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Jarrell JA, Grossoehme DH, Friebert S, Ajayi TA, Thienprayoon R, Humphrey L. Challenges in Pediatric Home-Based Hospice and Palliative Care: A Case Series. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00849-2. [PMID: 38972553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.027] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care is a growing and important sub-field within the larger pediatric palliative care landscape. Despite research demonstrating the clinical and systemic efficacy of pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care, there remain barriers to its optimal development, implementation, and dissemination as well as best clinical practice knowledge gaps. This case series presents specific examples of ubiquitous challenges in pediatric home-based hospice and palliative care in hopes of guiding future research, education, advocacy, and program development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Ann Jarrell
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Daniel H Grossoehme
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Toluwalase A Ajayi
- Univeristy of California San Diego/Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
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Boyden JY, Ersek M, Widger KA, Shea JA, Feudtner C. The Home-Based Experiences of Palliative and Hospice Care for Children and Caregivers (EXPERIENCE) Measure: Evaluation of Psychometric Properties. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00838-8. [PMID: 38942094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.018] [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: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Home-based pediatric palliative and hospice care (PPHC) supports the hundreds of thousands of children with serious illness and complex care needs and their families in the home setting. Considerable variation, however, exists in the provision and quality of home-based PPHC in the U.S. Ensuring equitable, high-quality home-based PPHC for all children requires the evaluation of families' care experiences and assessment of whether these experiences are aligned with their needs and priorities. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the psychometric properties of the previously developed 23-item home-based PPHC EXPERIENCE Measure for use with families of children receiving home-based PPHC in the United States. METHODS Participants included families recruited from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Courageous Parents Network, and several other hospital- and community-based PPHC programs across the U.S. who provide home-based PPHC services. Participants completed the EXPERIENCE Measure at baseline and again at retest. We evaluated the factor structure of the EXPERIENCE Measure, as well as evidence regarding score reliability and validity. RESULTS Eighty-two family participants completed the baseline and 53 completed the retest questionnaire from 15 states across the U.S. We found evidence for the score reliability and validity of a four-domain EXPERIENCE measure. CONCLUSION The EXPERIENCE Measure is a tool with evidence for reliable and valid scores to evaluate family-reported home-based PPHC experiences at the time care is being received. Future work will evaluate the usability (i.e., acceptability, feasibility, and clinical actionability) of EXPERIENCE, including the sensitivity of the instrument to change over time and its impact on real-time clinical actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Mary Ersek
- Department of Family and Community Health (J.Y.B.), Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences (M.E.), School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (M.E.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kimberley A Widger
- Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.A.W.), University of Toronto; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children (K.A.W.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Judy A Shea
- Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics (J.Y.B., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine (J.A.S.), Department of Pediatrics (C.F.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Tafazoli Moghadam E, Tafazoli A. Providing care for siblings of children on hospice. Palliat Support Care 2024; 22:417-418. [PMID: 37818646 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951523001359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Tafazoli
- Hospice Kingston, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Care Administration, Kingston Campus, St Lawrence College, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Xia Q, Kularatna M, Virdun C, Button E, Close E, Carter HE. Preferences for Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Systematic Review of Discrete Choice Experiments. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:1795-1809. [PMID: 37543206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding what matters most to patients and their caregivers is fundamental to delivering high-quality care. This systematic review aimed to characterize and appraise the evidence from discrete choice experiments eliciting preferences for palliative care. METHODS A systematic literature search was undertaken for publications up until August 2022. Data were synthesized narratively. Thematic analysis was applied to categorize attributes into groups. Attribute development, frequency, and relative importance were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were conducted to compare outcomes between patient and proxy respondents. RESULTS Seventeen studies spanning 11 countries were included; 59% of studies solely considered preferences for patients with cancer. A range of respondent groups were represented including patients (76%) and proxies (caregivers [35%], health providers [12%], and the public [18%]). A total of 117 individual attributes were extracted and thematically grouped into 8 broad categories and 21 subcategories. Clinical outcomes including quality