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Mercante A, Owens J, Bruni O, Nunes ML, Gringras P, Li SX, Papa S, Kreicbergs U, Wolfe J, Zernikow B, Lacerda A, Benini F. International consensus on sleep problems in pediatric palliative care: Paving the way. Sleep Med 2024; 119:574-583. [PMID: 38833942 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.05.042] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sleep problems constitute a common and heterogeneous complaint in pediatric palliative care (PPC), where they often contribute to disease morbidity and cause additional distress to children and adolescents and their families already facing the burden of life-threatening and life-limiting conditions. Despite the significant impact of sleep problems, clinical evidence is lacking. The application of general pediatric sleep recommendations appears insufficient to address the unique challenges of the PPC dimension in terms of disease variability, duration, comorbidities, complexity of needs, and particular features of sleep problems related to hospice care. Therefore, we initiated an international project aimed at establishing a multidisciplinary consensus. METHODS A two-round Delphi approach was adopted to develop recommendations in the areas of Definition, Assessment/Monitoring, and Treatment. After selecting a panel of 72 worldwide experts, consensus (defined as ≥75% agreement) was reached through an online survey. RESULTS At the end of the two voting sessions, we obtained 53 consensus recommendations based on expert opinion on sleep problems in PPC. CONCLUSIONS This study addresses the need to personalize sleep medicine's approach to the palliative care setting and its peculiarities. It provides the first international consensus on sleep problems in PPC and highlight the urgent need for global guidance to improve sleep-related distress in this vulnerable population and their caregivers. Our findings represent a crucial milestone that will hopefully enable the development of guidelines in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mercante
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Judith Owens
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Magda L Nunes
- School of Medicine and Brain Institute (BraIns) - Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paul Gringras
- Paediatric Sleep Department, Evelina Children's Hospital, King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Shirley Xin Li
- Sleep Research Clinic and Laboratory, Department of Psychology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Ulrika Kreicbergs
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiold University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women and Child Health, Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Boris Zernikow
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany; Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Ana Lacerda
- Department of Paediatrics, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Lisbon Centre, Portugal; European Association for Palliative Care Children and Young People Reference Group Steering Committee, Wasshington, USA; SIOP Europe Palliative Care Working Group Steering Committee, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franca Benini
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Scheinfeld E, Tenzek KE, Cherry J. Survivors' perspectives on saying goodbye: Implications for end-of-life engagement across the lifespan and grieving process. DEATH STUDIES 2023; 48:571-583. [PMID: 37632691 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2250999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Family members are often unaware of their loved ones' final wishes and underestimate the need to talk about them before parents reach end-of-life (EOL). The benefits of engaging in EOL conversations alleviate needless suffering and can allow an opportunity to say goodbye in a meaningful way. We examined final conversations 13 adults recalled having with their aging parents through the lens of the opportunity model for presence (OMP) during the EOL process, a communication process model based on engagement in the dying process from diagnosis through bereavement, to understand the process from the survivor's perspective, looking at content of conversations and where they occurred in the dying process. Findings illustrate final conversations that align with the socio-cultural space of the OMP before the knowledge that a parent was dying, and when entering imminent death engaging in the critical moments, have implications for the grief and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Scheinfeld
- School of Communication and Media, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
| | - Kelly E Tenzek
- Department of Communication, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Jessica Cherry
- Department of Communication Studies, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, USA
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Peralta D, Bogetz J, Lemmon ME. Seminars in Fetal & neonatal medicine: Palliative and end of life care in the NICU. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101457. [PMID: 37230860 PMCID: PMC10827319 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Peralta
- Duke North Pavilion, 2400 Pratt Street, 8th Floor, DUMC 102509, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Jori Bogetz
- 1900 Ninth Ave, JMB-6, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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Medical experts and trusted confidants: parent perceptions of the clinician-parent relationship in childhood cancer. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:113. [PMID: 36633686 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07575-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A childhood cancer diagnosis threatens the health, safety, and security of the child and whole family unit. A strong relationship between the healthcare team and family is integral to provision of holistic support during this time of crisis. Family-centered care necessitates a fluid, therapeutic relationship between parents and the child's healthcare team. This study investigated bereaved parents' perspectives on their relationship with their child's care team and the impact of these relationships on their coping across the cancer trajectory and into bereavement. METHODS Thirty-one parents whose child died from cancer between 1 and 6 years prior to study enrollment participated in semi-structured interviews about their relationships and interactions with their child's healthcare team across the illness course and into bereavement. We audio-recorded interviews, transcribed them verbatim, and utilized a codebook thematic analysis approach to analyze interview transcripts. RESULTS Four themes emerged across interviews with parents describing their perceptions of the parent-clinician relationship: (1) a collaborative approach improves perceptions of care, (2) professional trust is core to the relationship, (3) parental personal preference and bias can limit relationship-building, and (4) meaningful connections form on an emotional, individualized level. These themes highlight relational patterns between parents and clinicians that can promote or erode alliance and collaboration. CONCLUSION Bereaved parents recognize key attributes that influence the parent-clinician relationship. Educating clinicians about parent-identified positive modifiable behaviors (e.g., communication deficits) and awareness of non-modifiable care factors (e.g., individual personality preferences) may enable clinicians to strengthen relationships with parents and ultimately improve quality of care.
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Benini F, Avagnina I, Giacomelli L, Papa S, Mercante A, Perilongo G. Pediatric Palliative Care in Oncology: Basic Principles. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081972. [PMID: 35454879 PMCID: PMC9031296 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary About 4 million children with an oncological disease worldwide require palliative care due to the nature of their condition. The WHO defines pediatric palliative care (PPC) as the prevention and relief of suffering in patients with life-threatening or life-limiting disease and their families. PPC relies on the comprehensive and multidisciplinary management of the child and the family’s physical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs. Importantly, PPC begins at the diagnosis of incurability, or supposed incurability, and continues regardless of whether the patient receives any oncological treatment. As such, PPC is a general approach continuing over the entire disease trajectory, which includes, but is not limited to, end-of-life care. This review addresses the value of integrating PPC in treating children with cancer, focusing on the basic principles of PPC and its application in pediatric oncology. Abstract About 4 million children with an oncological disease worldwide require pediatric palliative care (PPC) due to the nature of their condition. PPC is not limited to end-of-life care; it is a general approach continuing over the entire disease trajectory, regardless of whether the patient receives any oncological treatment. This review addresses the value of integrating PPC in treating children with cancer, focusing on the basic principles of PPC and its application in pediatric oncology. Moreover, models for PPC implementation in oncology, end-of-life care, and advanced care planning are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Benini
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Irene Avagnina
- Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Service, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy;
| | | | | | - Anna Mercante
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.)
| | - Giorgio Perilongo
- Pediatric Neurology and Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35127 Padua, Italy; (A.M.); (G.P.)
