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Wimberly CE, Davis ES, Towry L, Walsh KM, Johnston EE. Psychosocial burden after the death of a child from cancer: Results of a bereaved parent survey. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38958178 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2371074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Parents experience lasting psychological distress after a child's death from cancer. Limited evidence exists regarding difficult life events, duration of psychosocial impacts, and associated risk factors among bereaved parents. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation surveyed self-selected, bereaved parents regarding difficult life events and psychosocial wellbeing (life satisfaction, unanswered questions, and missing the care team) through a public, cross-sectional survey. 176 bereaved parents (89% mothers) participated a median of 7 y after their child's death. The most difficult events were family vacations (80%), their child's birthday (80%), and anniversary of their child's death (76%). Only the latter did not improve with time. Greater life satisfaction was associated with male sex (ARR = 1.2, 95% CI:1.1-1.4) and being married/partnered (ARR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.3). Having unanswered questions and missing the child's team were associated with annual income <$50,000 (ARR = 1.2, 95% CI:1.1-1.2; ARR = 1.2, 95% CI:1.0-1.3, respectively). Pediatric oncology programs need robust bereavement programs that include prolonged contact with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Wimberly
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Towry
- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Department of Neurosurgery and Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Children's Health and Discovery Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Koželj A, Strauss M, Poštuvan V, Strauss Koželj A, Strnad M. Perception of Personal Participation of the Nurses in Resuscitation Procedures: A Qualitative Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:196. [PMID: 38399484 PMCID: PMC10890641 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Resuscitation is one of the most stressful tasks in emergency medicine. The participation of nurses in this procedure can have specific effects on them. In this research, we wanted to find out what these effects are. Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach by conducting semi-structured interviews was used, and a thematic data analysis of the recorded interviews was carried out. The collected data were transcribed verbatim, with no corrections to the audio recordings. The computer program ATLAS.ti 22 was used for the qualitative data analysis. Results: Eleven male registered nurses were interviewed, with an average of 18.5 years of experience working in a prehospital environment (max. 32/min. 9). A total of 404 min of recordings were analyzed, and 789 codes were found, which were combined into 36 patterns and 11 themes. As the most stressful situations, the interviewees pointed out the resuscitation of a child, familiar persons, conflicts with the environment, conflicts within the resuscitation team, nonfunctioning or insufficient equipment, complications during resuscitation, and resuscitating a person only for training. As positive effects, the interviewees cited successful resuscitations or their awareness that, despite an unsuccessful resuscitation, they did everything they could. Conclusions: Participation in these interventions has a specific positive or negative impact on the performers. The interviewees shared the opinion that they can cope effectively with the adverse or stressful effects of resuscitation. Yet, despite everything, they allow the possibility of subconscious influences of this intervention on themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Koželj
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Strauss
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Vita Poštuvan
- Slovene Center for Suicide Research, Andrej Marušič Institute, University of Primorska, 6000 Koper, Slovenia;
| | | | - Matej Strnad
- Emergency Department, University Clinical Centre Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
- Center for Emergency Medicine, Prehospital Unit, Community Healthcare Center, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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3
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Weaver MS, Nasir A, Lord BT, Starin A, Linebarger JS. Supporting the Family After the Death of a Child or Adolescent. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023064426. [PMID: 38009001 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064426] [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: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether death occurs in the context of a chronic illness or as the sudden loss of a previously healthy infant, child, or adolescent, the death of a child is a highly stressful and traumatic event. Psychosocial support for families after the death of a child embodies core medical values of professional fidelity, compassion, respect for human dignity, and promotion of the best interests of a grieving family. The pediatrician has an important role in supporting the family unit after the death of a child through a family-centered, culturally humble, trauma-informed approach. This clinical report aims to provide the pediatrician with a review of the current evidence on grief, bereavement, and mourning after the loss of a child and with practical guidance to support family caregivers, siblings, and the child's community. Pediatricians have an important role in helping siblings and helping families understand sibling needs during grief. Ways for pediatricians to support family members with cultural sensitivity are suggested and other helpful resources in the community are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- National Center for Ethics in Health Care, Veterans Health Affairs, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Arwa Nasir
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Blyth T Lord
- Courageous Parents Network, Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Starin
- National Association of Social Workers, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jennifer S Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