of life, length of life, and pain control were the most frequently reported attributes, whereas attributes relating to psychosocial components were largely absent. Both patients and proxy respondents prioritized pain control over additional survival time. Nevertheless, there were differences between respondent cohorts in the emphasis on other attributes such as access to care, timely information, and low risk of adverse effects (prioritized by patients), as opposed to cost, quality, and delivery of care (prioritized by proxies). CONCLUSIONS Our review underscores the vital role of pain control in palliative care; in addition, it shed light on the complexity and relative strength of preferences for various aspects of care from multiple perspectives, which is useful in developing personalized, patient-centered models of care for individuals nearing the end of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Mineth Kularatna
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Claudia Virdun
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elise Button
- Cancer and Palliative Care Outcomes Centre, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Eliana Close
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Faculty of Business and Law (Close), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hannah E Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Corr CA. Some Reflections on the 50th Anniversary of Hospice Care in America. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231218217. [PMID: 38039094 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231218217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This article celebrates the 50th anniversary of hospice care in America. It also offers a brief recounting of one person's reflections on some aspects of the history, achievements, and current status of American hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Corr
- School of Humanities, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
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Engel M, Brouwer MA, Jansen N, Leget C, Teunissen SCCM, Kars MC. The spiritual dimension of parenting a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition: A mixed-methods systematic review. Palliat Med 2023; 37:1303-1325. [PMID: 37461310 PMCID: PMC10548770 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231186173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spirituality refers to the dynamic dimension of human life that relates to the way that persons experience meaning, purpose, and transcendence. The complex task of parenting a child with a life-limiting condition may raise existential questions, which are easily overlooked by healthcare professionals. AIM We explored how the spiritual dimension becomes manifest in parents of children in pediatric palliative care. DESIGN A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted, registered in Prospero (2021 CRD42021285318). DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycInfo, and Cochrane were searched for articles published between January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2023. We included original empirical studies that reported on spirituality of parents of seriously ill children, from parents' perspectives. RESULTS Sixty-three studies were included: 22 North-American, 19 Asian, 13 European, 9 other. Studies varied in defining spirituality. We identified five different aspects of spirituality: religion, hope, parental identity, personal development, and feeling connected with others. All aspects could function as source of spirituality or cause of spiritual concern. Sources of spirituality helped parents to give meaning to their experiences and made them feel supported. However, parents also reported struggling with spiritual concerns. Several parents highlighted their need for professional support. CONCLUSIONS Although studies vary in defining spirituality, reports on spirituality focus on how parents connect to their faith, others, and themselves as parents. Healthcare professionals can support parents by paying attention to the spiritual process parents are going through. More research is needed into how healthcare professionals can support parents of seriously ill children in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijanne Engel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marije A Brouwer
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Jansen
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Leget
- Department of Care Ethics, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia CCM Teunissen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Levine A, Winn PA, Fogel AH, Lelkes E, McPoland P, Agrawal AK, Bogetz JF. Barriers to Pediatric Palliative Care: Trainee and Faculty Perspectives Across Two Academic Centers. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1348-1356. [PMID: 37318791 PMCID: PMC10623063 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Barriers to palliative care for children with serious illness include system constraints and vastly different training and attitudes toward palliative care. This study aimed to explore trainee and faculty physician perceptions of barriers to palliative care across two pediatric centers to (1) examine differences between trainees and faculty and (2) compare these data with previous studies. Methods: A mixed-methods study was conducted in fall 2021 among pediatric trainees and faculty physicians at three pediatric hospitals in two pediatric centers in the western United States. Surveys were distributed through hospital listservs and analyzed descriptively and through inductive thematic analysis. Results: There were a total of 268 participants: 50 trainees and 218 faculty physicians. Of the trainees, 46% (23) were fellows and 54% (27) were pediatric residents. Trainees and faculty reported the same four most common barriers, which were consistent with previous studies: family not ready to acknowledge an incurable condition (64% trainees and 45% faculty); family preference for more life-sustaining therapies than staff (52% and 39%); uncertain prognosis (48% and 38%); and parent discomfort with possibility of hastening death (44% and 30%). Other barriers commonly reported included time constraints, staff shortages, and conflict among family about treatment goals. Language barriers and cultural differences were also cited. Conclusions: This study examining palliative care across two pediatric centers suggests that providers' perceptions of family preferences and understanding of illness persist as barriers to the delivery of pediatric palliative care services. Future research should examine family-centered and culturally mindful interventions to better elucidate family perspectives on their child's illness to align care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Levine