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE/METHODS Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a multidisciplinary medical subspecialty focused on the care of children with serious illnesses and terminal diagnoses. Providers impact the care of children from the perinatal stage through adolescence/young adulthood and help patients and families face diagnoses such as complex chronic disease and malignancy. This article describes these unique populations and distinct areas of current PPC research. RESULTS Unique aspects of PPC include a high level of prognostic uncertainty, symptom burden, pediatric, and surrogate advance care planning, hope in the face of prognostic challenges, care of children at end of life, concurrent care, staff support, sibling support, and bereavement. CONCLUSION PPC's evolution from an extension of hospice into a continuum of support for families and staff caring for children with serious illnesses is exemplified in both qualitative and quantitative research. The literature proves the value that PPC can provide to families, hospitals, and communities. PPC is evolving from a supportive service into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, educational, and interdisciplinary specialty that improves outcomes for all involved.Plain Language Summary (PLS)Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is a service provided to all children with serious illness as a way of addressing suffering. Populations served by PPC range from those not yet born to patients preparing for adulthood. The serious illnesses they face range from chronic disease to cancer. Over the last 20 years research has explored the unique aspects of the pediatric experience of serious illness, including prognostic uncertainty, concurrent care, symptom management, advance care planning, hope, family experience of illness, care at the end of life, staff support, and bereavement.As the number of patients who would benefit from PPC services rapidly expands nationally and worldwide, PPC teams provide education and skills training for their colleagues in primary and subspecialty fields. Hospitals benefit from PPC through improved patient experience, family-centered care, and staff support. Communities are served by PPC that occurs in and out of the hospital.Research in PPC provides guidance for challenging questions in care and has resulted in an increasingly robust body of work. PPC providers have skills of advanced communication training, hope in the face of uncertainty, targeted and personalized symptom management, and a diverse understanding of quality of life. These skills help support decision-making and establish strong connections between providers and families.The field of PPC has a distinct skillset to support families who face serious illness. This article helps medical and psychosocial providers visualize how PPC is evolving from what has often been explained to families as an added layer of support into a uniquely beneficial, collaborative, and interdisciplinary service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Moresco
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Dominic Moore
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Rogers MM, Friebert S, Williams CSP, Humphrey L, Thienprayoon R, Klick JC. Pediatric Palliative Care Programs in US Hospitals. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-021634. [PMID: 34183362 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-021634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is integral to the care of children living with serious illnesses. Despite the growth in the number of established palliative care programs over the past decade, little is known about the current operational features of PPC programs across the country. METHODS The National Palliative Care Registry collects annualized data on palliative care programs' structures, processes, and staffing. Using data from the 2018 registry survey, we report on the operational features of inpatient PPC programs across the United States. RESULTS Fifty-four inpatient PPC programs submitted data about their operations. Programs reported a median of 3.8 full-time equivalent staff per 10 000 hospital admissions (range 0.7-12.1) across the core interdisciplinary team, yet few (37%) met the minimum standards of practice for staffing. Programs provided more annual consults if they were longer-standing, had more interdisciplinary full-time equivalent staff, offered 24/7 availability for patients and families, or were at larger hospitals. The majority of programs reported concern for burnout (63%) and an inability to meet clinical demand with available staffing (60%). CONCLUSIONS There is considerable variability in PPC program operations and structure in hospitals. This study affirms the need for updated program standards and guidelines, as well as research that describes how different care delivery models impact outcomes for patients, families, staff, and health care systems. Future studies that further define the clinical demand, workload, and sustainability challenges of PPC programs are necessary to foster the provision of high-quality PPC and maintain a vital clinical workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie M Rogers
- Center to Advance Palliative Care at the Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Conrad S P Williams
- Palliative Care Program and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Lisa Humphrey
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey C Klick
- Department of Palliative Care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Laronne A, Granek L, Wiener L, Feder-Bubis P, Golan H. Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:3981-3989. [PMID: 33392772 PMCID: PMC8164966 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05959-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric palliative care (PC) is an evolving field and involves a comprehensive approach to care of children with cancer. The goal of this paper was to explore how pediatric oncologists define, interpret, and practice pediatric palliative care in their clinical settings. METHODS The study used the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Twenty-one pediatric oncologists from six pediatric cancer centers across Israel were interviewed. Data was analyzed using line-by-line coding. RESULTS The analysis resulted in a four-tiered conceptual model. This model included the following categories: (1) ill-defined concept; (2) philosophies of palliative care; (3) trajectory of palliative care; and (4) palliative care treatment goals. CONCLUSION The findings illustrate the current conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care among the pediatric oncology community in Israel. The conceptual model documents their understanding of pediatric palliative care as a philosophical approach and the challenges they face in differentiating between palliative care and standard pediatric oncology care. Pediatric palliative care is a highly needed and valued sub-specialty. The findings from this study highlight the importance for its continued development in Israel, as it can reduce the suffering of children and their families. Concurrently, pediatric oncologists need to have more resources and access to explicit knowledge of the conceptual and practical aspects of both primary and specialized pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Laronne
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O.B 653, 8410501, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Leeat Granek
- School of Health Policy and Management and Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lori Wiener
- Behavioral Health Core, Psychosocial Support and Research Program, Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paula Feder-Bubis
- Department of Health Systems Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Hana Golan
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Department, Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Miller EG, Weaver MS, Ragsdale L, Hills T, Humphrey L, Williams CSP, Morvant A, Pitts B, Waldman E, Lotstein D, Linebarger J, Feudtner C, Klick JC. Lessons Learned: Identifying Items Felt To Be Critical to Leading a Pediatric Palliative Care Program in the Current Era of Program Development. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:40-45. [PMID: 32552386 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: The experience of starting and growing a pediatric palliative care program (PPCP) has changed over the last 10 years as rapid increases of patient volume have amplified challenges related to staffing, funding, standards of practice, team resilience, moral injury, and burnout. These challenges have stretched new directors' leadership skills, yet, guidance in the literature on identifying and managing these challenges is limited. Methods: A convenience sample of 15 PPCP directors who assumed their duties within the last 10 years were first asked the following open-ended question: What do you wish you had known before starting or taking over leadership of a PPCP? Responses were grouped into themes based on similarity of content. Participants then ranked these themes based on importance, and an online discussion further elucidated the top ten themes. Results: Thirteen directors responded (86.7%; 69% female). The median age of their current-state PPCP was 5.1 years (range: 0.3-9.3), and the median number of covered pediatric-specific hospital beds was 283 (range: 170-630). Their responses generated 51 distinct items, grouped into 17 themes. Themes ranked as most important included "Learn how to manage, not just lead," "Negotiate everything before you sign anything," and "Balance patient volume with scope of practice." Conclusion: These themes regarding challenges and opportunities PPCP directors encountered in the current era of program growth can be used as a guide for program development, a self-assessment tool for program directors, a needs-assessment for program leadership, and a blueprint for educational offerings for PPCP directors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa G Miller
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Meaghann S Weaver
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lindsay Ragsdale
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tracy Hills
- Section of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa Humphrey
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Conrad S P Williams
- Palliative Care Program, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina Children's Health System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Alexis Morvant
- Pediatric Palliative Care Program at Children's Hospital New Orleans, Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Blaine Pitts
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Elisha Waldman
- Division of Palliative Care, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Debra Lotstein
- Division of Comfort and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jennifer Linebarger
- Section of Palliative Care, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Klick
- Department of Palliative Care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Plessis J, Stones D, Meiring M. Family experiences of oncological palliative and supportive care in children: can we do better? Int J Palliat Nurs 2020; 25:421-430. [PMID: 31585056 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2019.25.9.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Families were interviewed as a quality improvement assessment for palliative and supportive care services for children. METHODS This exploratory qualitative study of family members of children with cancer was conducted at an academic hospital in central South Africa and a grounded theory approach was used. Face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with 16 family members of 16 children. FINDINGS Parents felt supported by the healthcare professionals who were caring for their child, but several shortcomings were identified. These included erratic psychosocial support, minimal financial support and poor parental access to basic needs and food provision, preventable errors in procedures and a lack of support available for siblings. It is also worth noting that healthcare professionals did not always seem sufficiently equipped to attend to palliative care patients. CONCLUSION Strategies to improve supportive and palliative care are needed for children with cancer and their families in a hospital setting. The interviews identified a number of themes and current shortcomings that should be considered to improve services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Plessis
