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Tafazoli A, Cronin-Wood K. Pediatric Oncology Hospice: A Comprehensive Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:1467-1481. [PMID: 38225192 DOI: 10.1177/10499091241227609] [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: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric hospice is a new terminology in current medical literature. Implementation of pediatric hospice care in oncology setting is a vast but subspecialized field of research and practice. However, it is accompanied by substantial uncertainties, shortages and unexplored sections. The lack of globally established definitions, principles, and guidelines in this field has adversely impacted the quality of end-of-life experiences for children with hospice needs worldwide. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review of scientific literature, extracting and compiling the available but sparse data on pediatric oncology hospice from the PubMed database. Our systematic approach led to development of a well-organized structure introducing the foundational elements, highlighting complications, and uncovering hidden gaps in this critical area. This structured framework comprises nine major categories including general ideology, population specifications, role of parents and family, psychosocial issues, financial complications, service locations, involved specialties, regulations, and quality improvement. This platform can serve as a valuable resource in establishing a scientifically reliable foundation for future experiments and practices in pediatric oncology hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Tafazoli
- Healthcare administration program, St Lawrence College, Kingston Campus, ON, Canada
- Hospice Kingston, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Daniels S, Franqui-Rios ND, Mothi SS, Gaitskill E, Cantrell K, Kaye EC. Access to legacy-oriented interventions at end of life for pediatric oncology patients: A decedent cohort review. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e31066. [PMID: 38757484 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.31066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Legacy-oriented interventions have the potential to offer pediatric oncology patients and families comfort at end of life and during bereavement. Certified child life specialists often provide these services, and presently little is known about whether disparities exist in the provision of legacy-oriented interventions. METHODS In this retrospective decedent cohort study, we examined demographic and clinical characteristics from a sample of 678 pediatric oncology patients who died between 2015 and 2019. Bivariate analysis assessed differences between patients who received any versus no legacy-oriented intervention. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations of baseline characteristics and likelihood of receiving legacy-oriented intervention. Further multivariable analysis explored joint effects of significant variables identified in the univariable analysis. RESULTS Fifty-two percent of patients received a legacy-oriented intervention. Older adolescents (≥13 years) were less likely (odds ratio [OR]: 1.73, p = .007) to receive legacy-oriented interventions than younger ones. Patients with home/hospice deaths were also less likely (OR: 19.98, p < .001) to receive interventions compared to patients who passed away at SJCRH locations. Hispanic patients (OR: 1.53, p = .038) and those in palliative care (OR: 10.51, p < .001) were more likely to receive interventions. No significant race association was noted. CONCLUSION All children and adolescents with cancer deserve quality care at end of life, including access to legacy-oriented interventions, yet nearly half of patients in this cohort did not receive these services. By identifying demographic and clinical characteristics associated with decreased odds of receiving legacy-oriented interventions, healthcare professionals can modify end-of-life care processes to improve access. Introducing legacy-oriented interventions early and increasing exposure in community spaces may enhance access to legacy-oriented interventions for pediatric oncology patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Daniels
- Child Life Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nelson D Franqui-Rios
- School of Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico
| | - Suraj S Mothi
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gaitskill
- Child Life Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kathryn Cantrell
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Frelinger JM, Tan JM, Klein MJ, Newth CJL, Ross PA, Winter MC. Factors associated with family decision-making after pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation 2024; 201:110233. [PMID: 38719070 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2024.110233] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to identify demographic factors, area-based social determinants of health (SDOH), and clinical features associated with medical decision-making after pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS This is a retrospective, exploratory, descriptive analysis of patients < 18 years old admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) after OHCA from 2011 to 2022 (n = 217) at an urban tertiary care, free-standing children's hospital. Outcomes of interest included: (1) whether a new advance care plan (ACP) (defined as a written advance directive including do not resuscitate and/or do not intubate) was ordered during hospitalization, and (2) whether the patient was discharged with new medical technology (defined as tracheostomy and/or feeding tube). Logistic regression models identified features associated with these outcomes. RESULTS Of the 217 patients, 78 patients (36%) had a new ACP placed during their admission. Of the survivors, 26% (27/102) were discharged home with new medical technology. Factors associated with ACP were greater change in Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) score (aOR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.28-1.73], p-value < 0.001) and palliative care consultation (aOR = 2.39, 95% CI [1.16-4.89], p-value 0.018). Factors associated with new medical technology were lower change in PCPC score (aOR = 0.76, 95% C.I. [0.61-0.95], p-value = 0.015) and palliative care consultation (aOR = 7.07, 95% CI [3.01-16.60], p-value < 0.001). There were no associations between area-based SDOH and outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Understanding factors associated with decision-making related to ACP after OHCA is critical to optimize counseling for families. Multi-institutional studies are warranted to identify whether these findings are generalizable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Frelinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Tan
- Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Spatial Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 3616 Trousdale Parkway, AHF B55, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1520 San Pablo St., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Margaret J Klein
- Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Christopher J L Newth
- Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Patrick A Ross
- Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Meredith C Winter
- Department of Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 4650 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Boyden JY, Umaretiya PJ, D'Souza L, Johnston EE. Disparities in Pediatric Palliative Care: Where Are We and Where Do We Go from Here? J Pediatr 2024; 275:114194. [PMID: 39004168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Puja J Umaretiya
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Louise D'Souza
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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Algu K, Wales J, Anderson M, Omilabu M, Briggs T, Kurahashi AM. Naming racism as a root cause of inequities in palliative care research: a scoping review. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:143. [PMID: 38858646 PMCID: PMC11163751 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01465-9] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racial and ethnic inequities in palliative care are well-established. The way researchers design and interpret studies investigating race- and ethnicity-based disparities has future implications on the interventions aimed to reduce these inequities. If racism is not discussed when contextualizing findings, it is less likely to be addressed and inequities will persist. OBJECTIVE To summarize the characteristics of 12 years of academic literature that investigates race- or ethnicity-based disparities in palliative care access, outcomes and experiences, and determine the extent to which racism is discussed when interpreting findings. METHODS Following Arksey & O'Malley's methodology for scoping reviews, we searched bibliographic databases for primary, peer reviewed studies globally, in all languages, that collected race or ethnicity variables in a palliative care context (January 1, 2011 to October 17, 2023). We recorded study characteristics and categorized citations based on their research focus-whether race or ethnicity were examined as a major focus (analyzed as a primary independent variable or population of interest) or minor focus (analyzed as a secondary variable) of the research purpose, and the interpretation of findings-whether authors directly or indirectly discussed racism when contextualizing the study results. RESULTS We identified 3000 citations and included 181 in our review. Of these, most were from the United States (88.95%) and examined race or ethnicity as a major focus (71.27%). When interpreting findings, authors directly named racism in 7.18% of publications. They were more likely to use words closely associated with racism (20.44%) or describe systemic or individual factors (41.44%). Racism was directly named in 33.33% of articles published since 2021 versus 3.92% in the 10 years prior, suggesting it is becoming more common. CONCLUSION While the focus on race and ethnicity in palliative care research is increasing, there is room for improvement when acknowledging systemic factors - including racism - during data analysis. Researchers must be purposeful when investigating race and ethnicity, and identify how racism shapes palliative care access, outcomes and experiences of racially and ethnically minoritized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Algu
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada.
