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Gramszlo C, Karpyn A, Christofferson J, McWhorter LG, Demianczyk AC, Neely T, Zyblewski S, Shillingford A, Kazak AE, Sood E. Meeting Parents' Needs for Education and Preparation following Congenital Heart Disease Diagnosis: Recommendations from a Crowdsourced Study. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e446-e455. [PMID: 35863373 PMCID: PMC10008463 DOI: 10.1055/a-1906-8786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article characterizes the educational needs of parents following fetal or neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) diagnosis and generates recommendations for meeting these needs. STUDY DESIGN Online crowdsourcing methods were used to collect qualitative data from 95 parents of children with CHD regarding their needs for education and preparation following fetal or neonatal diagnosis. Data were analyzed using qualitative methods and themes were organized around the substructure of met and unmet needs. RESULTS Two themes represented consistently met needs, whereas 10 themes represented needs that were either inconsistently met or consistently unmet. Parents reported needing more information about social, emotional, and financial supports, preparation for long-term care, and guidance toward reputable online resources. Parents also provided recommendations for meeting these needs. CONCLUSION Parents' needs for education and preparation following CHD diagnosis are much broader in scope than what they currently receive. Addressing these may support parental coping and active participation in medical decision-making. KEY POINTS · CHD counseling after diagnosis may provide opportunities to promote parents' mental health.. · Guidelines recommend that this counseling should include emotional and decision-making support, however, it is unclear what parents actually receive.. · This study found that parents' needs for education and preparation following CHD diagnosis are much broader in scope than what they currently receive..
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Gramszlo
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
| | - Allison Karpyn
- Center for Research in Education and Social Policy, Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | | | - Linda G. McWhorter
- Division of Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
| | - Abigail C. Demianczyk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Trent Neely
- Brothers by Heart/Sisters by Heart, El Segundo, CA
| | - Sinai Zyblewski
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Amanda Shillingford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anne E. Kazak
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Erica Sood
- Nemours Cardiac Center, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Nemours Children’s Health System, Wilmington, DE
- Division of Behavioral Health, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, Wilmington, DE
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
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Quinn M, Gephart S, Crist J. Exploring Parent Experiences With Early Palliative Care Practices in the NICU. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:98-109. [PMID: 38324727 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anxiety and uncertain outcome of an admission of a seriously ill infant to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can cause great stress for parents and contribute to poor mental health outcomes. Early implementation of family-centered palliative care (PC) may provide support for NICU parents. Key concepts of early PC in the NICU include shared decision-making, care planning, and support for coping with distress. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore parent experiences during their child's NICU admission with the early PC practices of shared decision-making, care planning, and coping with distress. METHODS Qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Strategies of reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, and data audits were used to enhance trustworthiness. Parents (N = 16) were interviewed, and data were analyzed by conventional content analysis. Targeted recruitment of fathers occurred to ensure they comprised 25% of sample. RESULTS Parents' descriptions of decision-making were contextualized in gathering information to make a decision, the emotional impact of the decision, and influences on their decision-making. In experiences with care planning, parents described learning to advocate, having a spectator versus participant role, and experiencing care planning as communication. Key themes expressed regarding parental coping were exposure to trauma, survival mode, and a changing support network. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH These findings highlight key areas for practice improvement: providing more support and collaboration in decision-making, true engagement of parents in care planning, and encouraging peer support and interaction in the NICU and in online communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Quinn
- Author Affiliations: Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland (Dr Quinn); and University of Arizona, Tucson (Drs Gephart and Crist)
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So IC. Decisional conflict in parents of children with congenital heart defect: Towards development of a model. Int J Nurs Pract 2024; 30:e13152. [PMID: 36965135 DOI: 10.1111/ijn.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to develop a model to help parents cope with decisional conflict. BACKGROUND Parents of children with congenital heart defect experience decisional conflict when they are uncertain about treatment decisions for their child, which may lead to delay in seeking care or distress over the decision made. DESIGN Correlational design with model building and data triangulation was used. METHODS Data were collected through surveys and interviews with a consecutive sample of 221 parent respondents from June to December 2018. Structural equation modelling and qualitative data analysis were used. RESULTS Lower decisional conflict was seen in parents with higher income, more nurse support and physician risk communication. Time delay for surgery was correlated with the child's age, social service coverage, and social support. Decisional conflict mediated the influence of income, nurse support and physician risk communication on satisfaction with decision. Based on model fit parameters, the emerging model is a good and parsimonious model of decisional conflict. The overall theme, 'Deciding for Surgery: What Matters Most', described the processes parents went through in making treatment decisions. CONCLUSION Nurses may help parents feel more certain, less conflicted, and more satisfied with their decision by addressing factors including knowledge gaps, personal values, available support, and resource access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris C So
- Chinese General Hospital Colleges, Manila, Philippines
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Polakova K, Ahmed F, Vlckova K, Brearley SG. Parents' experiences of being involved in medical decision-making for their child with a life-limiting condition: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. Palliat Med 2024; 38:7-24. [PMID: 38053373 PMCID: PMC10798032 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231214414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental involvement in the decision-making processes about medical treatment for children with life-limiting conditions is recognised as good practice. Previous research highlighted factors affecting the decision-making process, but little is known about how parents experience their participation. AIM To explore how parents experience their participation in the process of decision-making about treatment and future care for their children with life-limiting conditions. DESIGN A systematically constructed review using narrative synthesis. The PRISMA guidelines were followed to report the findings. Databases Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched up to December 2023. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (RN CRD42021215863). RESULTS From the initial 2512 citations identified, 28 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. A wide range of medical decisions was identified; stopping general or life-sustaining treatment was most frequent. Narrative synthesis revealed six themes: (1) Temporal aspects affecting the experience with decision-making; (2) Losing control of the situation; (3) Transferring the power to decide to doctors; (4) To be a 'good' parent and protect the child; (5) The emotional state of parents and (6) Sources of support to alleviate the parental experience. CONCLUSIONS Parental experiences with decision-making are complex and multifactorial. Parents' ability to effectively participate in the process is limited, as they are not empowered to do so and the circumstances in which the decisions are taking place are challenging. Healthcare professionals need to support parental involvement in an effective way instead of just formally asking them to participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Polakova
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
- Center for Palliative Care, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Faraz Ahmed
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | - Sarah G Brearley
- Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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Harris KW, Hammack-Aviran CM, Brelsford KM, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Clayton EW. Mapping parents' journey following prenatal diagnosis of CHD: a qualitative study. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:1387-1395. [PMID: 35942903 PMCID: PMC10152984 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122002505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand parents' accounts of their prenatal and postnatal experience after prenatal diagnosis of CHD - particularly emotional processing and coping mechanisms - to identify strategies to improve support. METHODS This single-centre, longitudinal qualitative study included pregnant mothers and their support persons seen in Fetal Cardiology Clinic at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from May through August 2019 for probable complex CHD. Twenty-seven individuals from 17 families participated in 62 phone interviews during pregnancy and postpartum: 27 conducted after the initial prenatal cardiology consultation, 15 after a follow-up prenatal visit, and 20 after birth. Applied thematic analysis approach was used to code and analyse transcribed interviews. Coding and codebook revisions occurred iteratively; intercoder reliability was >80%. RESULTS Patients included mothers (16 [59%]), fathers (8 [30%]), and other support persons (3 [11%]). Initial fetal diagnoses included a range of moderate to severe CHD. Prenatally, parents sought to maintain hope while understanding the diagnosis; planning for the future rather than focusing on day-to-day was more common if prognoses were better. Postnatally, with confirmation of prenatal diagnoses, parents' sense of control expanded, and they desired more active engagement in clinical decision making. CONCLUSIONS To enhance effective communication and support, understanding how parents conceptualise hope in relation to diagnosis and how that may evolve over time is critical. Expectant parents whose child has a significant risk of mortality may demonstrate hope by focusing on positivity. As prognostic uncertainty diminishes postpartum, the parental role on the team may shift, requiring clinicians to provide different support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly W. Harris
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ann Kavanaugh-McHugh