- Lecturer/Specialist, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - David Stones
- Head of Clinical Unit, Paediatric Haematology/Oncology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Michelle Meiring
- Course Convenor, Senior Lecturer Post Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Palliative Care, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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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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Comparison of End-of-Life Care Practices Between Children With Complex Chronic Conditions and Neonates Dying in an ICU Versus Non-ICUs: A Substudy of the Pediatric End-of-LIfe CAre Needs in Switzerland (PELICAN) Project. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2020; 21:e236-e246. [PMID: 32091504 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000002259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe and compare characteristics of care provided at the end of life for children with chronic complex conditions and neonates who died in an ICU with those who died outside an ICU. DESIGN Substudy of a nation-wide retrospective chart review. SETTING Thirteen hospitals, including 14 pediatric and neonatal ICUs, two long-term institutions, and 10 community-based organizations in the three language regions of Switzerland. PATIENTS One hundred forty-nine children (0-18 yr) who died in the years 2011 or 2012. Causes of death were related to cardiac, neurologic, oncological, or neonatal conditions. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Demographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic procedures, circumstances of death, and patterns of decisional processes were extracted from the medical charts. Ninety-three (62%) neonates (median age, 4 d) and children (median age, 23 mo) died in ICU, and 56 (38%) with a median age of 63 months outside ICU. Generally, ICU patients had more therapeutic and invasive procedures, compared with non-ICU patients. Changes in treatment plan in the last 4 weeks of life, such as do-not-resuscitate orders occurred in 40% of ICU patients and 25% of non-ICU patients (p < 0.001). In the ICU, when decision to withdraw life-sustaining treatment was made, time to death in children and newborns was 4:25 and 3:00, respectively. In institutions where it was available, involvement of specialized pediatric palliative care services was recorded in 15 ICU patients (43%) and in 18 non-ICU patients (78%) (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS This nation-wide study demonstrated that patients with a complex chronic condition who die in ICU, compared with those who die outside ICU, are characterized by fast changing care situations, including when to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. This highlights the importance of early effective communication and shared decision making among clinicians and families.
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Ribbers S, Wager J, Hartenstein-Pinter A, Zernikow B, Reuther M. Core outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families: A qualitative interview study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:309-318. [PMID: 31680627 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319885818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interest in outcome measurement in pediatric palliative care is rising. To date, the majority of studies investigating relevant outcomes of pediatric palliative care focus on children with cancer. Insight is lacking, however, about relevant outcome domains for children with severe neurological impairment and their families. AIM The aim of this study was to identify meaningful outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families. DESIGN A qualitative research design following a constructivist research paradigm was employed. Guided interviews were conducted with parents of children with life-limiting conditions and severe neurological impairment and professional caregivers. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. SETTING Overall, 10 cooperating pediatric palliative care institutions across Germany (outpatient and inpatient settings) aided in the recruitment of eligible parents and professional caregivers. A total of 11 interviews with 14 parents and 17 interviews with 20 professional caregivers were conducted. RESULTS Six core outcome domains of pediatric palliative care for children with severe neurological impairment and their families were identified, namely (1) symptom control, (2) respite and support, (3) normalcy, (4) security, (5) empowerment, and (6) coping with the disease, each consisting of 1 to 13 individual aspects. CONCLUSION As for other diagnostic groups, symptom control is a relevant outcome domain for children with severe neurological impairment. However, other outcome domains which focus on the whole family and take into account the long disease trajectory, such as respite and support, security, empowerment, and coping with the disease, are also crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Ribbers
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre and German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany.,Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Julia Wager
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre and German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany.,Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Almut Hartenstein-Pinter
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre and German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany.,Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre and German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany.,Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Mandira Reuther
- Paediatric Palliative Care Centre and German Paediatric Pain Centre, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, Datteln, Germany.,Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
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14
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypoplastic left heart syndrome is a single ventricle defect. While staged surgical palliative treatments have revolutionised care, patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome continue to have significant morbidity and mortality. In 2017, the National Pediatric Cardiology Quality Improvement Collaborative recommended all single ventricle patients to receive a prenatal palliative care consult. This study aimed to elucidate provider perspectives on the implementation of prenatal palliative care consults for families expecting a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. METHODS An online survey was administered to obstetric and paediatric providers of relevant disciplines to assess their experience with palliative care involvement in hypoplastic left heart syndrome cases. RESULTS Nearly, all physicians (97%) and most registered nurses (79%) agreed that the initial palliative care consult for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome should occur during the prenatal period. Respondents also indicated that prenatal palliative care consults should also be offered in a variety of other CHD conditions. Participants believed positive aspects of this new referral protocol included an expanded support network for families, decreased family stress during the postnatal period, increased patient education about what to expect during the postnatal period, and continuity of care. CONCLUSION Multidisciplinary healthcare professionals believe that prenatal palliative care consults provide a variety of benefits for patients and families with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Additional, multi-centre research is necessary to evaluate whether prenatal palliative care consults should become standard of care for families expecting a child with a single ventricle defect.
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15
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Noizet-Yverneau O, Bordet F, Pillot J, Eon B, Gonzalez F, Dray S, Boyer A, Blondiaux I, Quentin B, Rolando S, Jars-Guincestre MC, Laurent A, Quenot JP, Boulain T, Soufir L, Série M, Penven G, De Saint-Blanquat L, VanderLinden T, Rigaud JP, Reignier J. Intégration de la démarche palliative à la médecine intensive-réanimation : de la théorie à la pratique. MEDECINE INTENSIVE REANIMATION 2019. [DOI: 10.3166/rea-2019-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Pakseresht M, Baraz S, Rassouli M, Rejeh N, Rostami S, Mojen LK. A Comparison of Symptom Management for Children with Cancer in Iran and in the Selected Countries: A Comparative Study. Indian J Palliat Care 2018; 24:451-458. [PMID: 30410257 PMCID: PMC6199834 DOI: 10.4103/ijpc.ijpc_33_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to describe the experiences of other countries regarding the status of pediatric palliative care in the field of symptom management and to compare it with the current status in Iran to achieve an appropriate level of symptom management for children with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a comparative study. The research population includes the palliative care systems of Jordan, England, Australia, and Canada, which were ultimately compared with Iran's palliative care system. RESULTS The results showed that in the leading countries in the field of palliative care, such as Australia and Canada, much effort has been made to improve palliative care and to expand its service coverage. In the UK, as a pioneer in the introduction of palliative care, a significant portion of clinical performance, education and research, is dedicated to childhood palliative care. Experts in this field and policymakers are also well aware of this fact. In developing countries, including Jordan, palliative care is considered a nascent specialty, facing many challenges. In Iran, there is still no plan for providing these services coherently even for adults. CONCLUSION Children with cancer experience irritating symptoms during their lives and while they are hospitalized. Regarding the fact that symptom management in developed countries is carried out based on specific and documented guidelines, using the experiences of these successful countries and applying them as an operational model can be useful for developing countries such as Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Pakseresht
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shahram Baraz
- Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Rejeh
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Rostami
- Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Leila Khanali Mojen
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Supporting Parent Caregivers of Children with Life-Limiting Illness. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 5:children5070085. [PMID: 29949926 PMCID: PMC6069074 DOI: 10.3390/children5070085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The well-being of parents is essential to the well-being of children with life-limiting illness. Parents are vulnerable to a range of negative financial, physical, and psychosocial issues due to caregiving tasks and other stressors related to the illness of their child. Pediatric palliative care practitioners provide good care to children by supporting their parents in decision-making and difficult conversations, by managing pain and other symptoms in the ill child, and by addressing parent and family needs for care coordination, respite, bereavement, and social and emotional support. No matter the design or setting of a pediatric palliative care team, practitioners can seek to provide for parent needs by referral or intervention by the care team.