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Haxel CS, Belser AH, DeSarno M, Glickstein J, Flyer JN. Pediatric Cardiology Condolence Letter Writing: Does a Fellowship Curriculum Impact Practice? J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e343-e352. [PMID: 37327916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.06.001] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Condolence letter (CL) writing after the death of a child is an important opportunity for humanism. Pediatric cardiology fellowship training now recognizes the importance of palliative care, but rarely includes CL education, despite its fragile patient population. OBJECTIVES To address this professionalism gap, a formal CL writing curriculum was created and implemented in a pediatric cardiology fellowship. This study investigated the impact of the curriculum on pediatric cardiology CL writing, and broader CL practices and beliefs. METHODS Pediatric cardiology fellows at a high volume urban academic program from 2000 to 2022 were divided into two cohorts (exposure to CL curriculum [2014-2022] vs. no exposure [2000-2013]) and responded by anonymous electronic multiple choice and open ended survey to assess the CL curriculum and describe current CL practices and beliefs. Impact of curriculum elements was determined by ordinal ranking. A 5-point Likert scale was used to report physician behaviors. Chi-square tests of independence were utilized for group comparisons. RESULTS The overall survey response rate was 59% (63/107). Cardiologists who participated in the curriculum (64%, 35/55) were more likely to report writing CLs (80% vs. 40%; P < 0.01). Impactful curriculum elements included the opportunity for all fellows to contribute to a CL (78%) and identifying a primary fellow to write the CL (66%). A majority (>75%) of curriculum participants agreed that formal teaching increased their frequency, ability, and comfort in writing CLs. CONCLUSION Development of condolence expression educational programs in pediatric cardiology training should be expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S Haxel
- Department of Pediatric (C.S.H, J.N.F.), The Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; Division of Pediatric Cardiology (C.S.H.), University of Vermont Children's Hospital, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Abigail H Belser
- Boston Combined Residency Program (A.H.B.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael DeSarno
- Department of Medical Biostatistics (M.D.), The Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Colchester, VT, USA
| | - Julie Glickstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology (J.G.), Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of New York Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan N Flyer
- Department of Pediatric (C.S.H, J.N.F.), The Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT; Division of Pediatric Cardiology (C.S.H.), University of Vermont Children's Hospital, Burlington, VT, USA
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5
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Aglio T, Porter A, Bien K, Clark L, Hashmi S, Kaye EC. Training in Expression of Authentic Condolences in Healthcare: A Pilot Study. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1697-1701. [PMID: 35984999 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bereaved parents value receiving support from their children's health care teams. Pediatric residents are important members of the teams that care for children at end of life and can play a meaningful role in communication with bereaved families. Yet formal training in expressing condolences is currently lacking. Methods: We applied Kern's six step approach to develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative curriculum aimed at increasing pediatric residents' comfort levels with and practice of condolence expression. Results: Twelve residents participated in the pilot study. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrate that residents' comfort levels with expressing condolences increased after implementation of the curriculum and that residents appreciated and benefitted from receiving this education. Conclusion: We successfully developed and piloted a condolence expression curriculum that was well received by pediatric residents and led to increased comfort level with expressing condolences. Research is ongoing to determine the full impact of this curriculum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Aglio
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amy Porter
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Kelly Bien
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa Clark
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Saman Hashmi
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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Wiener L, Lichtenthal W, Weaver MS. Expressing Condolences to a Family after the Death of a Child #443. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1309-1310. [PMID: 35913474 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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7
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Linebarger JS, Johnson V, Boss RD, Linebarger JS, Collura CA, Humphrey LM, Miller EG, Williams CSP, Rholl E, Ajayi T, Lord B, McCarty CL. Guidance for Pediatric End-of-Life Care. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186860. [PMID: 35490287 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The final hours, days, and weeks in the life of a child or adolescent with serious illness are stressful for families, pediatricians, and other pediatric caregivers. This clinical report reviews essential elements of pediatric care for these patients and their families, establishing end-of-life care goals, anticipatory counseling about the dying process (expected signs or symptoms, code status, desired location of death), and engagement with palliative and hospice resources. This report also outlines postmortem tasks for the pediatric team, including staff debriefing and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Victoria Johnson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Renee D Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
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8