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phoebe A. Winn
- Divisions of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Alexis H. Fogel
- Divisions of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Efrat Lelkes
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Benioff Children's Hospital San Francisco, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Paula McPoland
- Division of Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anurag K. Agrawal
- Divisions of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Jori F. Bogetz
- Division of Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Callahan KP, Kielt MJ, Feudtner C, Barkman D, Bamat N, Fierro J, Fiest E, DeMauro SB. Ranking Future Outcomes Most Important to Parents of Children with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. J Pediatr 2023; 259:113455. [PMID: 37172804 PMCID: PMC10524943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess which potential future outcomes are most important to parents of children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a disease that affects future respiratory, medical, and developmental outcomes for children born preterm. STUDY DESIGN We recruited parents from 2 children's hospitals' neonatal follow-up clinics and elicited their importance rating for 20 different potential future outcomes associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. These outcomes were identified and selected through a literature review and discussions with panels of parents and clinician stakeholders, via a discrete choice experiment. RESULTS One hundred and 5 parents participated. Overall, parents ranked "Will my child be more vulnerable to other problems because of having lung disease?" as the most important outcome, with other respiratory health related outcomes also highly ranked. Outcomes related to child development and effects on the family were among the lowest ranked. Individually, parents rated outcomes differently, resulting in a broad distribution of importance scores for many of the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The overall rankings suggest that parents prioritize future outcomes related to physical health and safety. Notably, for guiding research, some top-rated outcomes are not traditionally measured in outcome studies. For guiding individual counseling, the broad distribution of importance scores for many outcomes highlights the extent to which parents differ in their prioritization of outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Press Callahan
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA; Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA.
| | | | - Chris Feudtner
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA; Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Nicolas Bamat
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA
| | - Julie Fierro
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, PA
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Siddiqui MF, Nohra L, Saleh M, Thakkar K, Trivedi R, Moujally SN, Deeb H, Nicolas G, Emmanuel N. Pediatric Oncology, Palliative Care and Low- or Middle- Income Countries: A Call for Action. Glob Pediatr Health 2023; 10:2333794X231188591. [PMID: 37492651 PMCID: PMC10363861 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x231188591] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric oncology, which includes cancer screening and therapy in children, poses significant challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Palliative care improves children's and their families' quality of life. In LMICs, palliative care resources are scarce, resulting in poor symptom management, psychological support, and spiritual care. All relevant English-language articles on pediatric palliative oncology were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Medline databases using the following keywords: "Pediatric Oncology," "Pediatric Palliative Oncology," "Pediatric Palliative Care," "Palliative Care," "Child Cancer," and "Lower- and Middle-Income Countries." This study highlights the significance of incorporating palliative care early in therapy and the recommendations may improve the competence of information provided by medical professionals to patients and families. LMICs have the potential to improve overall treatment and outcomes for child cancer patients and their families by prioritizing the integration of palliative care, guaranteeing a compassionate and dignified attitude toward the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea Nohra
- Faculty of Medical Science, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mustafa Saleh
- Faculty of Medical Science, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Keval Thakkar
- Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rishika Trivedi
- Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | | | - Hadeel Deeb
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gregory Nicolas
- Hospital das Clinicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nancy Emmanuel