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18
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Mherekumombe MF. From Inpatient to Clinic to Home to Hospice and Back: Using the "Pop Up" Pediatric Palliative Model of Care. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 5:children5050055. [PMID: 29701661 PMCID: PMC5977037 DOI: 10.3390/children5050055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Children and young people with life-limiting illnesses who need palliative care often have complex diverse medical conditions that may involve multiple hospital presentations, medical admissions, care, or transfer to other medical care facilities. In order to provide patients with holistic care in any location, palliative care clinicians need to carefully consider the ways to maintain continuity of care which enhances the child’s quality of life. An emerging model of care known as “Pop Up” describes the approaches to supporting children and young people in any facility. A Pop Up is a specific intervention over and above the care that is provided to a child, young person and their family aimed at improving the confidence of local care providers to deliver ongoing care. This paper looks at some of the factors related to care transfer for pediatric palliative patients from one care facility to another, home and the impact of this on the family and medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha F Mherekumombe
- Department of Palliative Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
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19
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Ahrens-Nicklas R, Schlotawa L, Ballabio A, Brunetti-Pierri N, De Castro M, Dierks T, Eichler F, Ficicioglu C, Finglas A, Gaertner J, Kirmse B, Klepper J, Lee M, Olsen A, Parenti G, Vossough A, Vanderver A, Adang LA. Complex care of individuals with multiple sulfatase deficiency: Clinical cases and consensus statement. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 123:337-346. [PMID: 29397290 PMCID: PMC6856873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD) is an ultra-rare neurodegenerative disorder that results in defective sulfatase post-translational modification. Sulfatases in the body are activated by a unique protein, formylglycine-generating enzyme (FGE) that is encoded by SUMF1. When FGE is absent or insufficient, all 17 known human sulfatases are affected, including the enzymes associated with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), several mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS II, IIIA, IIID, IVA, VI), chondrodysplasia punctata, and X-linked ichthyosis. As such, individuals demonstrate a complex and severe clinical phenotype that has not been fully characterized to date. In this report, we describe two individuals with distinct clinical presentations of MSD. Also, we detail a comprehensive systems-based approach to the management of individuals with MSD, from the initial diagnostic evaluation to unique multisystem issues and potential management options. As there have been no natural history studies to date, the recommendations within this report are based on published studies and consensus opinion and underscore the need for future research on evidence-based outcomes to improve management of children with MSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ahrens-Nicklas
- Division of Human Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Lars Schlotawa
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Nicola Brunetti-Pierri
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
| | - Mauricio De Castro
- United States Air Force Medical Genetics Center, 81st Medical Group, Keesler AFB, MS, USA
| | - Thomas Dierks
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biochemistry I, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Florian Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Can Ficicioglu
- Division of Human Genetics and Metabolism, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jutta Gaertner
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Brian Kirmse
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetic and Metabolism, University of Mississippi Medical Center, USA
| | - Joerg Klepper
- Department of Pediatrics and Neuropediatrics, Children's Hospital, Klinikum Aschaffenburg-Alzenau, Germany
| | - Marcus Lee
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Children's of Mississippi, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Biloxi, MS, USA
| | | | - Giancarlo Parenti
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Pozzuoli, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, Federico II University of Naples, Italy
| | - Arastoo Vossough
- Division of Neuroradiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura A Adang
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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20
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Chong PH, De Castro Molina JA, Teo K, Tan WS. Paediatric palliative care improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs: evaluation of a home-based program. BMC Palliat Care 2018; 17:11. [PMID: 29298714 PMCID: PMC5751774 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-017-0267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Around the world, different models of paediatric palliative care have responded to the unique needs of children with life shortening conditions. However, research confirming their utility and impact is still lacking. This study compared patient-related outcomes and healthcare expenditures between those who received home-based paediatric palliative care and standard care. The quality of life and caregiver burden for patients receiving home-based paediatric palliative care were also tracked over the first year of enrolment to evaluate the service’s longitudinal impact. Method A structured impact and cost evaluation of Singapore-based HCA Hospice Care’s Star PALS (Paediatric Advance Life Support) programme was conducted over a three-year period, employing both retrospective and prospective designs with two patient groups. Results Compared to the control group (n = 67), patients receiving home-based paediatric palliative care (n = 71) spent more time at home than in hospital in the last year of life by 52 days (OR = 52.30, 95% CI: 25.44–79.17) with at least two fewer hospital admissions (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 0.43–4.48); and were five times more likely to have an advance care plan formulated (OR = 5.51, 95% CI: 1.55–19.67). Medical costs incurred by this group were also considerably lower (by up to 87%). Moreover, both patients’ quality of life (in terms of pain and emotion), and caregiver burden showed improvement within the first year of enrolment into the programme. Discussion Our findings suggest that home-based paediatric palliative care brings improved resource utilization and cost-savings for both patients and healthcare providers. More importantly, the lives of patients and their caregivers have improved, with terminally ill children and their caregivers being able to spend more quality time at home at the final stretch of the disease. Conclusions The benefits of a community paediatric palliative care programme have been validated. Study findings can become key drivers when engaging service commissioners or even policy makers in appropriate settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- P H Chong
- HCA Hospice Care, Singapore, Singapore.