| | - Joshua Wales
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| | - Michael Anderson
- Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Mariam Omilabu
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
| | - Thandi Briggs
- Home and Community Care Support Services Toronto Central, 250 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON, M5T 2Z5, Canada
| | - Allison M Kurahashi
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, 60 Murray Street, 4th Floor, Box 13, Toronto, ON, M5T3L9, Canada
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Andrist E, Clarke RG, Phelps KB, Dews AL, Rodenbough A, Rose JA, Zurca AD, Lawal N, Maratta C, Slain KN. Understanding Disparities in the Pediatric ICU: A Scoping Review. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063415. [PMID: 38639640 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Health disparities are pervasive in pediatrics. We aimed to describe disparities among patients who are likely to be cared for in the PICU and delineate how sociodemographic data are collected and categorized. METHODS Using MEDLINE as a data source, we identified studies which included an objective to assess sociodemographic disparities among PICU patients in the United States. We created a review rubric, which included methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis, outcome and exposure variables assessed, and study findings. Two authors reviewed every study. We used the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Framework to organize outcome and exposure variables. RESULTS The 136 studies included used variable methods of sociodemographic data collection and analysis. A total of 30 of 124 studies (24%) assessing racial disparities used self- or parent-identified race. More than half of the studies (52%) dichotomized race as white and "nonwhite" or "other" in some analyses. Socioeconomic status (SES) indicators also varied; only insurance status was used in a majority of studies (72%) evaluating SES. Consistent, although not uniform, disadvantages existed for racial minority populations and patients with indicators of lower SES. The authors of only 1 study evaluated an intervention intended to mitigate health disparities. Requiring a stated objective to evaluate disparities aimed to increase the methodologic rigor of included studies but excluded some available literature. CONCLUSIONS Variable, flawed methodologies diminish our understanding of disparities in the PICU. Meaningfully understanding and addressing health inequity requires refining how we collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Andrist
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
- Departments of Pediatrics
| | - Rachel G Clarke
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Upstate University Hospital, Syracuse, New York
- Center for Bioethics and Humanities, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Kayla B Phelps
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Alyssa L Dews
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Susan B. Meister Child Health and Adolescent Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Anna Rodenbough
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jerri A Rose
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Adrian D Zurca
- Division of Critical Care, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Nurah Lawal
- Stepping Stones Pediatric Palliative Care Program, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Departments of Pediatrics
| | - Christina Maratta
- Department of Critical Care, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine N Slain
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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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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8
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Qualls KA, Svynarenko R, Cozad MJ, Keim-Malpass J, Huang G, Lindley LC. Geographic Information Systems Utilization in Pediatric End-of-Life Research: A Scoping Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:216-227. [PMID: 36960618 PMCID: PMC10825508 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231165276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, little is known about how geographic information systems (GIS) has been utilized to study end-of-life care in pediatric populations. The purpose of this review was to collect and examine the existing evidence on how GIS methods have been used in pediatric end-of-life research over the last 20 years. Scoping review method was used to summarize existing evidence and inform research methods and clinical practice was used. The Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA) was utilized. The search resulted in a final set of 17 articles. Most studies created maps for data visualization and used ArcGIS as the primary software for analysis. The scoping review revealed that GIS methodology has been limited to mapping, but that there is a significant opportunity to expand the use of this methodology for pediatric end-of-life care research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri A Qualls
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | - Melanie J Cozad
- Department of Health Services Research and Administration, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Guoping Huang
- Spatial Sciences Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Jones MN, Simpson SL, Beck AF, Cortezzo DE, Thienprayoon R, Corley AMS, Thomson J. Racial Inequities in Palliative Referral for Children with High-Intensity Neurologic Impairment. J Pediatr 2024; 268:113930. [PMID: 38309525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.113930] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether racial and socioeconomic inequities in pediatric palliative care utilization extend to children with high-intensity neurologic impairment (HI-NI), which is a chronic neurological diagnosis resulting in substantial functional morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study of patients with HI-NI who received primary care services at a tertiary care center from 2014 through 2019. HI-NI diagnoses that warranted a palliative care referral were identified by consensus of a multidisciplinary team. The outcome was referral to palliative care. The primary exposure was race, categorized as Black or non-Black to represent the impact of anti-Black racism. Additional exposures included ethnicity (Hispanic/non-Hispanic) and insurance status (Medicaid/non-Medicaid). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between exposures and palliative care referral. RESULTS A total of 801 patients with HI-NI were included; 7.5% received a palliative referral. There were no differences in gestational age, sex, or ethnicity between patients who received a referral and those who did not. In multivariable analysis, adjusting for ethnicity, sex, gestational age, and presence of complex chronic conditions, Black children (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84) and children with Medicaid insurance (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23, 0.70) each had significantly lower odds of palliative referral compared with their non-Black and non-Medicaid-insured peers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We identified inequities in pediatric palliative care referral among children with HI-NI by race and insurance status. Future work is needed to develop interventions, with families, aimed at promoting more equitable, antiracist systems of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret N Jones
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
| | - Samantha L Simpson
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew F Beck
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - DonnaMaria E Cortezzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexandra M S Corley
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joanna Thomson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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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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Feudtner C, Beight LJ, Boyden JY, Hill DL, Hinds PS, Johnston EE, Friebert SE, Bogetz JF, Kang TI, Hall M, Nye RT, Wolfe J. Goals of Care Among Parents of Children Receiving Palliative Care. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:800-807. [PMID: 37306979 PMCID: PMC10262061 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Importance While knowing the goals of care (GOCs) for children receiving pediatric palliative care (PPC) are crucial for guiding the care they receive, how parents prioritize these goals and how their priorities may change over time is not known. Objective To determine parental prioritization of GOCs and patterns of change over time for parents of children receiving palliative care. Design, Setting, and Participants A Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network's Shared Data and Research cohort study with data collected at 0, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in hospital, outpatient, or home settings from April 10, 2017, to February 15, 2022, at 7 PPC programs based at children's hospitals across the US. Participants included parents of patients, birth to 30 years of age, who received PPC services. Exposures Analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics, number of complex chronic conditions, and time enrolled in PPC. Main Outcomes Parents' importance scores, as measured using a discrete choice experiment, of 5 preselected GOCs: seeking quality of life (QOL), health, comfort, disease modification, or life extension. Importance scores for the 5 GOCs summed to 100. Results A total of 680 parents of 603 patients reported on GOCs. Median patient age was 4.4 (IQR, 0.8-13.2) years and 320 patients were male (53.1%). At baseline, parents scored QOL as the most important goal (mean score, 31.5 [SD, 8.4]), followed by health (26.3 [SD, 7.5]), comfort (22.4 [SD, 11.7]), disease modification (10.9 [SD, 9.2]), and life extension (8.9 [SD, 9.9]). Importantly, parents varied substantially in their baseline scores for each goal (IQRs more than 9.4), but across patients in different complex chronic conditions categories, the mean scores varied only slightly (means differ 8.7 or less). For each additional study month since PPC initiation, QOL was scored higher by 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04-0.08) and comfort scored higher by 0.3 (95% CI, 0-0.06), while the importance score for life extension decreased by 0.07 (95% CI, 0.04-0.09) and disease modification by 0.02 (95% CI, 0-0.04); health scores did not significantly differ from PPC initiation. Conclusions and Relevance Parents of children receiving PPC placed the highest value on QOL, but with considerable individual-level variation and substantial change over time. These findings emphasize the importance of reassessing GOCs with parents to guide appropriate clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Feudtner
