation occurred earlier for patients who had cardiovascular diagnoses, had private insurance, and were of African American race. CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of decedents at our institution, palliative consultation occurred much earlier than has been previously reported. We also identify factors associated with delayed receipt of palliative care among children who are dying that reveal further opportunities to improve access to specialty palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Miller
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Adam R Ketner
- Departments of Pediatrics and
- Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
| | - Dmitry Tumin
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
- Departments of Pediatrics and
| | - Lisa Humphrey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio;
- Departments of Pediatrics and
- Section of Hospice and Palliative Care and
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48
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Rossfeld ZM, Miller R, Tumin D, Tobias JD, Humphrey LM. Implications of Pediatric Palliative Consultation for Intensive Care Unit Stay. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:790-796. [PMID: 30835155 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The impact of specialty pediatric palliative care (PPC) on intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay for children is unclear. Objective: To estimate the impact of PPC consultation by analyzing ICU stay as a dynamic outcome over the course of hospitalization. Patients and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of children hospitalized with diagnoses suggested as referral triggers for PPC at a large academic children's hospital. We assessed ICU stay according to PPC consultation and, using a patient-day analysis, applied multivariable mixed effects logistic regression to predict the odds of being in the ICU on a given day. Results: The analytic sample included 777 admissions (11,954 hospital days), of which 100 admissions (13%) included PPC consultation. Principal patient demographics were age 8 ± 6 years, 55% male sex, 71% white race, and 52% commercial insurance. Cardiac diagnoses were most frequent (29%) followed by gastrointestinal (22%) and malignant (20%) conditions. Although total ICU stay was longer for admissions, including PPC consultation (compared to admissions where PPC was not consulted), the odds of being in the ICU on a given day were reduced by 79% after PPC consultation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.34; p < 0.001) for children with cancer and 85% (OR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.08-0.26; p < 0.001) for children with nononcologic conditions. Conclusions: Among children hospitalized with a diagnosis deemed eligible for specialty PPC, the likelihood of being in the ICU on a given day was strongly reduced after PPC consultation, supporting the value of PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Miller
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Dmitry Tumin
- 3 Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Joseph D Tobias
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lisa M Humphrey
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.,4 Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.,5 Section of Hospice and Palliative Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
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49
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Friedel M, Aujoulat I, Dubois AC, Degryse JM. Instruments to Measure Outcomes in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2019; 143:peds.2018-2379. [PMID: 30530504 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2018-2379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is intended to promote children's quality of life by using a family-centered approach. However, the measurement of this multidimensional outcome remains challenging. OBJECTIVE To review the instruments used to assess the impact of PPC interventions. DATA SOURCES Five databases (Embase, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, Medline) were searched. STUDY SELECTION Inclusion criteria were as follows: definition of PPC used; patients aged 0 to 18 years; diseases listed in the directory of life-limiting diseases; results based on empirical data; and combined descriptions of a PPC intervention, its outcomes, and a measurement instrument. DATA EXTRACTION Full-text articles were assessed and data were extracted by 2 independent researchers, and each discrepancy was resolved through consensus. The quality of the studies was assessed by using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers From a Variety of Fields checklist. RESULTS Nineteen of 2150 articles met the eligibility criteria. Researchers in 15 used quantitative methods, and 9 were of moderate quality. Multidimensional outcomes included health-related quality of life, spiritual well-being, satisfaction with care and/or communication, perceived social support, and family involvement in treatment or place-of-care preferences. PPC interventions ranged from home-based to hospital and respite care. Only 15 instruments (of 23 reported) revealed some psychometric properties, and only 5 included patient-reported (child) outcome measures. LIMITATIONS We had no access to the developmental process of the instruments used to present the underlying concepts that were underpinning the constructs. CONCLUSIONS Data on the psychometric properties of instruments used to assess the impact of PPC interventions were scarce. Children are not systematically involved in reporting outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Friedel
- Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; .,Institut Parnasse-Institut Supérieur d'Enseignement Infirmier, Haute Ecole Léonard de Vinci, Brussels, Belgium; and
| | - Isabelle Aujoulat
- Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Catherine Dubois
- Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Marie Degryse
- Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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50
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Widger K, Medeiros C, Trenholm M, Zuniga-Villanueva G, Streuli JC. Indicators Used to Assess the Impact of Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care: A Scoping Review. J Palliat Med 2018; 22:199-219. [PMID: 30526276 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Specialized pediatric palliative care programs aim to improve quality of life and ease distress of patients and their families across the illness trajectory. These programs require further development, which should be based on how they improve outcomes for patients, families, health care professionals, and the health care system. OBJECTIVE To identify and compare definitions of indicators used to assess the impact of specialized pediatric palliative care programs. DESIGN The scoping review protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO 2017 (CRD42017074090). DATE SOURCES MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase databases were searched from January 2000 to September 2018. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, experimental studies, or observational studies that compared specialized programs with usual care. Studies were excluded if most care recipients were older than 19 years or the article was not available in English, French, German, or Spanish. RESULTS Forty-six studies were included; one was a randomized controlled trial. We identified 82 different indicators grouped into 14 domains. The most common indicators included the following: location of death, length of stay in hospital, and number of hospital admissions. Only 22 indicators were defined identically in at least 2 studies. Only one study included children's perspectives in assessing indicators. CONCLUSIONS Many indicators were used to assess program outcomes with little definition consensus across studies. Development of a set of agreed-upon indicators to assess program impact concurrent with family and patient input is essential to advance research and practice in pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley Widger
- 1 Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,2 Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Medeiros
- 1 Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeline Trenholm
- 1 Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jürg C Streuli
- 1 Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,3 Pediatric Ethics and Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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