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- School of Law, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Thorpe A, Delaney RK, Pinto NM, Ozanne EM, Pershing ML, Hansen LM, Lambert LM, Fagerlin A. Parents' Psychological and Decision-Making Outcomes following Prenatal Diagnosis with Complex Congenital Heart Defect: An Exploratory Study. MDM Policy Pract 2023; 8:23814683231204551. [PMID: 37920604 PMCID: PMC10619352 DOI: 10.1177/23814683231204551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. Parents with a fetus diagnosed with a complex congenital heart defect (CHD) are at high risk of negative psychological outcomes. Purpose. To explore whether parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes differed based on their treatment decision and fetus/neonate survival status. Methods. We prospectively enrolled parents with a fetus diagnosed with a complex, life-threatening CHD from September 2018 to December 2020. We tested whether parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes 3 months posttreatment differed by treatment choice and survival status. Results. Our sample included 23 parents (average Age[years]: 27 ± 4, range = 21-37). Most were women (n = 18), non-Hispanic White (n = 20), and married (n = 21). Most parents chose surgery (n = 16), with 11 children surviving to the time of the survey; remaining parents (n = 7) chose comfort-directed care. Parents who chose comfort-directed care reported higher distress (x ¯ = 1.51, s = 0.75 v. x ¯ = 0.74, s = 0.55; Mdifference = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-1.48) and perinatal grief (x ¯ = 91.86, s = 22.96 v. x ¯ = 63.38, s = 20.15; Mdifference = 27.18, 95% CI, 6.20-48.16) than parents who chose surgery, regardless of survival status. Parents who chose comfort-directed care reported higher depression (x ¯ = 1.64, s = 0.95 v. x ¯ = 0.65, s = 0.49; Mdifference = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.10-1.88) than parents whose child survived following surgery. Parents choosing comfort-directed care reported higher regret (x ¯ = 26.43, s = 8.02 v. x ¯ = 5.00, s = 7.07; Mdifference = 21.43, 95% CI, 11.59-31.27) and decisional conflict (x ¯ = 20.98, s = 10.00 v. x ¯ = 3.44, s = 4.74; Mdifference = 17.54, 95% CI; 7.75-27.34) than parents whose child had not survived following surgery. Parents whose child survived following surgery reported lower grief (Mdifference = -19.71; 95% CI, -39.41 to -0.01) than parents whose child had not. Conclusions. The results highlight the potential for interventions and care tailored to parents' treatment decisions and outcomes to support parental coping and well-being. Highlights Question: Do the psychological and decision-making outcomes of parents differ based on their treatment decision and survival outcome following prenatal diagnosis with complex CHD?Findings: In this exploratory study, parents who decided to pursue comfort-directed care after a prenatal diagnosis reported higher levels of psychological distress and grief as well as higher decisional conflict and regret than parents who decided to pursue surgery.Meaning: The findings from this exploratory study highlight potential differences in parents' psychological and decision-making outcomes following a diagnosis of complex CHD for their fetus, which appear to relate to the treatment approach and the treatment outcome and may require tailoring of psychological and decision support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Thorpe
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rebecca K. Delaney
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Nelangi M. Pinto
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elissa M. Ozanne
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mandy L. Pershing
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lisa M. Hansen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Linda M. Lambert
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- University of Utah Intermountain Healthcare Department of Population Health Sciences, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Salt Lake City VA Informatics Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS) Center for Innovation
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7
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Willis E, Godbold R. Children's complex health: Maternal experiences of care and decision making. J Child Health Care 2023:13674935231158456. [PMID: 36857439 DOI: 10.1177/13674935231158456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of children with complex life-limiting and life-threatening conditions are being cared for at home by their parents. Negative impacts on maternal health are now being recognised. This study sought to voice parental experiences to determine what matters most; explore day-to-day decision making and Advance Care Planning; and to inform local service development. Seven mothers from one community nursing service were interviewed using a semi-structured qualitative approach during the Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Seven data-driven themes were identified following six phase thematic analysis: cherishing normality; navigating the system; being proactive; meaningful connections; beginner to expert - and back; they're not any child - they're my child; and Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Practice implications include early discussion of what matters most and benefits of written plans to ensure fair access to treatment for children with complex health. Mothers highlighted that sharing their story enhanced their sense of coping and purpose. Increased support at times of vulnerability and permission to explore decisions were highly valued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Willis
- 7616East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
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8
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Li WH, Dong B, Wang HS, Yuan JJ, Qian H, Zheng LL, Lin XL, Wang Z, Liu SJ, Ning BT, DanTian, Zhao LB. Artificial intelligence promotes shared decision-making through recommending tests to febrile pediatric outpatients. World J Emerg Med 2023; 14:106-111. [PMID: 36911055 PMCID: PMC9999139 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2023.033] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To promote the shared decision-making (SDM) between patients and doctors in pediatric outpatient departments, this study was designed to validate artificial intelligence (AI) -initiated medical tests for children with fever. METHODS We designed an AI model, named Xiaoyi, to suggest necessary tests for a febrile child before visiting a pediatric outpatient clinic. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score to evaluate the efficacy of Xiaoyi's recommendations. The patients were divided into the rejection and acceptance groups. Then we analyzed the rejected examination items in order to obtain the corresponding reasons. RESULTS We recruited a total of 11,867 children with fever who had used Xiaoyi in outpatient clinics. The recommended examinations given by Xiaoyi for 10,636 (89.6%) patients were qualified. The average F1 score reached 0.94. A total of 58.4% of the patients accepted Xiaoyi's suggestions (acceptance group), and 41.6% refused (rejection group). Imaging examinations were rejected by most patients (46.7%). The tests being time-consuming were rejected by 2,133 patients (43.2%), including rejecting pathogen studies in 1,347 patients (68.5%) and image studies in 732 patients (31.8%). The difficulty of sampling was the main reason for rejecting routine tests (41.9%). CONCLUSION Our model has high accuracy and acceptability in recommending medical tests to febrile pediatric patients, and is worth promoting in facilitating SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hua Li
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China.,Child Health Advocacy Institute, China Hospital Development Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Han-Song Wang
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China.,Child Health Advocacy Institute, China Hospital Development Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Jia-Jun Yuan
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Han Qian
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ling-Ling Zheng
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xu-Lin Lin
- Hangzhou YITU Healthcare Technology Co. Ltd., Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Hangzhou YITU Healthcare Technology Co. Ltd., Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shi-Jian Liu
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Bo-Tao Ning
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - DanTian
- Pediatric AI Clinical Application and Research Center, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai 200127, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China.,Child Health Advocacy Institute, China Hospital Development Institute of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lie-Bin Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligence Pediatrics (SERCIP), Shanghai 200127, China
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HarnEnz Z, Vermilion P, Foster-Barber A, Treat L. Pediatric neuropalliative care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:157-184. [PMID: 36599507 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care seeks to support quality of life for children and families affected by serious illness. Children with neurological disease are among the most frequent recipients of pediatric palliative care. Several important elements distinguish pediatric palliative care from adult practice, including a longer illness duration, longitudinal relationships over the span of years, diseases characterized by chronic fragility rather than progressive pathology, and the reliance on parents as proxy decision makers. This chapter will provide an overview of pediatric neuropalliative care, with emphasis on the types of disease trajectories, symptom management, and communication principles for supporting shared decision making with families. The role of neurology expertise is highlighted throughout, with special attention toward incorporating palliative care into pediatric neurology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe HarnEnz
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Paul Vermilion
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Audrey Foster-Barber
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren Treat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.
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10
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Wu MH, Lee TY, Lin MH. The parental experience of participating in surgical decision-making regarding one's child with a congenital heart disease in Taiwan. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 68:e103-e108. [PMID: 36437130 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explores how parents experienced the surgical decision-making process for their child with a congenital heart disease (CHD). DESIGN AND METHODS Purposive sampling was used in this qualitative descriptive study at a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Twelve parents whose children had cardiac corrective surgery participated in one-to-one in-depth interviews. The interview content subsequently was transcribed verbatim and analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS Five themes, with 2 to 3 subthemes, were identified: 1) accumulating medical knowledge in a short time, 2) trusting the medical teams but parents needing clear communication, 3) feeling pervasive uncertainty, 4) using self-talk to calm down, and 5) looking for positive energy from various sources. CONCLUSIONS For the parents of these children with CHD, participating in surgical decision-making can be a difficult and stressful experience. When explaining the disease and treatment procedures, it is important for medical professionals to make sure of the individual parent's information needs, to use plain language and encourage parents to ask questions. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Although the surgery is imperative and inevitable, understanding the parents' worries and providing adequate support can help them reduce feelings of uncertainty during the decision-making and surgical processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Hua Wu
- Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 7, Chung-Shan S. Rd, Taipei 10002, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Tzu-Ying Lee
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming Te Rd. Beitou 11219, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Mei-Hsiang Lin
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming Te Rd. Beitou 11219, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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11
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Tatterton MJ, Fisher MJ, Storton H, Walker C. The role of children's hospices in perinatal palliative care and advance care planning: The results of a national British survey. J Nurs Scholarsh 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Tatterton
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies University of Bradford Bradford UK
- Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice North Anston UK
- International Children's Palliative Care Network c/o Together for Short Lives Bristol UK
| | - Megan J. Fisher
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies University of Bradford Bradford UK
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12
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Swanepoel A. Fifteen-minute consultation: How to communicate with parents who have a child on life support with no hope of recovery. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed 2022; 108:167-172. [PMID: 35728927 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A child on life support with no hope of recovery is the worst nightmare for parents and for paediatricians. Unfortunately, some children have illnesses or injuries that are not compatible with life. Being in a vegetative state with no meaningful interaction does not safeguard children from feeling discomfort and pain. Letting nature take its course and allowing the child to die may well be the least worse option. However, this decision is fraught with difficulties for parents and for clinicians and can lead to unnecessary and painful conflict between them, even leading to court proceedings. In this paper, the impact of having a child on life support is discussed and recommendations are given in order to improve professional communication. It is hoped that an understanding of the impact on parents, cultural considerations, and the psychiatric concepts of 'denial', 'projection', the 'meta-level', 'transference', 'countertransference' and the techniques of 'motivational interviewing' will help clinicians prevent a breakdown of trust and improve doctor-parent relationships in these tragic cases.