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Leah J. Beight
- Doctor of Medicine Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jackelyn Y. Boyden
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Douglas L. Hill
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pamela S. Hinds
- Children’s National Hospital, Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Department of Pediatrics, the George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Emily E. Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Sarah E. Friebert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Care, Akron Children’s Hospital and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron, Ohio
| | - Jori F. Bogetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Tammy I. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Palliative Care, Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Matt Hall
- Children’s Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Russell T. Nye
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Pediatrics Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Johnston EE, Davis ES, Bhatia S, Kenzik K. Location of death and hospice use in children with cancer varies by type of health insurance. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29521. [PMID: 34962704 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disparities in end-of-life (EOL) care for children with cancer remain understudied. We addressed this gap by examining patterns of EOL care, with a focus on location of death and hospice utilization. METHODS We used MarketScan - a nationally representative dataset with Medicaid and commercial claims to conduct a retrospective observational study of children with cancer who died between 2011 and 2017 at age ≤21 years. We examined rates of (a) home death, (b) hospice utilization, (c) and medically intense interventions in the last 30 days (e.g., intubation). RESULTS Of the 1492 children in the cohort, 44% had Medicaid and 56% commercial insurance; 71% carried a solid tumor diagnosis, and 37% were between the ages of 15 and 21 years at the time of death. Forty percent died at home; children with Medicaid were less likely to die at home (relative risk [RR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73-0.92; reference: commercial). Forty-five percent enrolled in hospice, for a median of 2 days. Hospice enrollment rates did not vary with insurance. However, children with Medicaid spent less time enrolled (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17-0.27). Among children with Medicaid, Black children were less likely to die at home (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.92) and enroll on hospice (RR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.55-0.91) than non-Hispanic White children. Medically intense interventions did not vary with insurance or race. CONCLUSION Only 40% of children with cancer die at home, and the duration of hospice enrollment is short. EOL care varies significantly with insurance. It is imperative that we determine if these patterns and disparities represent EOL preferences, provider biases, or differences in quality or availability of hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kelly Kenzik
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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13
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Home-Based Care for Children with Serious Illness: Ecological Framework and Research Implications. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081115. [PMID: 35892618 PMCID: PMC9330186 DOI: 10.3390/children9081115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Care for U.S. children living with serious illness and their families at home is a complex and patchwork system. Improving home-based care for children and families requires a comprehensive, multilevel approach that accounts for and examines relationships across home environments, communities, and social contexts in which children and families live and receive care. We propose a multilevel conceptual framework, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, that conceptualizes the complex system of home-based care into five levels. Levels 1 and 2 contain patient and family characteristics. Level 3 contains factors that influence family health, well-being, and experience with care in the home. Level 4 includes the community, including community groups, schools, and providers. Level 5 includes the broader regional system of care that impacts the care of children and families across communities. Finally, care coordination and care disparities transcend levels, impacting care at each level. A multilevel ecological framework of home-based care for children with serious illness and families can be used in future multilevel research to describe and test hypotheses about aspects of this system of care, as well as to inform interventions across levels to improve patient and family outcomes.
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14
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Kara M, Foster S, Cantrell K. Racial Disparities in the Provision of Pediatric Psychosocial End-of-Life Services: A Systematic Review. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1510-1517. [PMID: 35588290 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: When compared with White patients, racial and ethnic minorities experience greater barriers to quality end-of-life care. Each year, approximately 52,000 children die in the United States, yet little is known about the disparities in pediatric palliative care, especially when looking at psychosocial palliative care services such as those provided by child life specialists, social workers, and pediatric psychologists. Objectives: In an effort to consolidate and synthesize the literature on this topic for psychosocial professionals working with children and families confronting a life-threatening diagnosis, a review was conducted. Design: This work was a systematic review of several academic databases that were searched from January 2000 to December 2020 for studies exploring disparities in pediatric end-of-life services and written in English. Setting/Subjects: This review was conducted in the United States. The search yielded 109 articles, of which 16 were included for review. Measurements: Three psychosocial researchers independently reviewed, critically appraised, and synthesized the results. Results: Emerging themes from the literature (n = 16) include service enrollment, decision making, and communication. Results highlight a lack of research discussing psychosocial variables and the provision of psychosocial services. Despite this gap, authors were able to extract recommendations relevant to psychosocial providers from the medical-heavy literature. Conclusions: Recommendations call for more research specific to possible disparities in psychosocial care as this is vital to support families of all backgrounds who are confronting the difficulties of pediatric loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashal Kara
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Foster
- Eliot-Pearson Department of Human Development and Child Studies, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathryn Cantrell
- Department of Human Development, Family Studies, and Counseling, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA
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15
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Davis ES, Martinez I, Hurst G, Bhatia S, Johnston EE. Early palliative care is associated with less intense care in children dying with cancer in Alabama: A retrospective, single-site study. Cancer 2021; 128:391-400. [PMID: 34614197 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regional studies show that children with cancer receive medically intense end-of-life (EOL) care, but EOL care patterns, including palliative care utilization in Alabama, remain unknown. METHODS This was a retrospective study of 233 children (0-19 years) who received cancer-directed therapy at Children's of Alabama and died from 2010 through 2019. Rates and disparities in palliative care utilization and the association between palliative care and intense EOL care, death location, and hospice were examined. RESULTS The median death age was 11 years; 62% were non-Hispanic White. Forty-one percent had a non-central nervous system (CNS) solid tumor. Fifty-eight percent received palliative care, and 36% received early palliative care (≥30 days before death). Children without relapsed/refractory disease were less likely to receive palliative care than those who had relapsed/refractory disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.1-0.7). Children with CNS tumors and hematologic malignancies were less likely to have early palliative care (aOR for CNS tumors, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7; aOR for hematologic malignancies, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7) than children with non-CNS solid tumors. Late palliative care (vs none) was associated with more medically intense care (aOR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.4-7.8) and hospital death (aOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.9-11.6). Early palliative care (vs none) was associated with more hospice enrollment (aOR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.5-7.6) but not medically intense care (aOR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.6-2.9) or hospital death (aOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.8-3.7). CONCLUSIONS Fifty-eight percent of children dying of cancer in Alabama receive palliative care, but EOL care varies with the receipt and timing (early vs late) of palliative care. Whether this variation reflects differences in child and family preferences or systemic factors (eg, hospice access) remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Garrett Hurst
- Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Smita Bhatia
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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16