- Hospital das Clinicas of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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John Cherian D, Ta D, Smith J, Downs J, Leonard H. How Families Manage the Complex Medical Needs of Their Children with MECP2 Duplication Syndrome. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1202. [PMID: 37508699 PMCID: PMC10377896 DOI: 10.3390/children10071202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare, X-linked, neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the duplication of the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. The clinical features of MDS include severe intellectual disability, global developmental delay, seizures, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal problems. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how the parents of children with MDS manage their child's seizures, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the impact on them as parents. The data were coded into three categories: (1) complex care needs in the home, (2) highly skilled caregivers, and (3) impact on caregivers and families. Complex 24 h care was required and parents developed complex skillsets to ensure that this was delivered well to their child. The provision of extensive complex medical care in the home had an impact on parent mental and physical health, family dynamics, and finances. This study captures the management of high-burden comorbidities in MDS at home. Investigations into how best to support caregiver wellbeing to reduce their stresses, whilst maintaining optimal child health and wellbeing, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani John Cherian
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth 6872, Australia
| | - Daniel Ta
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth 6872, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Jeremy Smith
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth 6872, Australia
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth 6872, Australia
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Grossoehme DH, Sellers J, Accordino S, Smith SM, Jenkins R, Richner G, Moore-Forbes Y, Friebert S. "It's a Different Conversation": Qualitative Analysis of Pediatric Home-based Hospice/Palliative Care Visits' Perceived Value. Pediatr Qual Saf 2023; 8:e663. [PMID: 37434594 PMCID: PMC10332824 DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Home-based hospice and/or palliative care (HBHPC) is an important and increasingly utilized aspect of care for children with serious conditions-those with high mortality risk, which either impacts their quality of life or carries a significant caregiver burden. Provider home visits are a core feature; however, the travel time and human resource allocation are significant challenges. Balancing the appropriateness of this allocation requires further characterization of the value of home visits to families and identification of the value domains of HBHPC for caregivers. For study purposes, we defined a "home visit" as an in-person visit by a physician or advanced practice provider to a child's residence. Methods The methods include a qualitative study using semistructured interviews and a grounded theory analytic framework enrolled caregivers of children aged 1 month to 26 years receiving HBHPC from either of 2 U.S. pediatric quaternary institutions between 2016 and 2021. Results Twenty-two participants were interviewed; the mean (SD) interview duration was 52.9 (22.6) minutes. The final conceptual model has 6 major themes: communicating effectively, fostering emotional and physical safety, building and maintaining relationships, empowering the family, seeing the bigger picture, and sharing burdens. Conclusions Caregiver-identified themes demonstrated improved communication, empowerment, and support from receiving HBHPC, which can facilitate enhanced family-centered, goal-concordant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H. Grossoehme
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Jaime Sellers
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Samuel Accordino
- Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Steven M. Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Rachel Jenkins
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | - Gwendolyn Richner
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
| | | | - Sarah Friebert
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio
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12
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Ananth P, Lindsay M, Mun S, McCollum S, Shabanova V, de Oliveira S, Pitafi S, Kirch R, Ma X, Gross CP, Boyden JY, Feudtner C, Wolfe J. Parent Priorities in End-of-Life Care for Children With Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2313503. [PMID: 37184834 PMCID: PMC10878399 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.13503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Robust quality measures to benchmark end-of-life care for children with cancer do not currently exist; 28 candidate patient-centered quality measures were previously developed. Objective To prioritize quality measures among parents who lost a child to cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study was conducted using an electronic, cross-sectional discrete choice experiment (DCE) with maximum difference scaling from January to June 2021 in the US. In each of 21 questions in the DCE, participants were presented with a set of 4 quality measures and were asked to select the most and least important measures within each set. All 28 quality measures were presented an equal number of times in different permutations. In the volunteer sample, 69 eligible bereaved parents enrolled in the study; 61 parents completed the DCE (participation rate, 88.4%). Main Outcomes and Measures Using choices participants made, a hierarchical bayesian multinomial logistic regression was fit to derive mean importance scores with 95% credible intervals (95% Crs) for each quality measure, representing the overall probability of a quality measure being selected as most important. Importance scores were rescaled proportionally from 0 to 100, with the sum of scores for all quality measures adding up to 100. This enabled interpretation of scores as the relative importance of quality measures. Results Participants included 61 bereaved parents (median [range] age, 48 [24-74] years; 55 individuals self-identified as women [90.2%]; 1 American Indian or Alaska Native [1.6%], 1 Asian [1.6%], 2 Black or African American [3.3%], 1 Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 58 White [91.8%]; 58 not Hispanic or Latinx [95.1%]). Highest-priority quality measures by mean importance score included having a child's symptoms treated well (9.25 [95% Cr, 9.06-9.45]), feeling that a child's needs were heard by the health care team (8.39 [95% Cr, 8.05-8.73]), and having a goal-concordant end-of-life experience (7.45 [95% Cr, 6.84-8.05]). Lowest-priority quality measures included avoiding chemotherapy (0.33 [95% Cr, 0.21-0.45]), provision of psychosocial support for parents (1.01 [95% Cr, 0.57-1.45]), and avoiding the intensive care unit (1.09 [95% Cr, 0.74-1.43]). Rank-ordering measures by mean importance revealed that symptom management was 9 times more important to parents than psychosocial support for themselves. Conclusions and Relevance This study found that bereaved parents prioritized end-of-life quality measures focused on symptom management and goal-concordant care while characterizing quality measures assessing their own psychosocial support and their child's hospital resource use as substantially less important. These findings suggest that future research should explore innovative strategies to measure care attributes that matter most to families of children with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Meghan Lindsay
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Sophia Mun
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
| | - Sarah McCollum
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Veronika Shabanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Sarah Pitafi
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Kirch
- National Patient Advocate Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Cary P Gross
- Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia
- Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Departments of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics, and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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13
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Boyden JY, Bogetz JF, Johnston EE, Thienprayoon R, Williams CSP, McNeil MJ, Patneaude A, Widger KA, Rosenberg AR, Ananth P. Measuring Pediatric Palliative Care Quality: Challenges and Opportunities. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:e483-e495. [PMID: 36736860 PMCID: PMC10106436 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) programs vary widely in structure, staffing, funding, and patient census, resulting in inconsistency in service provision. Improving the quality of palliative care for children living with serious illness and their families requires measuring care quality, ensuring that quality measurement is embedded into day-to-day clinical practice, and aligning quality measurement with healthcare policy priorities. Yet, numerous challenges exist in measuring PPC quality. This paper provides an overview of PPC quality measurement, including challenges, current initiatives, and future opportunities. While important strides toward addressing quality measurement challenges in PPC have been made, including ongoing quality measurement initiatives like the Cambia Metrics Project, the PPC What Matters Most study, and collaborative learning networks, more work remains. Providing high-quality PPC to all children and families will require a multi-pronged approach. In this paper, we suggest several strategies for advancing high-quality PPC, which includes 1) considering how and by whom success is defined, 2) evaluating, adapting, and developing PPC measures, including those that address care disparities within PPC for historically marginalized and excluded communities, 3) improving the infrastructure with which to routinely and prospectively measure, monitor, and report clinical and administrative quality measures, 4) increasing endorsement of PPC quality measures by prominent quality organizations to facilitate accountability and possible reimbursement, and 5) integrating PPC-specific quality measures into the administrative, funding, and policy landscape of pediatric healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing (J.Y.B.), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Jori F Bogetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care (J.F.B.), University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA; Center for Clinical and Translational Research (J.F.B.), Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology (E.E.J.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, University of Alabama at Birmingham (E.E.J.), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (R.T.), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (R.T.), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Conrad S P Williams
- Palliative Care Program and Department of Pediatrics (C.S.P.W.), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Michael J McNeil
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Department of Global Pediatric Medicine (M.J.M.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology (M.J.M.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Arika Patneaude
- Bioethics and Palliative Care, Seattle Children's Hospital (A.P.), Seattle, Washington, USA; University of Washington School of Social Work (A.P.), Seattle, Washington, USA; Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics (A.P.), Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kimberley A Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (K.A.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Hospital for Sick Children (K.A.W.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (A.R.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School (A.R.S.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine (P.A.), New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center (P.A.), New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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14