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13
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Yazdani N, Chartrand J, Stacey D. Exploring Parental Decision Making for a Child With a Life-Limiting Condition: An Interpretive Description Study. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2022; 24:140-146. [PMID: 35026800 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore parents' and health care professionals' perception of parents' experiences in making decisions between acute and palliative therapies along the trajectory of their child's life-limiting condition. An interpretive description qualitative study was conducted. Semistructured interviews were completed with 6 parents and 6 health care professionals. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report 4 themes: (1) "Going by your heart and gut": the process of making a unique decision; (2) "Not black and white": experiencing decisional conflict when making difficult decisions; (3) "Widening the circle of care": various sources of decision-making support; and (4) "Always a worry": concerns regarding parents' decision quality and outcomes. Parents described experiencing decisional conflict when making health care decisions for their child with a life-limiting condition. Decision support provided by health care professionals in an interprofessional manner was preferred and supplemented by a parent-based support network. Reassurance regarding their good parenting from health care professionals was described as supportive throughout the decision-making experience.
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Madrigal VN, Hill DL, Shults J, Feudtner C. Trust in Physicians, Anxiety and Depression, and Decision-Making Preferences among Parents of Children with Serious Illness. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:428-436. [PMID: 34516933 PMCID: PMC8968833 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To assess parental decision-making preferences when caring for a child with serious illness and to evaluate for an association between preferences and parental trust in physicians, and potential modification of this association by parental anxiety or depression. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 200 parents of 158 children in the United States who had life-threatening illnesses and whose attending physicians thought that the parents would have to make major medical decision in the next 12 to 24 months. Parents completed measures of decision-making preferences, trust in physicians, anxiety, and depression. Results: Higher reported levels of trust were associated with lower preferences for autonomous decision making (Spearman correlation = -0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.36 to -0.01; p < 0.008). Among parents with higher levels of trust, increasing anxiety scores were associated with decreasing preference for autonomy, whereas among parents with lower levels of trust, increasing anxiety scores showed an increasing preference for autonomy (regression coefficient = -0.01; 95% CI = -0.02 to -0.001; p ≤ 0.03). Conclusions: Decreasing trust in physicians is associated with a higher preference for autonomous decision making. Parents who have higher levels of anxiety exhibit this association more strongly. Decision support for parents of children with serious illness should use strategies to respect parental decision-making preferences, address potential distrust, and provide mental health support to parents who are anxious or depressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N. Madrigal
- Division Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,Pediatric Ethics Program, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Douglas L. Hill
- Department of Medical Ethics, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Justine Shults
- Department of Biostatistics, Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Medical Ethics, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, 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.,Address correspondence to: Chris Feudtner, MD, PhD, MPH, Department of Medical Ethics, Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 2716 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
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15
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Klee K, Wilfond B, Thomas K, Ridling D. Conflicts between parents and clinicians: Tracheotomy decisions and clinical bioethics consultation. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:685-695. [DOI: 10.1177/09697330211023986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The parent of a child with profound cognitive disability will have complex decisions to consider throughout the life of their child. An especially complex decision is whether to place a tracheotomy to support the child’s airway. The decision may involve the parent wanting a tracheotomy and the clinician advising against this intervention or the clinician recommending a tracheotomy while the parent is opposed to the intervention. This conflict over what is best for the child may lead to a bioethics consult. Objective: The study explores the conflicts that may arise around tracheotomy placements. Research design: This study is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients for whom a tracheotomy decision required a bioethics consult. Participants and research context: Pediatric patients aged birth to 18 years old with a bioethics consult for a tracheotomy decision conflict between April 2010 and December 2016. A standardized data collection tool was used to review notes entered by the palliative care team, social workers, primary clinical team interim summaries, and the bioethics consult service. Ethical considerations: The study was reviewed and approved by the medical center’s institutional review board. Results: There were 248 clinical bioethics consults during the identified study period. There were 31 consults involving 21 children where the word tracheotomy was mentioned in the consult, and 13 of the 21 consults were for children with profound cognitive disability. Discussion and conclusion: Clinicians need to be aware of their own biases when discussing a child’s prognosis and treatment options while also understanding the parents’ values and what the parent might consider to be burdensome in the care of their child and the acceptable burden for the child to experience.
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16
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Fabelo C, He H, Lim FY, Atzinger C, Wong B. Factors impacting surgical decision making between prenatal and postnatal repair for myelomeningocele. Prenat Diagn 2021; 42:27-36. [PMID: 34931327 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine factors influencing patients to choose prenatal or postnatal repair of their child's myelomeningocele (MMC) when both treatment options are offered. METHODS We distributed a retrospective survey via email and social media to parents of children with MMC who were offered both prenatal and postnatal surgery as intervention options. RESULTS A total of 127 surveys met all inclusion criteria. The majority of responders considered partner's opinion (85%), maternal risks of prenatal surgery (71%), and risk for preterm labor (76%) as influencers. Financially, the costs of childcare (39.4% postnatal, 13.8% prenatal, p = 0.002), relocation (57.6% postnatal, 36.2% prenatal, p = 0.019), and travel (51.5% postnatal, 33% prenatal, p = 0.033) were more influential for the postnatal group while insurance coverage (36.4% postnatal, 68.1% prenatal, p = 0.003) was more influential to the prenatal group. Of the medical factors, the consideration of maternal risk for transfusion was different between surgical groups (39.4% postnatal, 18.1% prenatal, p = 0.015). The open responses suggest that both surgical groups found the quality of life for the baby to be significant to their decision-making. CONCLUSIONS These findings should guide providers to tailor counseling to patient's needs. Comprehensive counseling should include information on financial resources, referral to financial counselors, and psychosocial support services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrie Fabelo
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Hua He
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Foong-Yen Lim
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Carrie Atzinger
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Beatrix Wong
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Cincinnati Children's Fetal Care Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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17
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Banazadeh M, Khanjari S, Naddaf A, Oskouie F. Healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision making for neonates with life-threatening conditions: A qualitative study. J Eval Clin Pract 2021; 27:885-897. [PMID: 33103330 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Neonates with life-threatening conditions face complex clinical circumstances that confront parents and professionals with ethical decisions. Parents' participation in decision making has not gained sufficient attention in practice. Understanding factors affecting parents' participation is required. This study is part of a comprehensive project that explored the process of parents' participation in decision making for neonates with life-threatening conditions. The current study aimed to explore healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision-making for neonates with life-threatening conditions. METHODS A grounded theory methodology was used in the comprehensive project. Twenty-two interviews/68 hours of observation were conducted. Data were concurrently analysed throughout data generation and constant comparative analysis. Data collected until theoretical saturation was reached, the extracted categories were coherent and the emerging theory made sense. After coding stages, the core category and the relationships with other main categories involved in the process of parents' participation in decision-making were developed. For this study, the category reflecting healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision-making was reported. RESULTS Four themes were found: risk aversion including fear of litigation, fear of being accountable to the parents, and fear of bearing emotional distress; unprofessionalism including poor adherence to professional ethics, inadequate skill/knowledge, poor communication, and nurses' negligence in playing their professional role; information deficiencies including insufficient information, conflicting information, and complex and technical information, and clashes of attitudes including conflict about parents' participation in decision-making and conflict about the best interest of neonates. CONCLUSION Professionals should be aware of their role in involving parents in decision making. Training professionals on family centred care principle and communication skills contribute to support parents emotionally and respond empathically to their negative expressions. Training on ethics, development, and dissemination of guidelines and rules of conduct can make professionals more sensitive to ethical aspects of their work and may reduce their fear of litigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Banazadeh
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Khanjari
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Naddaf
- Pediatric Department, Vali-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oskouie
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Sánchez-Rubio L, Cleveland LM, Durán de Villalobos MM, McGrath JM. Parental Decision-Making in Pediatric Intensive Care: A Concept Analysis. J Pediatr Nurs 2021; 59:115-124. [PMID: 33848782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The development of nursing knowledge requires a close relationship between theory, research, and practice. The purpose of the analysis of the concept of "parental decision-making in pediatric critical care" is to facilitate nurses' therapeutic care of critically ill children and their families. To construct, structure, and give meaning to the concept, we use our experience in the field, critical reading of the literature, and careful analysis of data that have emerged about parental decision-making in pediatric intensive care. Several factors affect parent's ability to act as decision-makers: the psychosocial and physical disorders they develop, the subordination of their parental roles by the health care team, and the child's critical state of health. While different disciplines, including nursing, have well described the decision-making concept, parental decision-making in the context of pediatric intensive care has not been as well delineated. Nursing science recognizes the importance of decision-making and has incorporated the concept as an essential domain of its philosophical and disciplinary interests. Following the method proposed by Walker and Avant, the concept was analyzed, attributes, background, and consequences described. A model case was presented and discussed. An operational definition emerges, providing knowledge for professional nursing practice and will be the basis for an essential theoretical development around this phenomenon. Parents' recognition, the promotion of family-centered care, and shared decisions are ideal for encouraging parental participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Sánchez-Rubio
- Programa de Enfermería, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Tolima, Ibagué, Colombia.