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Svynarenko R, Mack JW, Lindley LC. Differences in characteristics of children with cancer who receive standard versus concurrent hospice care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e29106. [PMID: 34047060 PMCID: PMC8546534 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The provision of Section 2302 of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed pediatric patients who are enrolled in Medicaid to receive hospice care concurrently with curative treatment (i.e., concurrent hospice care). Because it is a relatively new model of care and very little is known about the characteristics of children with cancer who receive it, the purpose of the current study was to compare demographic, health, and community characteristics of children who received standard hospice care versus concurrent hospice care. PROCEDURE This study was a retrospective, comparison study with national Medicaid files provided by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The sample included 1685 pediatric patients under the age of 20 who were diagnosed with cancer, were enrolled in hospice between 2011 and 2013, and received standard hospice care (n = 1008) or concurrent hospice care (n = 655). RESULTS Children of non-Hispanic White race with multiple complex chronic conditions, mental/behavioral health problems technology dependence, and brain and orbital tumors were more likely to be enrolled in concurrent care than in standard hospice care. The proportion of children enrolled in concurrent care versus standard hospice care was larger in rural areas, low-income communities, and in the Southern states. CONCLUSIONS The enhanced uptake of concurrent care by traditionally underserved populations is promising. Concurrent hospice care, which allows for continued medical treatment and hospice care, could enhance access to hospice within these populations by offering a more blended model of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radion Svynarenko
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Department of Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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17
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DeGroote NP, Allen KE, Falk EE, Velozzi-Averhoff C, Wasilewski-Masker K, Johnson K, Brock KE. Relationship of race and ethnicity on access, timing, and disparities in pediatric palliative care for children with cancer. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:923-930. [PMID: 34409499 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric palliative care (PPC) improves quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer. Little is known about disparities between different racial and ethnic groups in the frequency and timing of PPC referrals. We evaluated the impact of race and ethnicity on the frequency and timing of PPC referral after initiation of an embedded PPO clinic where no formal consultation triggers exist. METHODS Patients with cancer between 0 and 25 years at diagnosis who experienced a high-risk event between July 2015 and June 2018 were eligible. Demographic, disease, and PPC information were obtained. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to assess likelihood of receiving PPC services by race/ethnicity. RESULTS Of 426 patients who experienced a high-risk event, 48% were non-Hispanic White, 31% were non-Hispanic Black, 15% were Hispanic of any race, and 4% were non-Hispanic Asian. No significant differences were found between race/ethnicity and age at diagnosis/death, sex, and diagnosis. PPC consultation (p = 0.03) differed by race. Non-Hispanic Black patients were 1.7 times more likely than non-Hispanic White patients to receive PPC after adjustment (p = 0.01). White patients spent less days in the hospital in the last 90 days of life (3.0 days) compared with Black (8.0), Asian (12.5), or Hispanic patients (14.0, p = 0.009) CONCLUSION: Disparities exist in patients receiving pediatric oncology and PPC services. Cultural tendencies as well as unconscious and cultural biases may affect PPC referral by race and ethnicity. Better understanding of cultural tendencies and biases may improve end-of-life outcomes for children and young adults with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P DeGroote
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristen E Allen
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Erin E Falk
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Khaliah Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, HSRB W-352, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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18
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Johnston EE, Martinez I, Wolfe J, Asch SM. Quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer: A modified Delphi approach. Cancer 2021; 127:2571-2578. [PMID: 33784408 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.33546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The quality of adult end-of-life (EOL) cancer care has benefited from quality measures, but corresponding pediatric measures are lacking. Therefore, the authors used a validated expert panel method to recommend EOL quality measures for pediatric oncology. METHODS The authors used the modified Delphi method to assess potential quality measures. Panelists were selected on the basis of professional organization nominations and expert qualifications. Pediatric and adult oncology, pediatric palliative care, social work, nursing, and hospice were represented. The authors provided the panel with a literature review on 20 proposed measures derived from adult measures and bereaved family interviews. The panel first scored the importance of each measure on a 9-point scale and then discussed the measures via a conference call. The panel then rescored the measures. According to a priori standards, measures with median scores ≥ 7 with at least 7 of 9 experts ranking it as ≥4 were endorsed. RESULTS The 16 endorsed measures included measures related to avoidance of medically intense care (eg, intensive care unit death and intubation in the last 14 days of life), death location (eg, death in the preferred location), hospital policies/programs (eg, the removal of visitor restrictions at EOL and the presence of a bereavement program), and supportive care services (eg, pediatric palliative care involvement and sibling needs assessment). Unendorsed measures included avoidance of chemotherapy at EOL and home death. CONCLUSIONS Expert panel-endorsed quality measures have been developed for EOL care in pediatric oncology. The measures need validation with bereaved families and further refinement before they are ready for real-world application as a tool for standardizing EOL care in pediatric oncology. LAY SUMMARY Quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer lag behind adult quality measures. Therefore, the authors have conducted an expert panel to develop an endorsed list of quality measures for end-of-life care for children with cancer. The 16 endorsed measures include measures related to avoidance of medically intense care (eg, intensive care unit death and intubation in the last 14 days of life), location of death (eg, death in the preferred location), hospital policies/programs (eg, the removal of visitor restrictions at the end of life and the presence of a bereavement program), and supportive care services (eg, pediatric palliative care involvement and sibling needs assessment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Isaac Martinez
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Steven M Asch
- Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Palo Alto, California
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19
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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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20
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Upshaw NC, Roche A, Gleditsch K, Connelly E, Wasilewski-Masker K, Brock KE. Palliative care considerations and practices for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28781. [PMID: 33089627 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The definition of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in oncology varies with upper limits up to age 39. Younger AYAs, ages 12-24 years, are often cared for within pediatrics. In caring for AYAs with cancer, there are unique considerations that become even more important to recognize, acknowledge, and address in AYAs with life-threatening cancer receiving palliative care. This review highlights important factors such as psychosocial development, cultural considerations, and support structure, which should be considered when providing palliative care to AYAs with cancer during the various stages of care: introduction of palliative care; symptom management; advanced care planning (ACP); end-of-life (EOL) care; and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naadira C Upshaw
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anna Roche
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katrina Gleditsch
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atrium Health - Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Erin Connelly
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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21
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Predictors for place of death among children:A systematic review and meta-analyses of recent literature. Eur J Pediatr 2020; 179:1227-1238. [PMID: 32607620 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-020-03689-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Through a systematic review and meta-analyses, we aimed to determine predictors for place of death among children. We searched online databases for studies published between 2008 and 2019 comprising original quantitative data on predictors for place of death among children. Data regarding study design, population characteristics and results were extracted from each study. Meta-analyses were conducted using generic inverse variance method with random effects. Fourteen cohort studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising data on 106,788 decedents. Proportions of home death varied between countries and regions from 7% to 45%. Lower age was associated with higher odds of hospital death in eight studies (meta-analysis was not possible). Children categorised as non-white were less likely to die at home compared to white (pooled OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.5-0.7) as were children of low socio-economic position versus high (pooled OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.6-0.9). Compared to patients with cancer, children with non-cancer diagnoses had lower odds of home death (pooled OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.5-0.5).Conclusion: Country and region of residence, older age of the child, high socio-economic position, 'white' ethnicity and cancer diagnoses appear to be independent predictors of home death among children. What is Known: • Home is often considered an indicator of quality in end-of-life care. • Most terminally ill children die in hospitals. What is New: • Through a systematic review and meta-analyses, this study examined predictors for place of death among children. • Country and region of residence, older age of the child, high socio-economic position, white ethnicity and having a cancer diagnosis appear to be independent predictors of home death among terminally ill children.