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Lotstein D, Klein MJ, Lindley LC, Wolfe J. From Hospital to Home: Referrals to Pediatric Hospice and Home-based Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:570-579. [PMID: 36828291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospital-based pediatric palliative care (PPC) may help optimize referrals to community-based hospice and home-based palliative care (HBPC) for children with serious illness, yet little is known about their referral practices. OBJECTIVES To describe community-based program referrals from a PPC team, identifying factors associated with referral type, and potential misalignment between patient needs and referral received. METHODS Chart abstraction of patients seen in 2017 by the PPC team of a large, urban children's hospital, followed for at least 6 months or until death, including clinical and demographic characteristics, and referrals to hospice and HBPC. RESULTS Of the 302 study-eligible patients, 25% died during the hospitalization of the first 2017 visit. Of the remaining 228 patients, 42 (18.4%) were referred to HBPC and 58 (25.4%) to hospice. Excluding patients referred to hospice care, only one-third with demographic eligibility were referred to HBPC; those seen in the ICU were least likely to be referred. Over half of the 58 patients referred to hospice died within the study period (n = 34, 58.6%); descendants were more likely to have cancer (P = 0.002) and less likely to have a neurologic (P = 0.021) diagnosis. CONCLUSION Despite demographic eligibility, a minority of patients seen by a hospital-based PPC team received referrals for hospice or HBPC. Children discharged from an ICU and those with neurologic conditions may be at higher risk of missing referrals best aligned with their needs. Future research should identify and address causes of referral misalignment. Advocacy for programs adaptable to patients' changing needs may also be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Lotstein
- Division of Comfort and Palliative Care, Department of Anesthesia Critical Care Medicine (D.L.), Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA and Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
| | - Margaret J Klein
- Department of Anesthesia Critical Care Medicine (M.J.K.), Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee (L.C.L.), Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Sharp WS, Svynarenko R, Fornehed MLC, Cozad MJ, Malpass JK, Mack JW, Hinds PS, Mooney-Doyle K, Mendola A, Lindley LC. Conceptualizing the Value of Pediatric Concurrent Hospice Care. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:31-38. [PMID: 36289556 PMCID: PMC9839492 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Given that pediatric concurrent hospice care has been available for more than a decade, it is appropriate to seek an understanding of the value of this care delivery approach. Value is the cost associated with achieving beneficial health outcomes. In pursuit of this goal, the current literature on pediatric concurrent hospice care was synthesized and used to develop a model to explain its value. Because of its relevance, the Value Assessment Framework was used to conceptualize the value of pediatric concurrent hospice care. This framework gauges the value of a health care service through 2 components: long-term effect and short-term affordability. The framework considers comparative clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, other benefits or disadvantages, contextual considerations, and potential budget impact. Evidence from the literature suggested that the value of concurrent care depended on clinical outcomes evaluated, costs examined, medical services used, care coordinated, context considered, and budget impacted. The literature demonstrated that pediatric concurrent hospice care does offer significant value for children and their families. The conceptual model highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to assessing value. The model is a useful framework for future research examining the value of concurrent hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Pamela S. Hinds
- Children's National Hospital, School of Medicine and Health Sciences
| | | | - Annette Mendola
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center
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16
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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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17
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Mayland CR, Sunderland KA, Cooper M, Taylor P, Powell PA, Zeigler L, Cox V, Gilman C, Turner N, Flemming K, Fraser LK. Measuring quality of dying, death and end-of-life care for children and young people: A scoping review of available tools. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1186-1206. [PMID: 35915561 PMCID: PMC9446433 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221105599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The circumstances and care provided at the end of a child's life have a profound impact on family members. Although assessing experiences and outcomes during this time is challenging, healthcare professionals have a responsibility to ensure high quality of care is provided. AIM To identify available tools which measure the quality of dying, death and end-of-life care for children and young people; describe the content, and data on validity and reliability of existing tools. DESIGN Scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework. DATA SOURCES Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO) and grey literature were searched for studies published in English (January 2000-June 2021). A review of reference lists and citation searching was also undertaken. Tools needed to include a focus on the 'dying' phase of illness (defined as the last month of life). RESULTS From 2078 articles, a total of 18 studies, reporting on 11 tools were identified. All tools were completed by primary caregivers or healthcare professionals as 'proxy' assessments; all except one was undertaken after death. Question items about quality of life and preparation for death were found in all tools; items relating to cultural aspects of care, grief and financial costs were less common. Only 6/11 had undergone psychometric testing within a paediatric palliative care setting. CONCLUSIONS Future research should include ways to adapt, refine and improve existing tools. Assessing their wider application in different clinical and cultural settings and conducting further psychometric assessment represent areas of focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona R Mayland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,Palliative Care Unit, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Matthew Cooper