| | - Lisa M Cleveland
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
| | | | - Jacqueline M McGrath
- School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.
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19
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Agosto C, Benedetti F, De Tommasi V, Milanesi O, Stellin G, Padalino MA, Benini F. End-of-life care for children with complex congenital heart disease: Parents' and medical care givers' perceptions. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:696-701. [PMID: 33373473 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM In complex congenital heart diseases (CHD), patients may remain affected by significant morbidity and mortality after surgery. We analysed the end-of-life (EoL) care in children with severe CHD who died in our institution and investigated perspectives of parents and health-care professionals (HCPs). METHODS Medical records of all children (age < 18 years old) affected by a severe CHD who died in a tertiary cardiac care centre were reviewed. Subsequently, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study of parents and HCPs of children involved in the study was designed. RESULTS In total, 30 children died (median age: 45 days; range: 15 days to 3.4 years). Of them, 97% (31/32) died in an intensive care unit setting and were intubated and sedated at EoL. A total of 77% (23/30) died without parents being present at bedside. Eighteen families and 10 HCPs were interviewed. For 61% of the parents (11/18) and 70% of the clinicians (7/10), the goal of therapy at the EoL was 'to lessen your child's suffering as much as possible'. Overall, 44% of parents (8/18) and 50% of HCPs recognised that their child had no chance of survival 'a few days before the child died'. CONCLUSIONS We believe that these data suggest an unconscious reluctance to change goals of care in EoL, shifting from intensive care to comfort and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Agosto
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Valentina De Tommasi
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Ornella Milanesi
- Division of Paediatric Cardiology, Department of Woman and Child's Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stellin
- Section of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Massimo A Padalino
- Section of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery, Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital, Padova, Italy
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20
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Rogers J, Reed MP, Blaine K, Manning H. Children with medical complexity: A concept analysis. Nurs Forum 2021; 56:676-683. [PMID: 33625740 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this paper is to conduct a concept analysis on the term, "children with medical complexity." BACKGROUND Children with medical complexity (CMC) describes pediatric patients with chronic, sustained acuity; however, there is a lack of consensus in the literature regarding its exact meaning, characteristics, and implications. DESIGN This analysis relied upon the framework described by Walker and Avant. DATA SOURCE The CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were queried from April 2020 to December 2020 with an initial search of the literature for the keyword, "children with medical complexity" and other associated terms, such as "pediatric medical complexity" and "nursing care of children with medical complexity." REVIEW METHODS This analysis will explore the concept of CMC and its significance, attributes, antecedents, and consequences. RESULTS This investigation revealed that CMC are a growing population of pediatric patients who have one or more complex chronic conditions that affect multiple body systems, experience functional limitations, require extensive care coordination from multiple providers, and are dependent upon life-sustaining medical technology. CONCLUSIONS The findings can serve as a foundation for future work advancing the understanding of the topic of CMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Rogers
- Medical Nursing Service, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mary P Reed
- Medical Nursing Service, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin Blaine
- Institute for Nursing and Interprofessional Research, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haylee Manning
- Medical Nursing Service, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Lin SC, Huang MC. Consulting with a folk deity before making decisions: spiritual practices in parents facing end-of-life decisions for their child on life support with brain stem dysfunction. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2021; 15:1756686. [PMID: 32340564 PMCID: PMC7241511 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2020.1756686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents with brain stem dysfunction may undergo many invasive treatments, and parents are often faced with making the decision to withdraw treatment. However, in the face of their child’s death, the spiritual practices of parents dealing with end-of-life decision-making remain under investigated. Purpose This study explores the spiritual practices in parents making end-of-life decisions for adolescents on life support with brain stem dysfunction. Method A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through in-depth interviews with three parents of two adolescents in Taiwan. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s seven-step protocol. Results Three main themes emerged: (1) faith during decision-making, (2) struggles during decision-making, (3) transformation during decision-making. The findings indicate that “transforming the nature of hope” is the essence of the experience. Conclusion Family-centred care, gaining insight into parental spiritual practices, and developing culturally-appropriate care are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Chun Lin
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Chih Huang
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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22
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Impact of palliative care on end-of-life care and place of death in children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting conditions: A systematic review. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:488-500. [PMID: 33478607 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951520001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of palliative care (PC) on end-of-life (EoL) care and the place of death (PoD) in children, adolescents, and young adults with life-limiting conditions. METHOD Eight online databases (PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Airiti, GARUDA Garba Rujukan Digital, and OpenGrey) from 2010 to February 5, 2020 were searched for studies investigating EoL care and the PoD for pediatric patients receiving and not receiving PC. RESULTS Of the 6,468 citations identified, 14 cohort studies and one case series were included. An evidence base of mainly adequate- and strong-quality studies shows that inpatient hospital PC, either with or without the provision of home and community PC, was found to be associated with a decrease in intensive care use and high-intensity EoL care. Conflicting evidence was found for the association between PC and hospital admissions, length of stay in hospital, resuscitation at the time of death, and the proportion of hospital and home deaths. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Current evidence suggests that specialist, multidisciplinary involvement, and continuity of PC are required to reduce the intensity of EoL care. Careful attention should be paid to the need for a longer length of stay in a medical setting late in life, and earlier EoL care discussion should take place with patients/caregivers, especially in regard to attempting resuscitation in toddlers, adolescents, and the young adult population. A lack of robust evidence has identified a gap in rigorous multisite prospective studies utilizing data collection.
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23
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Hallman ML, Bellury LM. Communication in Pediatric Critical Care Units: A Review of the Literature. Crit Care Nurse 2021; 40:e1-e15. [PMID: 32236438 DOI: 10.4037/ccn2020751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
TOPIC Current communication styles in pediatric critical care units do not often consider the needs of providers, patients, or family members. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The Child Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems score has begun real-world testing and soon will be mandatory and tied to reimbursement. Poor communication in pediatric critical care units can lead to reduced continuity of care, escalated or unnecessary care, and poor outcomes for patients and hospitals. Improving communication in pediatric critical care units is imperative. PURPOSE OF PAPER Extant literature was reviewed to assess communication in pediatric critical care from the provider, parent, and patient perspectives. Communication tools were also reviewed. CONTENT COVERED Twenty-eight articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed according to study focus (provider, parent/caregiver, patient, or tool). This review links communication to outcomes related to providers, parents, and patients. Current tools are reviewed to evaluate their effectiveness in addressing communication barriers and to guide future research in communication. Findings indicate that effective communication is challenging in intensive care units despite robust evidence that effective communication improves patient outcomes and quality metrics. Repeated and varied forms of communication, especially written reinforced with verbal communication, seem to have the strongest effect and show promising results. Common barriers nurses face on their units are identified, and solutions are suggested. This review adds to current knowledge by linking communication to measurable outcomes and examining communication barriers and needs specific to pediatric critical care populations from the provider, parent, and patient perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Hallman
- Melissa Hallman is a senior instructor at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. She founded NP2ME, LLC. Lanell M. Bellury is an associate professor at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lanell M Bellury
- Melissa Hallman is a senior instructor at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia. She founded NP2ME, LLC. Lanell M. Bellury is an associate professor at Georgia Baptist College of Nursing, Mercer University, Atlanta, Georgia
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24
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Liverpool S, Pereira B, Hayes D, Wolpert M, Edbrooke-Childs J. A scoping review and assessment of essential elements of shared decision-making of parent-involved interventions in child and adolescent mental health. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 30:1319-1338. [PMID: 32300893 PMCID: PMC8440241 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parents play a critical role in child and adolescent mental health care and treatment. With the increasing implementation of shared decision-making (SDM) across health settings, there is a growing need to understand the decision support interventions used to promote SDM in child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). The overall aim of this review is to identify and examine the existing decision support interventions available for parents. A broad search was conducted using the key concepts "shared decision-making", "parents" and "child and adolescent mental health". Five electronic databases were searched: PsycInfo, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. In addition to these relevant databases, we searched the Ottawa's Inventory of Decision Aids, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario website, Google, Google Play and known CAMHS' websites. The search identified 23 interventions available for use with parents. These interventions targeted parents providing care for children with ADHD, ASD, emotional and behavioural problems including depression (EBD), self-harm or universal mental health care. Various modalities including face-to-face, digital and paper-based versions were adopted. The majority of the interventions were able to "present options" (87%) and "discuss the pros and cons" (83%) of treatment. Time, accessibility and appropriateness of the intervention emerged as factors influencing usage and implementation of interventions. Our findings suggest that SDM interventions involving parents have been implemented differently across various presenting mental health difficulties in CAMHS. This review brings awareness of existing parent-involved interventions and has implications for the development, implementation and usage of new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Liverpool
- Evidence-Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, UK.