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22
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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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23
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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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24
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Sisk BA, Kang TI, Mack JW. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Parental Decision-Making Roles in Pediatric Oncology. J Palliat Med 2019; 23:192-197. [PMID: 31408409 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Prior work in adult oncology suggests minority patients are less involved in decision making than preferred. However, few studies have explored decision-making experiences of minority parents in pediatric oncology. Objective: To determine whether parental decision-making preferences and experiences vary by race/ethnicity. Design: Questionnaire-based cohort study. Setting/Subjects: Three hundred sixty five parents of children with cancer and their oncologists at two academic centers. Measurements: Parents reported on preferred and actual decision-making roles. Associations between race/ethnicity and decision-making outcomes determined by chi-squared test. Results: Most parents preferred shared decision making (235/368, 64%), whereas 23% (84/368) preferred parent-led decision making and 13% (49/368) preferred oncologist-led decision making. Parental decision-making preferences did not differ by race/ethnicity (p = 0.38, chi-squared test). However, the actual role parents played in decision making differed by parental race/ethnicity, with 25% (71/290) of white parents reporting parent-led decision making, versus 37% (9/24) of black parents, 48% (13/27) of Hispanic parents, and 56% (15/27) of Asian/other parents (p = 0.005, chi-squared test). Oncologists accurately predicted parental preferences for decision making 49% of the time (n = 165/338), but accuracy also differed by race and ethnicity. Oncologists accurately predicted parental preferences for 53% of white parents (140/266), 23% of black parents (5/22), 37% of Hispanic parents (10/27), and 43% of Asian/other race parents (10/23) (p = 0.026, chi-squared test). Conclusions: Minority parents held more active roles than white parents, and oncologists had more difficulty predicting decisional preferences for minority parents relative to white parents. These findings suggest that minority parents are at risk of inferior decision-making experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan A Sisk
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tammy I Kang
- Section of Pediatric Palliative Care, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennifer W Mack
- Pediatric Oncology and Division of Population Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Mark MSJ, Yang G, Ding L, Norris RE, Thienprayoon R. Location of Death and End-of-Life Characteristics of Young Adults with Cancer Treated at a Pediatric Hospital. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2019; 8:417-422. [PMID: 31013460 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2018.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Location of death (LOD) is an important aspect of end-of-life (EOL) care. Adolescents and young adults (YAs) with pediatric malignancies are increasingly treated in pediatric institutions. YAs, generally defined as 18-39 years old, deserve specific attention because adults have unique developmental and social considerations compared with younger patients. Objective: The goal of this retrospective cohort study was to understand the effect of treatment by a pediatric oncology program on EOL experiences for YAs. Specifically, we examined LOD, hospice, and palliative care (PC) involvement in a cohort of YAs who died of cancer in a large, quaternary care pediatric hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients ≥18 years of age, who died of cancer between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2017. Standardized data were abstracted from the institutional cancer registry and the electronic medical record. Results: YAs in this cohort more commonly died in the hospital (54.9%). Lack of hospice involvement and the presence of a documented do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order were significantly associated with inpatient death. The majority of patients had long-standing PC involvement (95.8%, median 318 days), a DNR order (78.9%), and had enrolled in hospice care (60.6%) before death. Conclusions: These results suggest that a significant proportion of YAs with cancer remain inpatient for EOL care. Pediatric oncologists and PC teams may benefit from additional training in the unique psychosocial needs of YAs to optimize EOL care for these older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa San Julian Mark
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Gang Yang
- 2Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Lili Ding
- 2Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Robin E Norris
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- 3Division of Anesthesia, Department of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio
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26
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Rosenberg AR, Bona K, Coker T, Feudtner C, Houston K, Ibrahim A, Macauley R, Wolfe J, Hays R. Pediatric Palliative Care in the Multicultural Context: Findings From a Workshop Conference. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:846-855.e2. [PMID: 30685496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In our increasingly multicultural society, providing sensitive and respectful pediatric palliative care is vital. OBJECTIVES We held a one-day workshop conference with stakeholders and pediatric clinicians to identify suggestions for navigating conflict when cultural differences are present and for informing standard care delivery. METHODS Participants explored cases in one of four workshops focused on differences based on race/ethnicity, economic disparity, religion/spirituality, or family values. Each workshop was facilitated by two authors; separate transcriptionists recorded workshop discussions in real time. We used content analyses to qualitatively evaluate the texts and generate recommendations. RESULTS Participants included 142 individuals representing over six unique disciplines, 25 of the U.S., and three nations. Although the conference focused on pediatric palliative care, findings were broadly generalizable to most medical settings. Participants identified key reasons cultural differences may create tension and then provided frameworks for communication, training, and clinical care. Specifically, recommendations included phrases to navigate emotional conflict, broken trust, unfamiliar family values, and conflict. Suggested approaches to training and clinical care included the development of core competencies in communication, history taking, needs assessment, and emotional intelligence. Important opportunities for scholarship included qualitative studies exploring diverse patient and family experiences, quantitative studies examining health disparities, and randomized clinical trials testing interventions designed to improve community partnerships, communication, or child health outcomes. CONCLUSION Taken together, findings provide a foundation for collaboration between patients, families, and clinicians of all cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby R Rosenberg
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics and Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Kira Bona
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tumaini Coker
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Diversity and Health Equity, Center for Child Health and Development, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Medical Ethics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, Ethics, and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelli Houston
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Diversity and Health Equity, Center for Child Health and Development, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anisa Ibrahim
- Division of General Academic Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Robert Macauley
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, 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
| | - Ross Hays
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics and Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle, Washington, USA; Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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27
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Kaye EC, Gushue CA, DeMarsh S, Jerkins J, Li C, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin L, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Impact of Race and Ethnicity on End-of-Life Experiences for Children With Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:767-774. [DOI: 10.1177/1049909119836939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Racial and ethnic disparities in the provision of end-of-life care are well described in the adult oncology literature. However, the impact of racial and ethnic disparities at end of life in the context of pediatric oncology remains poorly understood. Objective: To investigate associations between end-of-life experiences and race/ethnicity for pediatric patients with cancer. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 321 children with cancer enrolled on a palliative care service at an urban pediatric cancer who died between 2011 and 2015. Results: Compared to white patients, black patients were more likely to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; odds ratio [OR]: 4.109, confidence interval [CI]: 1.432-11.790, P = .009) and underwent 3.136 (CI: 1.433-6.869, P = .004) CPR events for every 1 white patient CPR event. The remainder of variables related to treatment and end-of-life care were not significantly correlated with race. Hispanic patients were less likely to receive cancer-directed therapy within 28 days prior to death (OR: 0.493, CI: 0.247-0.982, P = .044) as compared to non-Hispanic patients, yet they were more likely to report a goal of cure over comfort as compared to non-Hispanic patients (OR: 3.094, CI: 1.043-9.174, P = .042). The remainder of variables were not found to be significantly correlated with ethnicity. Conclusions: Race and ethnicity influenced select end-of-life variables for pediatric palliative oncology patients treated at a large urban pediatric cancer center. Further multicenter investigation is needed to ascertain the impact of racial/ethnic disparities on end-of-life experiences of children with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C. Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Courtney A. Gushue
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Chen Li
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsay Blazin
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Deena R. Levine