| | | | - K Teo
- National Healthcare Group Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - W S Tan
- National Healthcare Group Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Bösch A, Wager J, Zernikow B, Thalemann R, Frenzel H, Krude H, Reindl T. Life-Limiting Conditions at a University Pediatric Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:169-176. [PMID: 29297749 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing number of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions requires an individualized approach and additional supportive care in hospitals. However, these patients' characteristics and their prevalence in a pediatric tertiary hospital setting have not been systematically analyzed. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the proportion of hospitalized children who are receiving care for life-threatening diseases with feasible curative treatments and for life-limiting diseases (LLDs) with inevitable premature death as opposed to care for acute or chronic diseases; additionally, it sought to compare patient characteristics, clinical features, and symptoms within these subgroups. DESIGN/SETTING/SUBJECTS A cross-sectional survey of 208 patients was conducted at a large tertiary pediatric care center through standardized interviews with the responsible medical teams. Patient subgroups were defined as those with acute, chronic, life-threatening, or LLDs. RESULTS The comparisons of patient subgroups showed distinct differences and revealed that nearly half of all inpatients suffer from life-threatening (20%) or LLDs (27%), with a high proportion of rare diseases (82%). They experienced a high burden of symptoms in all parameters of clinical features, including high demand for medications and nursing care. CONCLUSION A substantial proportion of pediatric inpatients suffered from life-threatening or LLDs, as well as rare diseases, indicating a high burden of symptoms and a high need for additional care. The results suggest a substantial need to implement pediatric palliative care structures in tertiary care centers for patients in critical and terminal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Bösch
- 1 Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Virchow-Klinikum , Clinic for Paediatrics, Department of Oncology/Haematology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Wager
- 2 Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Datteln, and Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University , Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- 2 Paediatric Palliative Care Centre, Children's and Adolescent's Hospital, Datteln, and Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Witten/Herdecke University , Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Germany
| | - Ralf Thalemann
- 3 Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Virchow-Klinikum , Clinic for Paediatrics, Center for Chronically Sick Children, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidi Frenzel
- 4 HealthTwiSt and Franz-Volhard Clinic , Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heiko Krude
- 5 Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Virchow-Klinikum , Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tobias Reindl
- 1 Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Campus Virchow-Klinikum , Clinic for Paediatrics, Department of Oncology/Haematology, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Di Pede C, Agosto C, De Tommasi V, De Gregorio A, Benini F. Symptom management and psychological support for families are the cornerstones of end-of-life care for children with spinal muscular atrophy type 1. Acta Paediatr 2018; 107:140-144. [PMID: 28941298 DOI: 10.1111/apa.14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study described end-of-life care for children affected by spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), which is characterised by progressive muscle weakness and develops in the first six months of life. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 17 children (13 boys) who attended the University of Padua's paediatric palliative care centre in Italy from March 2000 to March 2015. All the children received supportive care without proactive respiratory intervention to prolong survival. RESULTS The median age at admission was 3.57 months, and the median age at death was 6.80 months. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnoea and pain. In the last 72 hours of life, 15/17 children required more intense doses of morphine and, or, benzodiazepines for intractable dyspnoea and pain, but deep palliative sedation was not needed. Airway suction to manage secretions and nasogastric tubes was required in all cases. The place of death was previously planned by the parents in all cases - home, hospital or hospice - and 15/17 deaths occurred in that place. We also interviewed 16 of the 17 parents after their child died. CONCLUSION Our study found that symptom management and psychological support for families were the cornerstones of end-of-life care for children with SMA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Di Pede
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Caterina Agosto
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Valentina De Tommasi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Alessandra De Gregorio
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health; Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service; University of Padua; Padua Italy
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Adang LA, Sherbini O, Ball L, Bloom M, Darbari A, Amartino H, DiVito D, Eichler F, Escolar M, Evans SH, Fatemi A, Fraser J, Hollowell L, Jaffe N, Joseph C, Karpinski M, Keller S, Maddock R, Mancilla E, McClary B, Mertz J, Morgart K, Langan T, Leventer R, Parikh S, Pizzino A, Prange E, Renaud DL, Rizzo W, Shapiro J, Suhr D, Suhr T, Tonduti D, Waggoner J, Waldman A, Wolf NI, Zerem A, Bonkowsky JL, Bernard G, van Haren K, Vanderver A. Revised consensus statement on the preventive and symptomatic care of patients with leukodystrophies. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 122:18-32. [PMID: 28863857 PMCID: PMC8018711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a broad class of genetic disorders that result in disruption or destruction of central myelination. Although the mechanisms underlying these disorders are heterogeneous, there are many common symptoms that affect patients irrespective of the genetic diagnosis. The comfort and quality of life of these children is a primary goal that can complement efforts directed at curative therapies. Contained within this report is a systems-based approach to management of complications that result from leukodystrophies. We discuss the initial evaluation, identification of common medical issues, and management options to establish a comprehensive, standardized care approach. We will also address clinical topics relevant to select leukodystrophies, such as gallbladder pathology and adrenal insufficiency. The recommendations within this review rely on existing studies and consensus opinions and underscore the need for future research on evidence-based outcomes to better treat the manifestations of this unique set of genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Adang
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Omar Sherbini
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Ball
- Center for Translational Science, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Miriam Bloom
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; Complex Care Program, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anil Darbari
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Hernan Amartino
- Servicio de Neurología Infantil, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Donna DiVito
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Florian Eichler
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria Escolar
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah H Evans
- Center for Translational Science, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ali Fatemi
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie Fraser
- Rare Disease Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Leslie Hollowell
- Complex Care Program, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole Jaffe
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christopher Joseph
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary Karpinski
- Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Center, Women and Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Keller
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ryan Maddock
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Edna Mancilla
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bruce McClary
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jana Mertz
- Autism Spectrum Disorders Center, Women and Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kiley Morgart
- Psychiatric Social Work Program, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Langan
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Richard Leventer
- Department of Paediatrics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sumit Parikh
- Neurogenetics, Neurologic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Amy Pizzino
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Erin Prange
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Deborah L Renaud
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neurology, Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - William Rizzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jay Shapiro
- The Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Davide Tonduti
- Department of Child Neurology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Amy Waldman
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole I Wolf
- Department of Child Neurology, VU University Medical Centre and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Joshua L Bonkowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Genevieve Bernard
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medical Genetics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada; Child Health and Human Development Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Canada
| | - Keith van Haren
- Department of Neurology, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adeline Vanderver
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Translational Science, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA; Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Ross MK, Doshi A, Carrasca L, Pian P, Auger J, Baker A, Proudfoot JA, Pian MS. Interactive Palliative and End-of-Life Care Modules for Pediatric Residents. Int J Pediatr 2017; 2017:7568091. [PMID: 28286527 PMCID: PMC5329665 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7568091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. There is a need for increased palliative care training during pediatric residency. Objective. In this pilot study, we created a comprehensive experiential model to teach palliative care skills to pediatric residents. Our Comfort Care Modules (CCMs) address pediatric palliative care (PPC) topics of breaking bad news, dyspnea, anxiety, pain management, and the dying child. We also evaluated a scoring system and gathered qualitative data. Methods. The CCMs are part of the University of California San Diego pediatric residency's second-year curriculum. Comparisons were made for statistical trends between residents exposed to the modules (n = 15) and those not exposed (n = 4). Results. Nineteen of 36 residents (52%) completed surveys to self-rate their preparedness, knowledge, and confidence about PPC before and after the intervention. Resident scores increased in all areas. All improvements reached statistical significance except confidence when breaking bad news. Overall, the resident feedback about the CCMs was positive. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the CCMs can be performed effectively in an academic setting and can benefit residents' self-perception of preparedness, confidence, and knowledge about pediatric palliative care. In the future, we plan to implement the modules on a larger scale. We encourage their use in interprofessional settings and across institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mindy K. Ross
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ami Doshi
- Division of Hospitalist Medicine, UCSD, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Amira Baker
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSD, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Mark S. Pian
- Pediatrics, UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, CA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The American Academy of Pediatrics supports palliative care (PC) for all children with life-threatening illnesses. Thus, many neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients and their families could benefit from PC. Our study objective was to examine provision of PC as experienced by mothers and healthcare providers (HCPs) of NICU patients with life-threatening illnesses. Palliative care components explored included communication, choices, comfort, psychosocial and spiritual needs, and coordination of care. METHODS In this qualitative, descriptive study, we conducted semistructured interviews with mothers of infants with life-threatening illnesses and NICU HCPs who cared for these infants. Mothers selected HCPs who were key figures during their infant's NICU stay to participate. Interviews were transcribed and manually coded until themes emerged and theoretical saturation was achieved. Researchers reviewed charts for demographics and notes pertaining to PC. Triangulation of maternal interviews, HCP interviews, and chart notes was performed. RESULTS Theoretical saturation was achieved after 12 interviews. Mothers identified 5 nurses and 1 physician to be interviewed. Five themes were identified following data analysis and triangulation: (1) communication, (2) privacy, (3) continuity of care and relationship building, (4) maternal knowledge seeking, and (5) emotional turmoil. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Of domains of pediatric PC explored, participants emphasized transparent communication, family meetings as a venue for collaboration and shared decision making, the significance of psychosocial support for maternal emotional distress, and the importance of continuity of care across an often long and stressful hospitalization. Although mothers desired privacy, participants valued the security of the open-room NICU design. Future research should address components of PC that predominate in this specialized population.