- University College London, London, UK.
| | - Brent Pereira
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, USA
| | - Daniel Hayes
- Evidence-Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Evidence-Based Practice Unit, Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, UK
- University College London, London, UK
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25
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Sjöberg L, Hermansson L, Lindner H, Fredriksson C. Swedish parents' experiences of their role in treatment for children with congenital limb reduction deficiency: Decision-making and treatment support. Child Care Health Dev 2020; 46:723-732. [PMID: 32789897 PMCID: PMC7589220 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with congenital limb reduction deficiency have an essential role in making treatment decisions during their child's first years of life. Treatment options usually concern surgical and/or prosthetic treatment. To tailor treatment options to fit different family values and priorities, the family-centred approach indicates the importance of understanding the parental role in partnership with health care professionals. The aim of this study was to describe parents' experiences of their role in decision-making and treatment for children with congenital limb reduction deficiency. METHODS A descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents (12 mothers and 5 fathers) of children with upper and/or lower limb deficiency (mean age 5.9 years). The interview data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach. RESULTS Two major themes emerged from the data. The first theme, being a decision maker for someone else, was described as an ambivalent parental role, including collaboration within the family and with health care professionals. The second theme, becoming and being a treatment supporter in the child's everyday life, was made up of four categories: being a supporter of the child in everyday activities, mentoring the child to handle encounters with others, becoming a coordinator of information and being an 'extended arm' of the health care provision for the child. CONCLUSIONS This study enhances our understanding of the parental role in decision-making and treatment for children with congenital limb reduction deficiency. The results may contribute to the continued development of the family-centred service approach by providing guidelines for treatment programmes, with the goal of improving decision support and broadening the support for parents during treatment for these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lis Sjöberg
- School of Health SciencesÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
| | - Liselotte Hermansson
- School of Health SciencesÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden,Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Medicine and HealthÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden,University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and HealthÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
| | - Helen Lindner
- School of Health SciencesÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
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26
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Guo JZ, Yao N, Bao N, Lazareff J. Effects of parental level of income and visual presentation of spina bifida occulta in decision making process. Surg Neurol Int 2020; 11:271. [PMID: 33033633 PMCID: PMC7538964 DOI: 10.25259/sni_358_2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Parents are active participants in the referral process of children with non-life-threatening surgical pathologies. Nonetheless, there is scarce literature about the influence of parent’s level of income and perception of their children’s conditions on their decision process. Our study aims at expanding our knowledge about this parameter. We focused our research on parents of children spina bifida occulta (SBO), a condition that with a broad clinical impact and that often requires timely referral. Methods: Questionnaires in Mandarin were administered to parents of patients presenting to the neurosurgery clinic of a children’s hospital in Shanghai. Participants were grouped according to the level of income, above and below 50,000 Yuan. The SBO was classified into two groups, with and without evident subcutaneous mass. Results: One hundred and forty-five participants completed the questionnaire. Regardless of the type of lesion, families with lower income attributed their concerns for seeking care to their local physicians and the lack of health resources. Families with higher income exhibited fear of treatment. The lower income cohort presented for treatment at an older age than a higher income group. Patients with subcutaneous mass presented for treatment at a younger age than those that did not exhibit mass. Conclusion: Parental social economic background and visual presentation of SBO have to be factored when analyzing their decision-making process when seeking care for their children. Parental factors can be barriers to surgical care. Healthcare providers must bring parents to the forefront of the treatment process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Zhuyu Guo
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ning Yao
- University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Nan Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jorge Lazareff
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, United States
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Perin J, Koffi AK, Kalter HD, Monehin J, Adewemimo A, Quinley J, Black RE. Using propensity scores to estimate the effectiveness of maternal and newborn interventions to reduce neonatal mortality in Nigeria. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:534. [PMID: 32928142 PMCID: PMC7488987 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nigeria is the largest country in sub-Saharan Africa, with one of the highest neonatal mortality rates and the second highest number of neonatal deaths in the world. There is broad international consensus on which interventions can most effectively reduce neonatal mortality, however, there is little direct evidence on what interventions are effective in the Nigerian setting. Methods We used the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and the follow-up 2014 Verbal and Social Autopsy study of neonatal deaths to estimate the association between neonatal survival and mothers’ and neonates’ receipt of 18 resources and interventions along the continuum of care with information available in the NDHS. We formed propensity scores to predict the probability of receiving the intervention or resource and then weighted the observations by the inverse of the propensity score to estimate the association with mortality. We examined all-cause mortality as well as mortality due to infectious causes and intrapartum related events. Results Among 19,685 livebirths and 538 neonatal deaths, we achieved adequate balance for population characteristics and maternal and neonatal health care received for 10 of 18 resources and interventions, although inference for most antenatal interventions was not possible. Of ten resources and interventions that met our criteria for balance of potential confounders, only early breastfeeding was related to decreased all-cause neonatal mortality (relative risk 0.42, 95% CI 0.32–0.52, p < 0.001). Maternal decision making and postnatal health care reduced mortality due to infectious causes, with relative risks of 0.29 (95% CI 0.09–0.88; 0.030) and 0.46 (0.22–0.95; 0.037), respectively. Early breastfeeding and delayed bathing were related to decreased mortality due to intrapartum events, although these are not likely to be causal associations. Conclusion Access to immediate postnatal care and women’s autonomous decision-making have been among the most effective interventions for reducing neonatal mortality in Nigeria. As neonatal mortality increases relative to overall child mortality, accessible interventions are necessary to make further progress for neonatal survival in Nigeria and other low resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Perin
- Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Alain K Koffi
- Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Henry D Kalter
- Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Robert E Black
- Institute for International Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Roets E, Dierickx S, Deliens L, Chambaere K, Dombrecht L, Roelens K, Beernaert K. Healthcare professionals' attitudes towards termination of pregnancy at viable stage. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 100:74-83. [PMID: 32740906 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Upon prenatal diagnosis of congenital malformations, termination of pregnancy (TOP) may be an option, sometimes at a gestational age when the fetus is already viable (late TOP). We aimed to study attitudes towards late TOP of all tertiary healthcare professionals involved in late TOP practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS A mail survey was conducted among all physicians and paramedical professionals involved in late TOP decision-making in all eight centers with a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Flanders, Belgium (N = 117). The questionnaire contained general and case-based attitude items. RESULTS Response rate was 79%. Respondents were either physicians (51.1%) or paramedical professionals (49.9%). The composition of professionals involved in late TOP decision-making was heterogeneous between the eight centers. Late TOP was highly accepted in both lethal fetal conditions (100%) and serious (but not lethal) fetal conditions (95.6%). Where the fetus is healthy, 19.8% of respondents agreed with late TOP for maternal psychological problems and fewer respondents (13.2%) agreed with late TOP in the case of maternal socio-economic problems (P = .002). Physicians more often preferred feticide over neonatal palliative care in the case of non-lethal fetal conditions compared with paramedical professionals (68.1% vs 53.2%, P = .013). Almost nine out of ten respondents (89.1%) agreed that in the event of a serious (non-lethal) neonatal condition, administering drugs with the explicit intention to end neonatal life was acceptable. Behavioral intentions indicate that even in situations with an unclear diagnosis and unpredictable prognosis, 85.6% of professionals would still consider late TOP. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals practicing late TOP in Flanders, Belgium have a high degree of tolerance towards late TOP, irrespective of sociodemographic factors, and are demanding legislative change regarding active life-ending in the fetal and neonatal periods. Further research should explore the correlation of attitudes to late TOP with actual medical decisions taken in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Roets
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics, Women's Clinic, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Dierickx
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laure Dombrecht
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Clinic, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Ghent University & Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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H-Yazdi N, Meadows R. Child Proton Beam Therapy: A qualitative study of parental views on treatment and information sources. Radiography (Lond) 2020; 27:101-107. [PMID: 32669230 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2020.06.016] [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] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) is often described as an advanced mode of radiotherapy. Whilst PBT offers an equivalent chance of cure to conventional radiotherapy, it is said to offer a theoretical reduction in long term side effects. NHS patients have had access to PBT since 2008 and approximately 65% of the 1144 approved referrals have been for paediatric cases. Yet, there is little research on how parents in these paediatric cases perceive their child's PBT and the information sources they encounter. METHODS This is a qualitative inquiry informed by in-depth interviews carried out with 27 parents of children treated with PBT. RESULTS Parents primarily frame PBT as a form of radiation but one which is better than alternatives. Whilst medical professionals do play a role, wider sources of information - such as other families and the internet - are important to both initial decision-making and treatment/recovery experiences. CONCLUSION Parents are faced with the challenge of a 'fragmented expertise' which comes with the 'novelty' of the radiation therapy, the 'rare' nature of the tumours and the remote location of clinical specialists. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE This article will prove useful for practitioners dealing with parents and care givers of children undergoing proton therapy, and is especially valuable and timely for practitioners based in the newly installed proton centres in the UK. Two high energy proton centres are expected to become fully operational in the UK by the end of 2020. Understanding parents' experiences and perspectives can help avoid undue anxiety and lead to service improvements and overall satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H-Yazdi
- Department of Sociology, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK.