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - R. Ray Morrison
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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28
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Cheng BT, Rost M, De Clercq E, Arnold L, Elger BS, Wangmo T. Palliative care initiation in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review. Cancer Med 2018; 8:3-12. [PMID: 30525302 PMCID: PMC6346252 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Palliative care (PC) aims to improve quality of life for patients and their families. The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that PC starts at diagnosis for children with cancer. This systematic review describes studies that reported PC timing in the pediatric oncology population. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases. Studies that reported time of PC initiation were independently screened and reviewed by 2 researchers. Studies describing pilot initiatives, published prior to 1998, not written in English, or providing no empirical time information on PC were excluded. Extracted data included sample characteristics and timing of PC discussion and initiation. Of 1120 identified citations, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and comprised the study cohort. Overall, 54.5% of pediatric oncology patients received any palliative service prior to death. Data revealed PC discussion does not occur until late in the illness trajectory, and PC does not begin until close to time of death. Despite efforts to spur earlier initiation, many pediatric oncology patients do not receive any palliative care service, and those who do, predominantly receive it near the time of death. Delays occur both at first PC discussion and at PC initiation. Efforts for early PC integration must recognize the complex determinants of PC utilization across the illness timeline. This systematic review examines the timing of palliative care initiation in pediatric oncology patients to assess the state of palliative care integration. Many pediatric oncology patients do not receive any palliative service, and those who do, typically receive it late in the illness trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Cheng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva De Clercq
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Louisa Arnold
- Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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29
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Harris VC, Links AR, Walsh J, Schoo DP, Lee AH, Tunkel DE, Boss EF. A Systematic Review of Race/Ethnicity and Parental Treatment Decision-Making. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2018; 57:1453-1464. [PMID: 30014706 PMCID: PMC6460468 DOI: 10.1177/0009922818788307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Patient race/ethnicity affects health care utilization, provider trust, and treatment choice. It is uncertain how these influences affect pediatric care. We performed a systematic review (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Embase) for articles examining race/ethnicity and parental treatment decision-making, adhering to PRISMA methodology. A total of 9200 studies were identified, and 17 met inclusion criteria. Studies focused on treatment decisions concerning end-of-life care, human papillomavirus vaccination, urological surgery, medication regimens, and dental care. Findings were not uniform between studies; however, pooled results showed (1) racial/ethnic minorities tended to prefer more aggressive end-of-life care; (2) familial tradition of neonatal circumcision influenced the decision to circumcise; and (3) non-Hispanic Whites were less likely to pursue human papillomavirus vaccination but more likely to complete the vaccine series if initiated. The paucity of studies precluded overarching findings regarding the influence of race/ethnicity on parental treatment decisions. Further investigation may improve family-centered communication, parent engagement, and shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandra C. Harris
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anne R. Links
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jonathan Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Desi P. Schoo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Andrew H. Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David E. Tunkel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily F. Boss
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
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30
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Kaye EC, DeMarsh S, Gushue CA, Jerkins J, Sykes A, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin LJ, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Predictors of Location of Death for Children with Cancer Enrolled on a Palliative Care Service. Oncologist 2018; 23:1525-1532. [PMID: 29728467 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the U.S., more children die from cancer than from any other disease, and more than one third die in the hospital setting. These data have been replicated even in subpopulations of children with cancer enrolled on a palliative care service. Children with cancer who die in high-acuity inpatient settings often experience suffering at the end of life, with increased psychosocial morbidities seen in their bereaved parents. Strategies to preemptively identify children with cancer who are more likely to die in high-acuity inpatient settings have not been explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS A standardized tool was used to gather demographic, disease, treatment, and end-of-life variables for 321 pediatric palliative oncology (PPO) patients treated at an academic pediatric cancer center who died between 2011 and 2015. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict patient subgroups at increased risk for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) death. RESULTS Higher odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 4.02; p = .002), hematologic malignancy (OR, 7.42; p < .0001), history of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (OR, 4.52; p < .0001), total number of PICU hospitalizations (OR, 1.98; p < .0001), receipt of cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (OR, 2.96; p = .002), and palliative care involvement occurring less than 30 days before death (OR, 4.7; p < .0001). Conversely, lower odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with hospice involvement (OR, 0.02; p < .0001) and documentation of advance directives at the time of death (OR, 0.37; p = .033). CONCLUSION Certain variables may predict PICU death for PPO patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end-of-life outcomes for children with cancer and their families. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Children with cancer who die in high-acuity inpatient settings often experience a high burden of intensive therapy at the end of life. Strategies to identify patients at higher risk of dying in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have not been explored previously. This study finds that certain variables may predict PICU death for pediatric palliative oncology patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end-of-life outcomes for children with cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Courtney A Gushue
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathan Jerkins
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - April Sykes
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Deena R Levine
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - R Ray Morrison
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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31
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Kaye EC, Gushue CA, DeMarsh S, Jerkins J, Sykes A, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin L, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Illness and end-of-life experiences of children with cancer who receive palliative care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:10.1002/pbc.26895. [PMID: 29218773 PMCID: PMC6159948 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of pediatric palliative oncology is newly emerging. Little is known about the characteristics and illness experiences of children with cancer who receive palliative care (PC). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 321 pediatric oncology patients enrolled in PC who died between 2011 and 2015 was conducted at a large academic pediatric cancer center using a comprehensive standardized data extraction tool. RESULTS The majority of pediatric palliative oncology patients received experimental therapy (79.4%), with 40.5% enrolled on a phase I trial. Approximately one-third received cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (35.5%). More than half had at least one intensive care unit hospitalization (51.4%), with this subset demonstrating considerable exposure to mechanical ventilation (44.8%), invasive procedures (20%), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (12.1%). Of the 122 patients who died in the hospital, 44.3% died in the intensive care unit. Patients with late PC involvement occurring less than 30 days before death had higher odds of dying in the intensive care unit over the home/hospice setting compared to those with earlier PC involvement (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.47-8.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Children with cancer who receive PC experience a high burden of intensive treatments and often die in inpatient intensive care settings. Delayed PC involvement is associated with increased odds of dying in the intensive care unit. Prospective investigation of early PC involvement in children with high-risk cancer is needed to better understand potential impacts on cost-effectiveness, quality of life, and delivery of goal concordant care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney A. Gushue
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jonathan Jerkins
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - April Sykes
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
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Haines ER, Frost AC, Kane HL, Rokoske FS. Barriers to accessing palliative care for pediatric patients with cancer: A review of the literature. Cancer 2018; 124:2278-2288. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Haines
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health; The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill North Carolina
- End-of-Life, Hospice, and Palliative Care Program; RTI International; Research Triangle Park North Carolina
| | - A. Corey Frost
- Child and Adolescent Research and Evaluation Program; RTI International; Research Triangle Park North Carolina
| | - Heather L. Kane
- Child and Adolescent Research and Evaluation Program; RTI International; Research Triangle Park North Carolina
| | - Franziska S. Rokoske
- End-of-Life, Hospice, and Palliative Care Program; RTI International; Research Triangle Park North Carolina