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Abstract
Pain is a common and highly distressing symptom in pediatric patients with advanced malignancies. Prompt recognition, assessment, and treatment of pain are necessary, especially at the end of life. Opioid medications remain the mainstay of treatment of malignant pain in children at the end of life and the amount of opioids required for adequate pain control in patients is highly variable. Nonpharmacological approaches including behavioral and physical approaches in addition to non-opioid pain medications should be used when possible to augment pain control. Identification and treatment of any underlying pathology is important and use of adjuvant medications based on pathophysiology and source of pain should be considered. In cases where adequate pain control is not achieved through these multiple modalities, an interdisciplinary approach including potential interventional techniques and alternative treatments is required. This multimodal approach to pain management is best provided by interdisciplinary teams, as these teams can best address the complex causes of pain and associated distress that occurs in patients and within families.
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Paediatric palliative care: recommendations for treatment of symptoms in the Netherlands. BMC Palliat Care 2015; 14:57. [PMID: 26542477 PMCID: PMC4634793 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-015-0054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children dying of a life threatening disease suffer a great deal at the end of life. Symptom control is often unsatisfactory, partly because many caregivers are simply not familiar with paediatric palliative care. To ensure that a child with a life-threatening condition receives high quality palliative care, clinical practice guidelines are needed. The aim of this study is to improve palliative care for children by making high quality care recommendations to recognize and relieve symptoms in paediatric palliative care. Methods An extensive search was performed for guidelines and systematic reviews on paediatric palliative care up to year 2011. An expert panel combined the evidence with consensus to form recommendations on the treatment of symptoms in paediatric palliative care. Results We appraised 21 guidelines and identified 693 potentially eligible articles of which four met our inclusion criteria. None gave recommendations on the treatment of symptoms in paediatric palliative care. Two textbooks and an adult palliative care website were eventually our main sources of evidence. Conclusion Hardly any evidence is available for the treatment of symptoms in paediatric palliative care. By combining evidence for adult palliative care and the sparse evidence for paediatric palliative care with expert opinion we defined a unique set of high quality care recommendations to relieve symptoms and lessen the suffering of children in palliative care. These results are an important tool to educate caregivers on how to relieve symptoms in children in paediatric palliative care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12904-015-0054-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Chong PH, Hamsah E, Goh C. Paediatric palliative care in the Asia Pacific region: where are we now? BMJ Support Palliat Care 2015; 7:17-22. [PMID: 26338851 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2014-000812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Paediatric palliative care services have increased both in numbers and capacity around the world in response to the needs of children living with life-limiting conditions. Members of the Asia Pacific Hospice Network, who render care to children, have increasingly realised the need to map existing services for enhanced collaborative, educational and advocacy efforts. An online survey was conducted over 2 months among professionals in the region to document current service provision, and at the same time to explore individual training needs and practice challenges. A questionnaire crafted through consensus by members of a new special interest group within the network was used to collect data. 59 distinct responses from 16 countries were obtained to build a directory, which has already been circulated. Content analyses of narrative responses yield further findings. Half of these services catered to adults as well as to children. Staffing and service provision varied across the region but most members worked in teams consisting of multidisciplinary professionals. Numerous service and funding models were found, reflecting wide differences in local conditions and responses to diverse patient populations unique to paediatric palliative care. The highest training needs centred around bereavement and spiritual care. Capacity and funding issues were expected, but significant lack of support by paediatricians was found to be alarming and warrants further study. Amid the heterogeneity, these services share common struggles and face similar needs. Identifying individual profiles of different services potentially helps to draw everyone together, towards a common vision, and towards creating opportunities for sharing of expertise and experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cynthia Goh
- Department of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
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Brown A, Clark JD. A Parent's Journey: Incorporating Principles of Palliative Care into Practice for Children with Chronic Neurologic Diseases. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2015; 22:159-65. [PMID: 26358425 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Rather than in conflict or in competition with the curative model of care, pediatric palliative care is a complementary and transdisciplinary approach used to optimize medical care for children with complex medical conditions. It provides care to the whole child, including physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions, in addition to support for the family. Through the voice of a parent, the following case-based discussion demonstrates how the fundamentals of palliative care medicine, when instituted early in the course of disease, can assist parents and families with shared medical decision making, ultimately improving the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses. Pediatric neurologists, as subspecialists who provide medical care for children with chronic and complex conditions, should consider invoking the principles of palliative care early in the course of a disease process, either through applying general facets or, if available, through consultation with a specialty palliative care service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA; Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | - Jonna D Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide an overview of pediatric palliative care (PPC) as it relates to children and families living with oncologic disease. DATA SOURCES Journal articles, clinical research reports, clinical guidelines, and national statistics. CONCLUSION As new treatment protocols become available, the need for simultaneous supportive PPC, including adequate pain and symptom management, is evident. Further research and PPC program development is necessary for adherence to the current recommendation that PPC should be initiated at the time of diagnosis and continue throughout the course of a child's disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Palliative care nursing holds a specific role in the pediatric oncology setting. Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses should be adequately trained in PPC because they are in an optimal role to contribute to interdisciplinary PPC for pediatric oncology patients and their families.
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Valadares MTM, Mota JAC, de Oliveira BM. Palliative care in pediatric hematological oncology patients: experience of a tertiary hospital. Rev Bras Hematol Hemoter 2014; 36:403-8. [PMID: 25453649 PMCID: PMC4318475 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjhh.2014.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the approach to palliative care for hematological oncology patients in the pediatric ward of a tertiary hospital. Methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study of 29 hematological oncology patients who died between 2009 and 2011. Data regarding the approach and prevalence of pain, prevalence of other symptoms, multidisciplinary team participation, communication between staff and family and limited invasive therapy were collected from the medical records. Results Twenty-seven (93.1%) patients displayed disease progression unresponsive to curative treatment. The median age at death was ten years old. Pain was the most prevalent symptom with all patients who reported pain receiving analgesic medications. The majority took weak (55.2%) and/or strong (65.5%) opioids. The patients were followed by pediatricians and a pediatric hematologist/oncologist. Participation of other professionals was also documented: 86.2% were followed by social services and 69% by psychologists, among others. There were explicit descriptions of limitation of invasive therapy in the medical records of 26 patients who died with disease progression. All these decisions were shared with the families. Conclusion Although the hospital where this study was conducted does not have a specialized team in pediatric palliative care, it meets all the requirements for developing a specific program. The importance of approaching pain and other prevalent symptoms in children with cancer involving a comprehensive multidisciplinary team is evident. Discussions were had with most of the families on limiting invasive therapy, but no record of a well-defined and coordinated treatment plan for palliative care was found.