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Porter AS, Weaver MS, Snaman JM, Li C, Lu Z, Baker JN, Kaye EC. "Still Caring for the Family": Condolence Expression Training for Pediatric Residents. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:1188-1197. [PMID: 34062219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Insufficient communication from the medical team following a child's death may compound parental grief. Pediatric residents care for children who die, yet the landscape of condolence expression education within residency programs has not been studied. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents' levels of experience and comfort with condolence expression and to assess their needs and desires for training in condolence expression. METHODS A cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was developed by palliative care clinicians in collaboration with bereaved parents. In 2020, following pilot testing, an electronic survey measuring resident experience with, comfort with, and training on condolence expression was distributed to 202 third-year pediatric residents across 17 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs representing varying sizes and geographic regions. RESULTS Ten percent of pediatric residents surveyed reported having training on condolence expression. Almost all residents considered condolence expression to be beneficial for bereaved families and most for clinicians, too, yet very very few had formally expressed condolences in their roles as physicians: 83.1% had never written a condolence letter; 85% had never made a condolence phone call; and 90.5% had never attended a memorial event. Commonly reported barriers to condolence expression included lack of experience and training, as well as concern about upsetting families. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric residents lack comfort with and training in condolence expression and desire education to address these gaps. These findings should inform development and investigation of educational resources and training opportunities for residents to learn and practice compassionate provision of condolences to grieving families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Porter
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Meaghann S Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center (M.S.W.), Omaha, Nebraska, USA; National Center for Ethics in Healthcare (M.S.W.), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.M.S.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (J.M.S.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chen Li
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Tullis J, Schalley S, Navaneethan H, Chapman C, Weaver MS. Spoke and Wheel: Turning toward Pediatric Social Workers for Family-Based Bereavement Support. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK IN END-OF-LIFE & PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 17:254-261. [PMID: 34039250 DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2021.1915922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Tullis
- Division of Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sabrina Schalley
- Division of Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hema Navaneethan
- Division of Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christyn Chapman
- Division of Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Meaghann S Weaver
- Division of Palliative Care - Hand in Hand, Children's Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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10
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Roberts KE, Lichtenthal WG, Ferrell BR. Being a Bereavement-Conscious Hospice and Palliative Care Clinician. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2021; 23:293-295. [PMID: 34185724 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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11
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Helton G, Morris SE, Dole OR, Wolfe J, Snaman JM. Parental Perceptions of Hospital-Based Bereavement Support Following a Child's Death From Cancer: Room for Improvement. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1254-1260. [PMID: 33197525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The death of a child from cancer is a devastating event, placing bereaved parents at risk for both physical and psychosocial morbidities. Despite growing awareness of these outcomes and increased hospital-based support, bereaved parents continue to express a desire for additional assistance. OBJECTIVES We examined parental perceptions of bereavement support from the clinical teams and institution and suggested modifications to hospital support strategies. METHODS We explored the answers to four questions on the bereavement support provided from the care team and institutional mailings from a larger survey, querying parents of children who died from cancer 6 to 24 months prior to participation. Answers were Likert scale based with additional free-text responses. RESULTS Forty-nine parents completed the survey (response rate 36%). The respondents were predominantly white (N = 43, 88%), female (N = 32, 65%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (N = 43, 88%). The mean length of time from child's death to completion was 13 months. Twenty-seven (55%) and 26 (53%) parents indicated that contact with care team and mailings, respectively, were at least a little helpful in their grief experience. In free-text responses, parents identified support outside the hospital (28 respondents), groups and events hosted by the hospital or hospice (8), contact with care team (3), and hospital mailings (1) as the most helpful. Findings support modifications to hospital support strategies. CONCLUSIONS Bereaved parents request additional supportive services. Using the parents' perspective and recommendations, we outline options to augment support and provide a variety of supportive resources for bereaved parents to access in their own time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Helton
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sue E Morris
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Olivia R Dole
- Department of Family Services Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 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.