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Boyden JY, Curley MAQ, Deatrick JA, Ersek M. Factors Associated With the Use of U.S. Community-Based Palliative Care for Children With Life-Limiting or Life-Threatening Illnesses and Their Families: An Integrative Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:117-131. [PMID: 28807702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT As children with life-limiting illnesses (LLIs) and life-threatening illnesses (LTIs) live longer, challenges to meeting their complex health care needs arise in homes and communities, as well as in hospitals. Integrated knowledge regarding community-based pediatric palliative care (CBPPC) is needed to strategically plan for a seamless continuum of care for children and their families. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this integrative review article is to explore factors that are associated with the use of CBPPC for U.S. children with LLIs and LTIs and their families. METHODS A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar, and an ancestry search was performed to identify empirical studies and program evaluations published between 2000 and 2016. The methodological protocol included an evaluation of empirical quality and explicit data collection of synthesis procedures. RESULTS Forty peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative methodological interdisciplinary articles were included in the final sample. Patient characteristics such as older age and a solid tumor cancer diagnosis and interpersonal factors such as family support were associated with higher CBPPC use. Organizational features were the most frequently discussed factors that increased CBPPC, including the importance of interprofessional hospice services and interorganizational care coordination for supporting the child and family at home. Finally, geography, concurrent care and hospice eligibility regulations, and funding and reimbursement mechanisms were associated with CBPPC use on a community and systemic level. CONCLUSION Multilevel factors are associated with increased CBPPC use for children with LLIs or LTIs and their families in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Martha A Q Curley
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Janet A Deatrick
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mary Ersek
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Rosenberg AR, Wolfe J. Approaching the third decade of paediatric palliative oncology investigation: historical progress and future directions. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2017; 1:56-67. [PMID: 29333484 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(17)30014-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric palliative care (PPC) endeavours to alleviate the suffering and improve the quality of life of children with serious illnesses and their families. In the past two decades since WHO defined PPC and called for its inclusion in paediatric oncology care, rigorous investigation has provided important insights. For example, the first decade of research focused on end-of-life experiences of the child and the family, underscoring the high prevalence of symptom burden, the barriers to parent-provider concordance with regards to prognosis, as well as the need for bereavement supports. The second decade expanded PPC oncology investigation to include the entire cancer continuum and the voices of patients. Other studies identified the need for support of parents, siblings, and racial and ethnic minority groups. Promising interventions designed to improve outcomes were tested in randomised clinical trials. Future research will build on these findings and pose novel questions about how to continue to reduce the burdens of paediatric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby R Rosenberg
- Seattle Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg MD); Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, and Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe MD); Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe); and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe)
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Seattle Children's Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg MD); Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA (A R Rosenberg); Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, and Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe MD); Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe); and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA (J Wolfe)
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Lindley LC, Nageswaran S. Pediatric Primary Care Involvement in End-of-Life Care for Children. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2017; 34:135-141. [PMID: 26430133 PMCID: PMC5037050 DOI: 10.1177/1049909115609589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between pediatric primary care involvement and hospice and home health care use at end of life. METHODS California Medicaid data were used to estimate the relationship between pediatric primary care involvement and use of hospice and home health care using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Of the 2037 children who died between 2007 and 2010, 11% used hospice and 23% used home health. Among all children, primary care was not related to hospice use and was associated with home health use, usual source of care (OR = 1.83, P < .05), comprehensive care (OR = 1.60, P < .05), and continuous care (low: OR = 1.49, P < .05; moderate: OR = 2.57, P < .05; high: OR = 2.12, P < .05). Primary care for children aged 15 to 20 years was related to hospice use, usual source of care (OR = 4.06, P < .05) and continuous care (low: OR = 4.92, P < .05; moderate OR = 4.09, P < .05; high OR = 3.92, P < .05). Primary care for children under 5 years was associated with home health use, usual source of care (OR = 2.59, P < .05), comprehensive care (OR = 2.49, P < .05), and continuous care (low: OR = 2.22, P < .05; moderate: OR = 3.64, P < .05; high: OR = 3.62, P < .05). For children aged 6 to 14 years, this association was seen with continuous care (moderate: OR = 2.38, P < .05; high: OR = 2.13, P < .05). Home health for children aged 15 to 20 years was related to continuous care (moderate: OR = 2.32, P < .05). CONCLUSION Primary care involvement affected hospice use among older age-groups and home health use among younger age-groups. These findings underscore the need for clinical knowledge about end-of-life care for children of all ages among primary care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Lindley
- 1 College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Savithri Nageswaran
- 2 Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity Social Sciences & Health Policy, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Wake Forest, NC, USA
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Lindley LC, Newnam KM. Hospice Use for Infants With Life-Threatening Health Conditions, 2007 to 2010. J Pediatr Health Care 2017; 31:96-103. [PMID: 27245660 PMCID: PMC5125910 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infant deaths account for a majority of all pediatric deaths. However, little is known about the factors that influence parents to use hospice care for their infant with a life-threatening health condition. METHODS Data were used from 2007 to 2010 California Medicaid claims files (N = 207). Analyses included logistic and negative binomial multivariate regression models. RESULTS More than 15% of infants enrolled in hospice care for an average of 5 days. Infant girls and infants with congenital anomalies were more likely to enroll in hospice care and to have longer stays. However, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions were negatively related to hospice enrollment and hospice length of stay. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights for nurses and other clinicians who care for infants and their families at end of life and suggests that nurses can assist families in identifying infant hospice providers who may help families understand their options for end-of-life care.
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Rosenberg AR, Wolfe J, Wiener L, Lyon M, Feudtner C. Ethics, Emotions, and the Skills of Talking About Progressing Disease With Terminally Ill Adolescents: A Review. JAMA Pediatr 2016; 170:1216-1223. [PMID: 27749945 PMCID: PMC5636611 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.2142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE For clinicians caring for adolescent patients living with progressive, life-threatening illness, discussions regarding prognosis, goals of care, and treatment options can be extremely challenging. While clinicians should respect and help to facilitate adolescents' emerging autonomy, they often must also work with parents' wishes to protect patients from the emotional distress of hearing bad news. OBSERVATIONS We reviewed the ethical justifications for and against truth-telling, and we considered the published ethical and practice guidance, as well as the perspectives of patients, parents, and clinicians involved in these cases. We also explored particular challenges with respect to the cultural context, timing, and content of conversations at the end of adolescents' lives. In most cases, clinicians should gently but persistently engage adolescents directly in conversations about their disease prognosis and corresponding hopes, worries, and goals. These conversations need to occur multiple times, allowing significant time in each discussion for exploration of patient and family values. While truth-telling does not cause the types of harm that parents and clinicians may fear, discussing this kind of difficult news is almost always emotionally distressing. We suggest some "phrases that help" when clinicians strive to deepen understanding and facilitate difficult conversations with adolescents, parents, and other family members. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The pediatrician's opportunities to engage in difficult conversations about poor prognosis may be rare, but such conversations can be crucial. These discussions affect how patients live at the end of their lives, how they die, and how their families go on. Improved understanding of basic principles of communication, as well as augmented understanding of patient, family, and clinician perspectives may better enable us to navigate these important conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby R. Rosenberg
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Seattle, Washington2Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington3Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts5Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lori Wiener
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Maureen Lyon