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paul Taylor
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,St Luke's Hospice, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philip A Powell
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lucy Zeigler
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Vicki Cox
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Constance Gilman
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nicola Turner
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kate Flemming
- Department of Health Sciences, The University of York, York, UK
| | - Lorna K Fraser
- Department of Health Sciences, Martin House Research Centre, University of York, York, UK
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18
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Bogetz JF, Johnston E, Ananth P, Patneaude A, Thienprayoon R, Rosenberg AR. Survey of Pediatric Palliative Care Quality Improvement Training, Activities, and Barriers. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e123-e131. [PMID: 35577143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with serious illness deserve high-quality pediatric palliative care (PPC). With expansion of PPC provision, it is important to understand the quality improvement (QI) activities of PPC clinicians and programs. OBJECTIVES To describe the 1) background, education/training, and activities in QI and 2) perceived barriers to QI efforts among PPC clinicians and programs nationally. METHODS An electronic survey was sent to members of the Pediatric Palliative Improvement Network, the National Coalition for Hospice and Palliative Care Pediatric Task Force, and the PPC Research Network as part of a study to develop hospital-based, primary PPC quality measures. Surveys queried participants' background, education/training, individual/team QI efforts, and barriers to QI work. Results were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Of the 95 respondents; most were female (84 [88%]) and/or white (84 [88%]). The majority (57 [54%]) were physicians, although participants represented a variety of clinical disciplines, researchers (10 [9%]), and administrators (6 [6%]). One-quarter (25 [26%]) reported having <10 hours total of training in QI, yet two-third (63 [66%]) participated in QI work. About one-third (35 [37%]) reported that their program had no dedicated staff for QI activities, yet over half (56 [59%]) of participants reported that their team participated in QI work. Participants reported that lack of personnel/time, standardized measures/tools, education/training/mentoring in QI, systems to promote QI work, and financing/grants were barriers. CONCLUSION Over half of PPC participants in this study reported involvement in QI activities despite limited staffing/time, QI training, and standardized measures, which presents challenges to this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jori F Bogetz
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care (J.F.B.), Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA.
| | - Emily Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology (E.J.), Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine; Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, UAB School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics (P.A.), Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Arika Patneaude
- Bioethics and Palliative Care (A.P.), Seattle Children's Hospital, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (R.T.), Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Division of Hematology and Oncology (A.R.R.), Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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19
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Home-Based Care for Children with Serious Illness: Ecological Framework and Research Implications. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081115. [PMID: 35892618 PMCID: PMC9330186 DOI: 10.3390/children9081115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Care for U.S. children living with serious illness and their families at home is a complex and patchwork system. Improving home-based care for children and families requires a comprehensive, multilevel approach that accounts for and examines relationships across home environments, communities, and social contexts in which children and families live and receive care. We propose a multilevel conceptual framework, guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model, that conceptualizes the complex system of home-based care into five levels. Levels 1 and 2 contain patient and family characteristics. Level 3 contains factors that influence family health, well-being, and experience with care in the home. Level 4 includes the community, including community groups, schools, and providers. Level 5 includes the broader regional system of care that impacts the care of children and families across communities. Finally, care coordination and care disparities transcend levels, impacting care at each level. A multilevel ecological framework of home-based care for children with serious illness and families can be used in future multilevel research to describe and test hypotheses about aspects of this system of care, as well as to inform interventions across levels to improve patient and family outcomes.