| | - R Meadows
- Department of Sociology, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK.
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30
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Harris KW, Brelsford KM, Kavanaugh-McHugh A, Clayton EW. Uncertainty of Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e204082. [PMID: 32369178 PMCID: PMC7201310 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease may experience more short- and long-term stress than those who receive a postnatal diagnosis. To identify potential interventions to ameliorate that stress, the longitudinal emotional experience of parents must first be understood. OBJECTIVE To better understand parents' accounts of their own prenatal experience, particularly aspects they found to be stressful or challenging, and to identify strategies to improve support. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study included analysis of transcripts of audio recorded telephone interviews with pregnant mothers and their support persons, as applicable, who were referred to and seen at the Fetal Cardiology Clinic at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital from May 2019 to August 2019 with an initial likely diagnosis of complex congenital heart disease at any gestational age. Data analysis was conducted from August 2019 to November 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES An applied thematic analysis approach was used to code and analyze professionally transcribed interviews. Coding and codebook revisions occurred iteratively; intercoder reliability was assessed and confirmed routinely. One author coded all transcripts; a second author independently reviewed one-fifth of the transcripts at fixed intervals to ensure that interrater reliability remained greater than 80%. RESULTS Twenty-seven individuals from 17 families participated in 42 phone interviews during pregnancy, 27 conducted at the first time point after the initial prenatal cardiology consultation and 15 at the second time point after a follow-up prenatal cardiology visit. Most interviewees were mothers (16 interviewees [59%]; median [interquartile range] age, 30.0 [27.3-34.8] years) or fathers (8 interviewees [30%)], with a few support individuals (3 interviewees [11%]) (median [interquartile range] age of family member or support individual, 30.0 [26.0-42.0] years). Initial fetal diagnoses included a range of severe congenital heart disease. Uncertainty was identified as a pervasive central theme and was related both to concrete questions on scheduling, logistics, or next steps, and long-term unknown variables concerning the definitiveness of the diagnosis or overall prognosis. Practitioners helped families through their framing of uncertainty at various time points including before, during, and after the clinic visit. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Families walk an uncertain path following a fetal diagnosis of severe congenital heart disease. The challenges faced by the cardiologists caring for them overlap in many ways with those experienced by pediatric palliative care practitioners. Potential future interventions to improve parental support were identified in the areas of expectation setting before the referral visit, communication in clinic, and identity formation after the new diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly W. Harris
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kathleen M. Brelsford
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ann Kavanaugh-McHugh
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- School of Law, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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31
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Medeiros C, Buckley L, Metcalfe K, Narayanan UG, Widger K. Decision aids available for parents making end-of-life or palliative care decisions for children: A scoping review. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:692-703. [PMID: 32281164 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM To identify and assess the quality of decision aids that align the decision, values and information provided for parents making end-of-life or palliative care decisions for children with life-threatening conditions. METHODS Six databases and the grey literature were searched in December 2018. Two reviewers independently reviewed database citations, and one reviewed grey literature citations. Citation chaining via Scopus was conducted. Quality was assessed using IPDAS Collaboration Criteria. RESULTS After reviewing 18 671 database citations and 10 988 grey literature citations, 18 citations describing 11 decision aids remained. Decision aids targeted premature infants, children requiring airway management, children with cancer and children with scoliosis. Three aids underwent testing beyond initial development. Quality scores averaged 27 of 50 points. CONCLUSIONS There are few high-quality decision aids available for use and a lack evidence of widespread clinical use. Additional research is needed to support systematic development and the use of decision aids with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Medeiros
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Buckley
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly Metcalfe
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Familial Breast Cancer Research Institute, Women's College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Unni G Narayanan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Paediatric Advanced Care Team, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Early for Everyone: Reconceptualizing Palliative Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Adv Neonatal Care 2020; 20:109-117. [PMID: 31990696 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care (PC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is often provided exclusively to infants expected to die. Standards of care support providing PC early after diagnosis with any condition likely to impact quality of life. PURPOSE To determine the state of early PC practice across populations to derive elements of early PC applicable to neonates and their families and demonstrate their application in practice. SEARCH STRATEGY Multiple literature searches were conducted from 2016 to 2019. Common keywords used were: palliative care; early PC; end of life, neonate; NICU; perinatal PC; pediatric PC; family-centered care; advanced care planning; palliative care consultant; and shared decision-making. FINDINGS Early PC is an emerging practice in adult, pediatric, and perinatal populations that has been shown to be helpful for and recommended by families. Three key elements of early PC in the NICU are shared decision-making, care planning, and coping with distress. A hypothetical case of a 24-week infant is presented to illustrate how findings may be applied. Evidence supports expansion of neonatal PC to include infants and families without terminal diagnoses and initiation earlier in care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Involving parents more fully in care planning activities and decision-making and providing structured support for them to cope with distress despite their child's prognosis are essential to early PC. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH As early PC is incorporated into practice, strategies should be evaluated for feasibility and efficacy to improve parental and neonatal outcomes. Researchers should consider engaging NICU parent stakeholders in leading early PC program development and research.
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33
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Randall DC. Partnerships and the Paradoxes of Parenting Children Living with Illness. Compr Child Adolesc Nurs 2019; 42:246-249. [PMID: 31647337 DOI: 10.1080/24694193.2019.1683386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan C Randall
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
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34
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Dailey-Schwartz AL, Tadros HJ, Azamian MS, Lalani SR, Morris SA, Allen HD, Kim JJ, Landstrom AP. Copy Number Variants of Undetermined Significance Are Not Associated with Worse Clinical Outcomes in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. J Pediatr 2018; 202:206-211.e2. [PMID: 30172441 PMCID: PMC6203622 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, spectrum, and prognostic significance of copy number variants of undetermined significance (cnVUS) seen on chromosomal microarray (CMA) in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). STUDY DESIGN Neonates with HLHS who presented to Texas Children's Hospital between June 2008 and December 2016 were identified. CMA results were abstracted and compared against copy number variations (CNVs) in ostensibly healthy individuals gathered from the literature. Findings were classified as normal, consistent with a known genetic disorder, or cnVUS. Survival was then compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Secondary outcomes included tracheostomy, feeding tube at discharge, cardiac arrest, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). RESULTS Our study cohort comprised 105 neonates with HLHS, including 70 (66.7%) with normal CMA results, 9 (8.6%) with findings consistent with a known genetic disorder, and 26 (24.7%) with a cnVUS. Six of the 26 (23.0%) neonates with a cnVUS had a variant that localized to a specific region of the genome seen in the healthy control population. One-year survival was 84.0% in patients with a cnVUS, 68.3% in those with normal CMA results, and 33.3% in those with a known genetic disorder (P = .003). There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes among the groups, although notably ECMO was used in 15.7% of patients with normal CMA and was not used in those with cnVUS and abnormal results (P = .038). CONCLUSIONS Among children with HLHS, cnVUSs detected on CMA are common. The cnVUSs do not localize to specific regions of the genome, and are not associated with worse outcomes compared with normal CMA results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna J Tadros
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Seema R Lalani
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Shaine A Morris
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Hugh D Allen
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Jeffrey J Kim
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Andrew P Landstrom
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
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Ethical, Cultural, Social, and Individual Considerations Prior to Transition to Limitation or Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapies. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2018; 19:S10-S18. [PMID: 30080802 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000001488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
As part of the invited supplement on Death and Dying in the PICU, we reviewed ethical, cultural, and social considerations for the bedside healthcare practitioner prior to engaging with children and families in decisions about limiting therapies, withholding, or withdrawing therapies in a PICU. Clarifying beliefs and values is a necessary prerequisite to approaching these conversations. Striving for medical consensus is important. Discussion, reflection, and ethical analysis may determine a range of views that may reasonably be respected if professional disagreements persist. Parental decisional support is recommended and should incorporate their information needs, perceptions of medical uncertainty, child's condition, and their role as a parent. Child's involvement in decision making should be considered, but may not be possible. Culturally attuned care requires early examination of cultural perspectives before misunderstandings or disagreements occur. Societal influences may affect expectations and exploration of such may help frame discussions. Hospital readiness for support of social media campaigns is recommended. Consensus with family on goals of care is ideal as it addresses all parties' moral stance and diminishes the risk for superseding one group's value judgments over another. Engaging additional supportive services early can aid with understanding or resolving disagreement. There is wide variation globally in ethical permissibility, cultural, and societal influences that impact the clinician, child, and parents. Thoughtful consideration to these issues when approaching decisions about limitation or withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies will help to reduce emotional, spiritual, and ethical burdens, minimize misunderstanding for all involved, and maximize high-quality care delivery.