- Center for Translational Science, Children’s National Health System, Children’s Research Institute, Washington, DC8George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team and Department of Medical Ethics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania10Departments of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics, and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Brock KE, Steineck A, Twist CJ. Trends in End-of-Life Care in Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant Patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2016; 63:516-22. [PMID: 26513237 PMCID: PMC5106189 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Decisions about end-of-life care may be influenced by cultural and disease-specific features. We evaluated associations of demographic variables (race, ethnicity, language, religion, and diagnosis) with end-of-life characteristics (Phase I enrollment, do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, hospice utilization, location of death), and trends in palliative care services delivered to pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplant (SCT) patients. PROCEDURE In this single-center retrospective cohort study, inclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged 0-35 who died between January 1, 2002 and March 1, 2014, and had been cared for in the pediatric hematology, oncology, and SCT divisions. The era of 2002-2014 was divided into quartiles to assess trends over time. RESULTS Of the 445 included patients, 64% of patients had relapsed disease, 45% were enrolled in hospice, and 16% had received palliative care consultation. Patients with brain or solid tumors enrolled in hospice (P < 0.0001) and died at home more frequently than patients with leukemia/lymphoma (P < 0.0001). Patients who received Phase I therapy or identified as Christian/Catholic religion enrolled in hospice more frequently (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.03, respectively). When patient deaths were analyzed over quartiles, the frequency of DNR orders (P = 0.02) and palliative care consultation (P = 0.04) increased over time. Hospice enrollment, location of death, and Phase I trial enrollment did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS Despite increases in palliative care consultation and DNR orders over time, utilization remains suboptimal. No increase in hospice enrollment or shift in death location was observed. These data will help target future initiatives to achieve earlier discussions of goals of care and improved palliative care for all patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine E. Brock
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Angela Steineck
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Clare J. Twist
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Thienprayoon R, Marks E, Funes M, Martinez-Puente LM, Winick N, Lee SC. Perceptions of the Pediatric Hospice Experience among English- and Spanish-Speaking Families. J Palliat Med 2015; 19:30-41. [PMID: 26618809 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2015.0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Many children who die are eligible for hospice enrollment but little is known about parental perceptions of the hospice experience, the benefits, and disappointments. The objective of this study was to explore parental perspectives of the hospice experience in children with cancer, and to explore how race/ethnicity impacts this experience. STUDY DESIGN We held 20 semistructured interviews with 34 caregivers of children who died of cancer and used hospice. Interviews were conducted in the caregivers' primary language: 12 in English and 8 in Spanish. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using accepted qualitative methods. RESULTS Both English and Spanish speakers described the importance of honest, direct communication by medical providers, and anxieties surrounding the expectation of the moment of death. Five English-speaking families returned to the hospital because of unsatisfactory symptom management and the need for additional supportive services. Alternatively, Spanish speakers commonly stressed the importance of being at home and did not focus on symptom management. Both groups invoked themes of caregiver appraisal, but English-speaking caregivers more commonly discussed themes of financial hardship and fear of insurance loss, while Spanish-speakers focused on difficulties of bedside caregiving and geographic separation from family. CONCLUSIONS The intense grief associated with the loss of a child creates shared experiences, but Spanish- and English-speaking parents describe their hospice experiences in different ways. Additional studies in pediatric hospice care are warranted to improve the care we provide to children at the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thienprayoon
- 1 The Pediatric Palliative and Comfort Care Team, Division of Pain, Department of Anesthesiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati, Ohio.,2 Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center , Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Emily Marks
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
| | - Maria Funes
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Naomi Winick
- 4 The Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas.,5 Children's Medical Center Dallas , Dallas, Texas
| | - Simon Craddock Lee
- 3 Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas.,6 Harold C. Simmons Cancer Center, University of Texas at Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas
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Abstract
Hospice is an important provider of end of life care; many children who die of cancer enroll in hospice programs. How frequently such children remain in hospice to die at home, or disenroll from hospice and die in the hospital, has not been described. A child's location of death has important implications for quality of life and parental adaptation. This represents a subanalysis of a retrospective study of 202 consecutive oncology patients who died at a single center between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010. Of 95 children who enrolled in hospice, 82 had known location of death. Sixty (73%) died at home or an inpatient hospice unit, 15 (18%) died in the oncology unit, 5 (6%) died in the intensive care unit, and 2 (2%) died in the emergency department. The median length of hospice services was 41 days, twice the national median of 21 days reported in adults. One quarter of children disenrolled from hospice care, ultimately dying in an acute care setting. Further studies are warranted to explore the hospice experience in children, and to address modifiable factors that may impact a family's choice to withdraw from hospice care.
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Abstract
One of the many difficult moments for families of children with life-limiting illnesses is to make the decision to access pediatric hospice care. Although determinants that influence families' decisions to access pediatric hospice care have been recently identified, the relationship between these determinants and access to pediatric hospice care have not been explicated or grounded in accepted healthcare theories or models. Using the Andersen Behavioral Healthcare Utilization Model, this article presents a conceptual model describing the determinants of hospice access. Predisposing (demographic; social support; and knowledge, beliefs, and values), enabling (family and community resources) and need (perceived and evaluated needs) factors were identified through the use of hospice literature. The relationships among these factors are described and implications of the model for future study and practice are discussed.
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Ragsdale L, Zhong W, Morrison W, Munson D, Kang TI, Dai D, Feudtner C. Pediatric exposure to opioid and sedation medications during terminal hospitalizations in the United States, 2007-2011. J Pediatr 2015; 166:587-93.e1. [PMID: 25454928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the use of opioids and sedatives to pediatric patients dying in the hospital in the 2 weeks preceding death. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study on opioid and sedation medication exposure among children who die in hospitals in the US by using large administrative data sources. We described patterns of exposure to these medications for deceased inpatients (<21 years of age) between 2007 and 2011 (n = 37,459) and factors associated with the exposure. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the ORs. RESULTS Overall, 74% patients were exposed to opioids or sedatives in the 14 days before death. Among patients with 6 or more hospital days before death, the daily exposure rate ranged from 73% (the sixth day before death) to 89% (the day of death). The most commonly used medications were fentanyl (52%), midazolam (44%), and morphine (40%). Older age (ORs 1.6-3.7), black race (ORs 0.8), longer hospital stay (ORs 6.6-9.3), receiving medical interventions (including mechanical ventilation, surgery, and stay in the intensive care unit, ORs 1.7-2.6), having comorbidities (ORs 1.7-2.4), and being hospitalized in children's hospitals (ORs 4.0-4.5) were associated with exposure of opioid and sedation medication on adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION Although most pediatric patients terminally hospitalized are exposed to opioid and sedation medication, some patients do not receive such medications before death. Given that patient and hospital characteristics were associated with opioid/sedative exposure, these findings suggest areas of potential quality improvement and further research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wenjun Zhong
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Wynne Morrison
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - David Munson
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Tammy I Kang
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Dingwei Dai
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.
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Lindley LC, Shaw SL. Who are the children using hospice care? J SPEC PEDIATR NURS 2014; 19:308-15. [PMID: 25131751 PMCID: PMC4490584 DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose was to examine the characteristics of children who use hospice care. DESIGN AND METHODS Using the Andersen Model of Health Services Use, California Medicaid administrative databases were analyzed to describe the characteristics of 76 children in hospice. RESULTS The predisposing, enabling, and need characteristics of children were identified. Children who used hospice were a diverse group with community resources that enabled them to access care while presenting with serious health needs. Children enrolled in hospice were more likely older (15-20 years of age), resided nearer a pediatric hospice, and had a serious health condition such as neuromuscular disease with multiple comorbidities. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS With this knowledge, pediatric nurses can improve their clinical practice by targeting conversations with families and children most in need of hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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