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12
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Howe EG. Seven “Between-the-Lines” Questions All Ethics Consultants Should Continue to Ask. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1086/jce2021322087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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13
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Weaver MS, Jurgens A, Neumann ML, Schalley SM, Kellas JK, Navaneethan H, Tullis J. Actual Solidarity through Virtual Support: A Pilot Descriptive Study of an Online Support Group for Bereaved Parents. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1161-1166. [PMID: 33404324 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hospital-based support for bereaved parents is regarded as best practice. Little is known about parental perceptions or programmatic potential of online grief support. Objectives: To learn from bereaved parent participants' experiences with an online support group to include perceptions of technology acceptance and group communication dynamics. Design: Descriptive study reporting on an eight-week online bereavement support group offered during summer 2020. Subjects and Setting: Inclusive of six bereaved parent participants in the Midwestern United States. Measurements: Post-intervention survey consisting of 49-items with the Technology Acceptance Model and Other Communicated Perspective-Taking Ability instruments embedded. Results: Five bereaved mothers and one father (mean age 32 years) residing an average 126 miles from hospital participated in an online support group in a timeframe seven months to one year from the death of their child. Intensity of grief emotion (5/6 parents) and physical distance (4/6 parents) were notable barriers to in-person visits to the hospital, where bereavement support was to be offered. Parents uniformly reported feeling benefit from the program and satisfaction with the program. Respondents self-reported gaining improved communication (4/6 parents), coping (3/6 parents), peer support (3/6 parents), education (3/6 parents), and emotional expression (3/6 parents). Mean scores on the technology acceptance and communication experiences scales were 4.7/5. The virtual format was an acceptable modality with perceived supportive interpersonal communication dynamics. Conclusion: Pediatric palliative care teams may consider the offering of online bereavement support groups. Further research is warranted on the impact and outcomes of online bereavement support groups for bereaved parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S Weaver
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Marie L Neumann
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Sabrina M Schalley
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jody Koenig Kellas
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Hema Navaneethan
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Julianne Tullis
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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14
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Sreedhar SS, Kraft C, Friebert S. Primary palliative care: Skills for all clinicians. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2020; 50:100814. [PMID: 32616444 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2020.100814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The number of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions is increasing, requiring an individualized approach and additional supportive care. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for pediatric palliative care to be available to all children who would benefit.1,2 High quality pediatric palliative care is essential for these children. Collaborative team-based methods focused on improving quality of life have shown to improve outcomes in physical, emotional, and cognitive domains.3 Palliative care involvement at the time of diagnosis rather than just at the end of life has moved coordinated care upstream. All clinicians can and should deliver palliative care. The Joint Commission recommends having patient-centered palliative care services available for children, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is reimbursing clinicians for this coordinated care. This article details how all pediatric clinicians can positively influence the care of seriously ill children by incorporating palliative care principles into their daily care, resulting in better outcomes for their patients and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue S Sreedhar
- Critical Care and Palliative Care, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States.
| | - Colleen Kraft
- Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, United States
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15
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Lichtenthal WG, Roberts KE, Catarozoli C, Schofield E, Holland JM, Fogarty JJ, Coats TC, Barakat LP, Baker JN, Brinkman TM, Neimeyer RA, Prigerson HG, Zaider T, Breitbart W, Wiener L. Regret and unfinished business in parents bereaved by cancer: A mixed methods study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:367-377. [PMID: 32020837 PMCID: PMC7438163 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319900301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior research has demonstrated that the presence of regret and unfinished business is associated with poorer adjustment in bereavement. Though there is a growing literature on these constructs among caregivers of adult patients, the literature on regret and unfinished business in bereaved parents has been limited. AIM The aim of this study was to examine regret and unfinished business in parents bereaved by cancer, as well as their associations with caregiving experiences and prolonged grief. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study that utilized self-report questionnaires with open-ended items. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The multisite study took place at a tertiary cancer hospital and pediatric cancer clinical research institution. Participants were 118 parents (mothers = 82, fathers = 36) who lost a child aged 6 months to 25 years to cancer between 6 months and 6 years prior. RESULTS Results showed that 73% of the parents endorsed regret and 33% endorsed unfinished business, both of which were more common among mothers than fathers (p ⩽ 0.05). Parents were on average moderately distressed by their regrets and unfinished business, and both regret-related and unfinished business-related distress were associated with distress while caregiving and prolonged grief symptoms. CONCLUSION Findings have implications for how providers work with families, including increasing treatment decision-making support, supporting parents in speaking to their child about illness, and, in bereavement, validating choices made. Grief interventions that use cognitive-behavioral and meaning-centered approaches may be particularly beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy G Lichtenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kailey E Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Schofield
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Justin J Fogarty
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Taylor C Coats
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Talia Zaider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Breitbart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Keles S. Palliative Care Ethics: Medicine’s Duty to Help. Palliat Care 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.85160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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