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Ethics of End of Life Decisions in Pediatrics: A Narrative Review of the Roles of Caregivers, Shared Decision-Making, and Patient Centered Values. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:bs8050042. [PMID: 29701637 PMCID: PMC5981236 DOI: 10.3390/bs8050042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This manuscript reviews unique aspects of end of life decision-making in pediatrics. Methods: A narrative literature review of pediatric end of life issues was performed in the English language. Results: While a paternalistic approach is typically applied to children with life-limiting medical prognoses, the cognitive, language, and physical variability in this patient population is wide and worthy of review. In end of life discussions in pediatrics, the consideration of a child’s input is often not reviewed in depth, although a shared decision-making model is ideal for use, even for children with presumed limitations due to age. This narrative review of end of life decision-making in pediatric care explores nomenclature, the introduction of the concept of death, relevant historical studies, limitations to the shared decision-making model, the current state of end of life autonomy in pediatrics, and future directions and needs. Although progress is being made toward a more uniform and standardized approach to care, few non-institutional protocols exist. Complicating factors in the lack of guidelines include the unique facets of pediatric end of life care, including physical age, paternalism, the cognitive and language capacity of patients, subconscious influencers of parents, and normative values of death in pediatrics. Conclusions: Although there have been strides in end of life decision-making in pediatrics, further investigation and research is needed in this field.
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Davidson JE, Zisook S. Implementing Family-Centered Care Through Facilitated Sensemaking. AACN Adv Crit Care 2018; 28:200-209. [PMID: 28592480 DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2017102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The Society of Critical Care Medicine has released updated recommendations for care of the family in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care units. Translation of the recommendations into practice may benefit from a supporting theoretical framework. Facilitated sensemaking is a mid-range theory built from the same literature that formed the basis for recommendations within the guidelines. The process of facilitated sensemaking may be used to help nurses adopt the SCCM recommendations into practice through the development of caring relationships, promoting family presence, teaching family engagement strategies, and supporting families with communication, information gathering, and participation in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy E Davidson
- Judy E. Davidson is Evidence-Based Practice and Research Nurse Liaison, University of California, San Diego Health, 200 W Arbor Drive 8929, San Diego, CA 92103 . Sidney Zisook is Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, and San Diego Veteran's Administration Health Care System, San Diego, California
| | - Sidney Zisook
- Judy E. Davidson is Evidence-Based Practice and Research Nurse Liaison, University of California, San Diego Health, 200 W Arbor Drive 8929, San Diego, CA 92103 . Sidney Zisook is Distinguished Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, and San Diego Veteran's Administration Health Care System, San Diego, California
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Psychosocial Care Models for Families of Critically Ill Children in Pediatric Emergency Department Settings: A Scoping Review. J Pediatr Nurs 2018; 38:46-52. [PMID: 29167080 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Critical illness in children is a significant and stressful life event for families. Within pediatric emergency department (ED) settings it is acknowledged that these crises are challenging for both the families of these children, and for the clinical staff treating the child. Literature recommends routine care should include an offer to the family to be present with their critically ill child, however there is a lack of clarity regarding specific family care models or evidence-based interventions to guide clinical practice. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Peer reviewed articles written in English, published between 2006 and 2016, proposing or testing psychosocial care models in pediatric (or mixed) emergency settings. SAMPLE Nine articles met inclusion criteria. RESULTS Search results showed limited evidence available in the literature at this time. Thematic analysis of article content and proposed model showed strong support for the benefit of family presence, including shifting the family role from passive to active, needing to be inclusive of the psychological impact of critical health events, importance of multidisciplinary education, and the need for additional exploratory and empirical research to evaluate and refine proposed care models. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric emergency health events are challenging for both families and staff, and care models provide staff with a consistent, evidence-informed approach to caring for families in challenging situations. IMPLICATIONS There is a need to find common ground from specific discipline guidelines into a multidisciplinary team approach for the care of families within emergency care.
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Park ES, Cho IY. Shared decision-making in the paediatric field: a literature review and concept analysis. Scand J Caring Sci 2017; 32:478-489. [DOI: 10.1111/scs.12496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Sook Park
- College of Nursing; Korea University; Seoul South Korea
| | - In Young Cho
- College of Nursing; Korea University; Seoul South Korea
- Department of Nursing; Dong Kang University; Kwang-Ju South Korea
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40
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Agrawal H, Wright OK, Carberry KE, Sexson Tejtel SK, Mery CM, Molossi S. Family perception of unmet support needs following a diagnosis of congenital coronary anomaly in children: Results of a survey. CONGENIT HEART DIS 2017; 12:721-725. [DOI: 10.1111/chd.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Agrawal
- Coronary Anomalies Program; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
- The Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Cardiology; Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
| | - Oriana K. Wright
- McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston Texas
| | - Kathleen E. Carberry
- Coronary Anomalies Program; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
- Outcomes & Impact Services; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
| | - S. Kristen Sexson Tejtel
- Coronary Anomalies Program; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
- The Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Cardiology; Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
| | - Carlos M. Mery
- Coronary Anomalies Program; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
- Division of Congenital Heart Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery; Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
| | - Silvana Molossi
- Coronary Anomalies Program; Texas Children's Hospital; Houston Texas
- The Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Cardiology; Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston Texas
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Determinants of successful medical education of caregivers of children with congenital heart diseases. J Saudi Heart Assoc 2017; 30:28-39. [PMID: 29296062 PMCID: PMC5744025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsha.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the implementation and efficiency of medical education among the caregivers of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and to investigate its success factors. Material and method A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2014 to March 2014 in a tertiary healthcare center. Study included 120 caregivers of children with CHD visiting the Paediatric Cardiology Clinic that included 93% mothers, aged 31.72 ± 6.67 years, 38.3% Saudi citizens and 45.0% had a high educational level. Caregivers were interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire that included socio-demographic data of participants and demographic and clinical data of patients; awareness about the diagnosis and self-assessed understanding of thedisease; disease dimensions explained, educational material used andefficacy of whole medical education received in alleviating caregivers' anxiety. Results Of children who had CHD, around 42.5% were males aged 5.65 ± 3.99 years and 37.3% had ventral septal defect, 14.4% had atrial septal defectand 19.5% had a complex CHD. Study results showed that 83.3% of caregivers were aware of the correct diagnosis and 64.2% had good understanding of the nature and effect of the disease. Frequently explained disease dimensions were impact on child's growth (65.8%), complications (57.5%), and outcomes (55.0%). Least frequently explained dimensions were those related to infective endocarditis (IEC) including risk factors (15.8%), prophylaxis (17.5%), complications (19.2%) and symptoms (22.5%). The whole medical education received was efficient to enable good understanding of the disease and alleviate anxiety in 70.8% and 62.5% of the cases, respectively. Time dedicated to educate, use of illustrating educational materials, explaining various disease dimensions (aetiology, complications, prognosis, long-term management, etc.) and the number of dimensions explained were all significant predictors for both good understanding of the child's disease and anxiety relief among caregivers.