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Abstract
High-quality palliative care is the standard for children with life-threatening illness, especially when a cure is not possible. This review outlines a model for clinical practice that integrates clinical, psychosocial, and ethical concerns at the end of life (EOL) into a standard operating procedure specifically focused on inpatient deaths. Palliative care for children at EOL in the hospital setting should encompass the personal, cultural, and spiritual needs of the child and family members and aim to minimize suffering and increase support for all who are involved, including hospital staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza-Marie Johnson
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Margaret C Cupit
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for dying children presents special challenges, according to the children themselves, their relatives and healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe caring as represented in healthcare workers' experiences of caring for dying children. METHOD A phenomenological approach was chosen, in-depth interviews were carried out and data were analysed in four steps focusing on (a) open reading, (b) meaning units, (c) constituents and (d) essence. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS Four nurses in a general acute paediatric care setting in Sweden participated after providing written informed consent. Voluntary participation and confidentiality were ensured, and the study was ethically approved. FINDINGS The essence of caring for dying children was likened to a musically attuned composition, comprising five constituents: presence, self-knowledge, injustice in dying, own suffering and in need of others. Presence was found to be a prerequisite for caring when a child is dying. Self-knowledge and support from others can be of help when struggling with emotional pain and injustice. DISCUSSION Caring for dying children has been found to be a delicate task for healthcare workers all over the world, and the ethical dimension is emphasized in international research. In this study, emotional pain and suffering accompanied caring, but an atmosphere in which it is possible to give and get support from colleagues and to have time to grieve and time to focus on the patient's needs may ease the burden, as can having time to process thoughts about life and death, and a possibility to grow in self-knowledge. CONCLUSION Caring in ethically demanding situations may be facilitated through presence, atmosphere, self-knowledge and time. The challenge does not demand highly technological solutions; these assets are readily available, no matter where on earth. However, there is a need to further investigate these prerequisites for caring, particularly when a child is dying.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reet Sjögren
- Retired, Mälardalen University and Linnaeus University, Sweden
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Kohlschütter A, Eichler F. Childhood leukodystrophies: a clinical perspective. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 11:1485-96. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.11.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Williams-Reade J, Lamson AL, Knight SM, White MB, Ballard SM, Desai PPP. Paediatric palliative care: a review of needs, obstacles and the future. J Nurs Manag 2013; 23:4-14. [PMID: 23944156 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM This literature review offers a response to the current paediatric palliative care literature that will punctuate the need for a framework (i.e. the three world view) that can serve as an evaluative lens for nurse managers who are in the planning or evaluative stages of paediatric palliative care programmes. BACKGROUND The complexities in providing paediatric palliative care extend beyond clinical practices to operational policies and financial barriers that exist in the continuum of services for patients. EVALUATION This article offers a review of the literature and a framework in order to view best clinical practices, operational/policy standards and financial feasibility when considering the development and sustainability of paediatric palliative care programmes. KEY ASPECTS Fifty-four articles were selected as representative of the current state of the literature as it pertains to the three world view (i.e. clinical, operational and financial factors) involved in providing paediatric palliative care. CONCLUSION In developing efficient paediatric palliative care services, clinical, operational and financial resources and barriers need to be identified and addressed. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Nursing management plays a crucial role in addressing the clinical, operational and financial needs and concerns that are grounded in paediatric palliative care literature.
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Kline C, Reineke A, Auger J, Willert J, Roberts W, Schiff D. Effects of a unique pediatric hematology–oncology palliative care program on medical decision-making and communication between healthcare providers and families: Results of a supportive care survey. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2013. [DOI: 10.1179/1743291x12y.0000000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Arland LC, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Pearson J, Foreman NK, Madden JR. Development of an in-home standardized end-of-life treatment program for pediatric patients dying of brain tumors. J SPEC PEDIATR NURS 2013; 18:144-57. [PMID: 23560586 DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2011] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate an end-of-life (EOL) program related to specific outcomes (i.e., number of hospitalizations and place of death) for children with brain tumors. DESIGN AND METHODS From 1990 to 2005, a retrospective chart review was performed related to specified outcomes for 166 children with admission for pediatric brain tumors. RESULTS Patients who received the EOL program were hospitalized less often (n = 114; chi-square = 5.001 with df = 1, p <.05) than patients who did not receive the program. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS An EOL program may improve symptom management and decrease required hospital admissions for children with brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley C Arland
- Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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Zacharski S, Minchella L, Gomez S, Grogan S, Porter S, Robarge D. Do not attempt resuscitation (DNAR) orders in school settings: special needs school nurses review current research and issues. NASN Sch Nurse 2013; 28:71-75. [PMID: 23600088 DOI: 10.1177/1942602x12472540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan Zacharski
- Special Education School Michigan Association of School Nurses, Pontiac, MI, USA
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Hexem KR, Miller VA, Carroll KW, Faerber JA, Feudtner C. Putting on a happy face: emotional expression in parents of children with serious illness. J Pain Symptom Manage 2013; 45:542-51. [PMID: 22926092 PMCID: PMC3510342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2011] [Revised: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Communication is widely acknowledged as a crucial component of high-quality pediatric medical care, which is provided in situations in which parents typically experience strong emotions. OBJECTIVES To explore emotion using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) and a self-report questionnaire to better understand the relationship between these two measures of emotion in a pediatric care context. METHODS Sixty-nine parents of 47 children who were participants in the Decision Making in Pediatric Palliative Care Study at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia took part in this study. Parents completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and a semistructured interview about their children and experience with medical decision making. The transcribed interviews were analyzed with the LIWC program, which yields scores for positive and negative emotional expression. The association between LIWC and PANAS scores was evaluated using multivariate linear regression to adjust for potential confounders. RESULTS Parents who used more positive words when speaking about the illnesses of their children and the experience of medical decision making were more likely to report lower levels of positive affect on the PANAS: increase in the standard deviation of positive emotional expression was associated with an unadjusted 7.4% decrease in the self-reported positive affect (P = 0.015) and an adjusted 7.0% decrease in the self-reported positive affect (P = 0.057) after modeling for potential confounders. Increase in the standard deviation of negative emotional expression was associated with an adjusted 9.4% increase in the self-reported negative affect (P = 0.036). CONCLUSION The inverse relationship between parents' positive emotional expression and their self-reported positive affect should remind both researchers and clinicians to be cognizant of the possibilities for emotional miscues, and consequent miscommunication, in the pediatric care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari R Hexem
- The Pediatric Advanced Care Team, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Abstract
Both dying children and their families are treated with disrespect when the presumption of consent to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) applies to all hospitalized children, regardless of prognosis and the likely efficacy of CPR. This "opt-out" approach to CPR fails to appreciate the nuances of the special parent-child relationship and the moral and emotional complexity of enlisting parents in decisions to withhold CPR from their children. The therapeutic goal of CPR is not merely to resume spontaneous circulation, but rather it is to provide circulation to vital organs to allow for treatment of the underlying proximal and distal etiologies of cardiopulmonary arrest. When the treating providers agree that attempting CPR is highly unlikely to achieve the therapeutic goal or will merely prolong dying, we should not burden parents with the decision to forgo CPR. Rather, physicians should carry the primary professional and moral responsibility for the decision and use a model of informed assent from parents, allowing for respectful disagreement. As emphasized in the palliative care literature, we recommend a directive and collaborative goal-oriented approach to conversations about limiting resuscitation, in which physicians provide explicit recommendations that are in alignment with the goals and hopes of the family and emphasize the therapeutic indications for CPR. Through this approach, we hope to help parents understand that "doing everything" for their dying child means providing medical therapies that ameliorate suffering and foster the intimacy of the parent-child relationship in the final days of a child's life, making the dying process more humane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna D Clark
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98105-037, USA.