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Beecham E, Oostendorp L, Crocker J, Kelly P, Dinsdale A, Hemsley J, Russell J, Jones L, Bluebond-Langner M. Keeping all options open: Parents' approaches to advance care planning. Health Expect 2016; 20:675-684. [PMID: 27670148 PMCID: PMC5512998 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early engagement in advance care planning (ACP) is seen as fundamental for ensuring the highest standard of care for children and young people with a life-limiting condition (LLC). However, most families have little knowledge or experience of ACP. OBJECTIVE To investigate how parents of children and young people with LLCs approach and experience ACP. METHODS Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of 18 children; nine children who were currently receiving palliative care services, and nine children who had received palliative care and died. Verbatim transcripts of audiotaped interviews were analysed following principles of grounded theory while acknowledging the use of deductive strategies, taking account of both the child's condition, and the timing and nature of decisions made. RESULTS Parents reported having discussions and making decisions about the place of care, place of death and the limitation of treatment. Most decisions were made relatively late in the illness and by parents who wished to keep their options open. Parents reported different levels of involvement in a range of decisions; many wished to be involved in decision making but did not always feel able to do so. DISCUSSION This study highlights that parents' approaches to decision making vary by the type of decision required. Their views may change over time, and it is important to allow them to keep their options open. We recommend that clinicians have regular discussions over the course of the illness in an effort to understand parents' approaches to particular decisions rather than to drive to closure prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beecham
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Linda Oostendorp
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Crocker
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paula Kelly
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Dinsdale
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - June Hemsley
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jessica Russell
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Louise Jones
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ, USA
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Pieters HC, Iwaki T, Vickrey BG, Mathern GW, Baca CB. "It was five years of hell": Parental experiences of navigating and processing the slow and arduous time to pediatric resective epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 62:276-84. [PMID: 27521720 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with medically refractory epilepsy stand to benefit from surgery and live a life free of seizures. However, a large proportion of potentially eligible children do not receive a timely referral for a surgical evaluation. We aimed to describe experiences during the arduous time before the referral and the parent-reported facilitators that helped them move forward through this slow time. METHODS Individual semi-structured interviews with 37 parents of children who had previously undergone epilepsy surgery at UCLA (2006-2011) were recorded, transcribed, and systematically analyzed by two independent coders using thematic analysis. Clinical data were extracted from medical records. RESULTS Parents, 41.3years of age on average, were mostly Caucasian, English-speaking, mothers, married, and employed. The mean age at surgery for children was 8.2years with a mean time from epilepsy onset to surgery of 5.4years. Parental decision-making was facilitated when parents eventually received a presurgical referral and navigated to a multidisciplinary team that they trusted to care for their child with medically refractory epilepsy. Four themes described the experiences that parents used to feel a sense of moving forward. The first theme, processing, involved working through feelings and was mostly done alone. The second theme, navigating the complex unknowns of the health-care system, was more active and purposeful. Processing co-occurred with navigating in a fluid intersection, the third theme, which was evidenced by deliberate actions. The fourth theme, facilitators, explained helpful ways of processing and navigating; parents utilized these mechanisms to turn vulnerable times following the distress of their child's diagnosis into an experience of productivity. SIGNIFICANCE To limit parental distress and remediate the slow and arduous journey to multidisciplinary care at a comprehensive epilepsy center for a surgical evaluation, we suggest multi-pronged interventions to modify barriers associated with parents, providers, and health-care systems. Based on the facilitators that moved parents of our sample forward, we provide practical suggestions such as increased peer support, developing the role of patient navigators and communication strategies with parents before, during, and after referral to a comprehensive epilepsy center and presurgical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibrie C Pieters
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tomoko Iwaki
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Barbara G Vickrey
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gary W Mathern
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christine B Baca
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Department of Neurology, VA Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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Zaal-Schuller IH, de Vos MA, Ewals FVPM, van Goudoever JB, Willems DL. End-of-life decision-making for children with severe developmental disabilities: The parental perspective. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 49-50:235-246. [PMID: 26741261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The objectives of this integrative review were to understand how parents of children with severe developmental disorders experience their involvement in end-of-life decision-making, how they prefer to be involved and what factors influence their decisions. METHODS AND PROCEDURES We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO. The search was limited to articles in English or Dutch published between January 2004 and August 2014. We included qualitative and quantitative original studies that directly investigated the experiences of parents of children aged 0-18 years with severe developmental disorders for whom an end-of-life decision had been considered or made. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS We identified nine studies that met all inclusion criteria. Reportedly, parental involvement in end-of-life decision-making varied widely, ranging from having no involvement to being the sole decision-maker. Most parents preferred to actively share in the decision-making process regardless of their child's specific diagnosis or comorbidity. The main factors that influenced parents in their decision-making were: their strong urge to advocate for their child's best interests and to make the best (possible) decision. In addition, parents felt influenced by their child's visible suffering, remaining quality of life and the will they perceived in their child to survive. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Most parents of children with severe developmental disorders wish to actively share in the end-of-life decision-making process. An important emerging factor in this process is the parents' feeling that they have to stand up for their child's interests in conversations with the medical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- I H Zaal-Schuller
- Section of Medical Ethics, Department of General Practice, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - M A de Vos
- Section of Medical Ethics, Department of General Practice, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - F V P M Ewals
- Intellectual Disability Medicine, Department of General Practice, Erasmus Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - J B van Goudoever
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital-Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam & Department of Paediatrics, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - D L Willems
- Section of Medical Ethics, Department of General Practice, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Peay HL, Scharff H, Tibben A, Wilfond B, Bowie J, Johnson J, Nagaraju K, Escolar D, Piacentino J, Biesecker BB. "Watching time tick by…": Decision making for Duchenne muscular dystrophy trials. Contemp Clin Trials 2015; 46:1-6. [PMID: 26546066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This interview study explored clinicians' perspectives and parents' decision making about children's participation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) clinical trials. METHODS Data from semi-structured interviews conducted with clinicians and parents in U.S. or Canada were assessed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Eleven clinicians involved in ten trials and fifteen parents involved in six trials were interviewed. Parents described benefit-risk assessments using information from advocacy, peers, professionals, and sponsors. Strong influence was attributed to the progressive nature of DMD. Most expected direct benefit. Few considered the possibility of trial failure. Most made decisions to participate before the informed consent (IC) process, but none-the-less perceived informed choice with little to lose for potential gain. Clinicians described more influence on parental decisions than attributed by parents. Clinicians felt responsible to facilitate IC while maintaining hope. Both clinicians and parents reported criticisms about the IC process and regulatory barriers. CONCLUSIONS The majority of parents described undertaking benefit-risk assessments that led to informed choices that offered psychological and potential disease benefits. Parents' high expectations influenced their decisions while also reflecting optimism. Clinicians felt challenged in balancing parents' expectations and likely outcomes. Prognosis-related pressures coupled with decision making prior to IC suggest an obligation to ensure educational materials are understandable and accurate, and to consider an expanded notion of IC timeframes. Anticipatory guidance about potential trial failure might facilitate parents' deliberations while aiding clinicians in moderating overly-optimistic motivations. Regulators and industry should appreciate special challenges in progressive disorders, where doing nothing was equated with doing harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly L Peay
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Hackensack, NJ, USA; Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Hadar Scharff
- Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Aad Tibben
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Wilfond
- Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janice Bowie
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Barbara B Biesecker
- Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Bernthal EM, Lathlean J, Gobbi M, Simpson RG. Mothers' decision-making during times of stress as a lone parent: a qualitative study. J ROY ARMY MED CORPS 2015; 161 Suppl 1:i26-i33. [PMID: 26419524 DOI: 10.1136/jramc-2015-000526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little empirical evidence exists to identify the impact that a partner's absence or presence has on the mother's decision-making and her consequential help-seeking behaviour when her child is unwell. METHODS This study used a qualitative design in three phases using focus groups and interviews to explore Army mothers' help-seeking behaviour as a lone parent when their child was unwell during the out-of-hours period. Thirty-one parents from a British Army garrison were interviewed. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that Army life created a combination of stressors for Army mothers, which altered their help-seeking behaviour when their child was unwell. When their partner was available, mothers contacted health services as a last resort, once all other avenues had been exhausted. However, in contrast, in their partners' absence, they were contacted as a first resort. CONCLUSION An algorithm was generated from the findings, which illustrates the importance of ascertaining whether the mother is alone at the time of the consultation. Increased emotional vulnerability intensified the need for reassurance and affected a mother's decision-making ability. Primary healthcare staff should ascertain whether mothers are currently lone parents at an early stage of their assessment, as this may influence the entire consultation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Mm Bernthal
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine (Research and Academic), Birmingham, W Midlands, UK
| | - J Lathlean
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - M Gobbi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | - R G Simpson
- Dean, Defence Medical Services, Defence Healthcare Education and Training, Lichfield, UK
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