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Pediatric palliative care-when quality of life becomes the main focus of treatment. Eur J Pediatr 2013; 172:139-50. [PMID: 22476440 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-012-1710-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) focuses on children and adolescents with life-limiting diseases. It may be initiated at various points of the disease trajectory, if possible early enough to support living with the best possible quality of life despite a limited lifespan. From birth to adolescence, children with a broad spectrum of diseases may benefit from PPC. Since 50% of deaths in childhood occur within the first year of life, PPC is just as relevant to neonatology. Causes of death in the neonate and young infant are due to perinatal conditions such as preterm birth and congenital disorders and syndromes; in older children, external causes, such as traumatic injuries, outweigh disease-related causes of death. PPC may last from a few hours or days for neonates to many years for children with complex chronic conditions. For neonates, PPC often has the character of end-of-life (EOL) care followed by bereavement care for the family. For older children, PPC can clearly be differentiated from EOL care; its indications include progress or deterioration of disease, marked instability of the child's condition, increase in the need for technical or medical support, increase in suffering, or failure of treatment. If a child's need for palliative care is established, useless and potentially harmful treatments may be withheld and informed choices can be made about treatment, care, and the remaining life of the child. Conclusion This review aims to provide knowledge for clinicians who care for children and adolescents at risk of dying from their disease. PPC can improve the child's remaining lifetime by focusing on quality of life and goals that are defined by the child and his or her family.
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Youngblut JM, Brooten D. Perinatal and pediatric issues in palliative and end-of-life care from the 2011 Summit on the Science of Compassion. Nurs Outlook 2012; 60:343-50. [PMID: 23036690 PMCID: PMC3514406 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
More than 25,000 infants and children die in US hospitals annually; 86% occur in the NICU or PICU. Parents see the child's pain and suffering and, near the point of death, must decide whether to resuscitate, limit medical treatment, and/or withdraw life support. Immediately after the death, parents must decide whether to see and/or hold the infant/child, donate organs, agree to an autopsy, make funeral arrangements, and somehow maintain functioning. Few children and their families receive pediatric palliative care services, especially those from minority groups. Barriers to these programs include lack of services, difficulty identifying the dying point, discomfort in withholding or withdrawing treatments, communication problems, conflicts in care among providers and between parents and providers, and differences in cultural beliefs about end-of-life care. The 2011 NIH Summit on the Science of Compassion provided recommendations in family involvement, end-of-life care, communication, health care delivery, and transdisciplinary participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonne M Youngblut
- College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA.
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Kumar SP. Reporting of pediatric palliative care: a systematic review and quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals. Indian J Palliat Care 2012; 17:202-9. [PMID: 22347775 PMCID: PMC3276817 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1075.92337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Pediatric palliative care clinical practice depends upon an evidence-based decision-making process which in turn is based upon current research evidence. AIMS This study aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of research publications in palliative care journals for reporting characteristics of articles on pediatric palliative care. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was a systematic review of palliative care journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve palliative care journals were searched for articles with "paediatric" or "children" in titles of the articles published from 2006 to 2010. The reporting rates of all journals were compared. The selected articles were categorized into practice, education, research, and administration, and subsequently grouped into original and review articles. The original articles were subgrouped into qualitative and quantitative studies, and the review articles were grouped into narrative and systematic reviews. Each subgroup of original articles' category was further classified according to study designs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentiles was done using SPSS for Windows, version 11.5. RESULTS The overall reporting rate among all journals was 2.66% (97/3634), and Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing (JHPN) had the highest reporting rate of 12.5% (1/8), followed by Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care (JSWELPC) with a rate of 7.5% (5/66), and Journal of Palliative Care (JPC) with a rate of 5.33% (11/206). CONCLUSIONS The overall reporting rate for pediatric palliative care articles in palliative care journals was very low and there were no randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews found. The study findings indicate a lack of adequate evidence base for pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthil P Kumar
- Department of Physiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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Moore D. A resident's view of pediatric palliative care. Pediatr Ann 2012; 41:420-1. [PMID: 23052145 DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20120924-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Moore
- The Institute for Palliative Medicine at San Diego Hospice, 4311 Third Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
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Hirani SAA, Rahman A. Child with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis: a case report from Pakistan with multiple ethical and moral issues. J Pediatr Nurs 2012; 27:e22-8. [PMID: 21968218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2011.08.006] [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] [Received: 12/19/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This report discusses the case of a young Pakistani child diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH). The key features of IPH were iron deficiency anemia and pulmonary symptoms due to recurrent pulmonary hemorrhages. The child showed complications of the disease process because of late diagnosis. Because various ethical and moral issues were associated with the diagnosis and management of IPH, this case provides insights about the care burden of health care professionals and a child's parents in a Pakistani pediatric setting. During the course of the child's treatment at one of the private tertiary care settings of Karachi, Pakistan, the key challenges were as follows: declaring the diagnosis to the parents, dealing with the request of the child's parents for withdrawal of ventilatory support and withholding treatment, deciding the code status of the child, and ensuring the quality of the child's life after discharge from the hospital. It was learned from this case report that shared decision making and open communication with the child's family enabled the pediatric health care professionals to determine what was in the best interest of the child, resulting in provision of effective palliative care to the child. Moreover, it was realized that early detection of the disease and availability of hospice care can facilitate palliative care of children diagnosed with IPH.
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Calleja Gero M, Rus Palacios M, Martino Alba R, Monleón Luque M, Conejo Moreno D, Ruiz-Falcó Rojas M. Cuestionario sobre cuidados paliativos a neuropediatras. Neurologia 2012; 27:277-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2011.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2011] [Revised: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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48
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Calleja Gero M, Rus Palacios M, Martino Alba R, Monleón Luque M, Conejo Moreno D, Ruiz-Falcó Rojas M. Responses by neuropaediatricians to a palliative care questionnaire. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Elias ER, Murphy NA. Home care of children and youth with complex health care needs and technology dependencies. Pediatrics 2012; 129:996-1005. [PMID: 22547780 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Children and youth with complex medical issues, especially those with technology dependencies, experience frequent and often lengthy hospitalizations. Hospital discharges for these children can be a complicated process that requires a deliberate, multistep approach. In addition to successful discharges to home, it is essential that pediatric providers develop and implement an interdisciplinary and coordinated plan of care that addresses the child's ongoing health care needs. The goal is to ensure that each child remains healthy, thrives, and obtains optimal medical home and developmental supports that promote ongoing care at home and minimize recurrent hospitalizations. This clinical report presents an approach to discharging the child with complex medical needs with technology dependencies from hospital to home and then continually addressing the needs of the child and family in the home environment.
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Implementing a Program to Improve Pediatric and Pediatric ICU Nurses’ Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Palliative Care. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/njh.0b013e318236df44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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