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20
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Effendy C, Uligraff DK, Sari SH, Angraini F, Chandra L. Experiences of family caregivers of children with cancer while receiving home-based pediatric palliative care in Indonesia: a qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:104. [PMID: 35668398 PMCID: PMC9171947 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caring for children living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses can be challenging. Parents' roles as the main caregivers can be complex with extensive responsibilities. The experiences of family caregivers can provide key insights into the provision of home-based Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) for seriously ill children. This study is aimed at exploring the experiences of family caregivers of children diagnosed with cancer while receiving home-based PPC. METHODS This was a qualitative study. This study used semi-structured interviews which were audio-recorded with family caregivers of twelve children diagnosed with cancer who had received home-based PPC. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The reporting of the study was based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. RESULTS Three main themes emerged: (1) The implementation of home-based PPC; (2) The benefits of home-based PPC; and (3) The family caregivers' hopes of the home-based PPC service and their impressions of home-based PPC. The implementation of home-based PPC described the experiences of family caregivers in receiving home-based PPC provided by nurses with particular attention to the bio-psychosocial-spiritual aspects. Family caregivers experienced several benefits from the home-based PCC service, where holistic care was provided for both the patient and the family. Family caregivers shared their hopes prior to receiving support from competent health care professionals to care for their sick child at home and improve the child's quality of life. They confirmed that these hopes were fulfilled through the home-based PPC service delivered by Rachel House. CONCLUSIONS Home-based PPC provides several benefits with a positive impact for both the children diagnosed with cancer as well as their families. Nurses involved in the home-based PPC service provide holistic care with a family-centered approach. We believe that children with terminal illnesses and their families need and deserve home-based PPC during difficult times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christantie Effendy
- Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas, Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
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21
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Coleman CL, Morrison M, Perkins SK, Brosco JP, Schor EL. Quality of Life and Well-Being for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs and their Families: A Vision for the Future. Pediatrics 2022; 149:188218. [PMID: 35642872 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-056150g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To fulfill the promise of a life of dignity, autonomy, and independence for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families, greater value must be assigned to meaningful outcomes, such as quality of life and well-being. METHODS Despite decades of research, programs, and measurements addressing quality of life and well-being for CYSHCN and their families, there still is no consensus on how to measure, implement, or achieve them. RESULTS As the US health care system strives to reach the health care goals of safe, efficient, effective, equitable, timely, and patient-centered care, youth and families must be equal partners at all levels of the health care system-from clinical decision making to designing and implementing programs and policies. CONCLUSIONS The health care system must systematically measure the priorities of CYSHCN and their families. It also must incorporate data on quality of life and well-being when developing services, supports, and systems that help CYSHCN and their families to flourish rather than hindering them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Coleman
- Public Policy and Advocacy, Family Voices, Lexington, Massachusetts
| | - Mia Morrison
- Maternal and Child Health Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Sarah K Perkins
- Children with Medical Complexity Collaborative Improvement and Innovation Network
| | - Jeffrey P Brosco
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Edward L Schor
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Miami, Florida.,Population Health Ethics, University of Miami Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Miami, Florida
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22
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Malcolm C, Knighting K. A realist evaluation of a home-based end of life care service for children and families: what works, for whom, how, in what circumstances and why? BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:31. [PMID: 35255888 PMCID: PMC8902768 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children’s palliative and end of life care is underpinned internationally by a commitment to provide care and support in the family’s preferred place, which may include home, hospital or hospice. Limited evidence on models of best practice for the provision of children’s end of life care at home is available. This realist evaluation of a novel, home-based end of life care service explored what works for whom, how, in what circumstances and why. Methods Adopting principles of realist evaluation, an initial programme theory (IPT) was developed from multiple data sources including a scoping review, service documentation review, audit of service data, and qualitative data gathered from stakeholder (n = 6) and family interviews (n = 10). Three families who had used the service were identified as case studies and interviews with professionals involved in their care (n = 20) were conducted to test the IPT. The findings informed the revised CMOs illustrating the contexts and mechanisms which underpin how and why the service works and for whom. Results CMO configurations were identified explaining how and why the service works for families across five core components: anticipatory approach to care planning and delivery, advance care planning, service responsiveness and flexibility, 24/7 nurse-led service with 24-h medical support, and partnership working. Key mechanisms include establishing trusting relationships, building skills and parent confidence to deliver care, early advance care planning discussions with clear documentation, providing a single point of contact for families, workforce planning and resources to deliver the service as intended, effective communication and leadership within and between providers of the service, and use of joint policies and procedures. Recommendations for future development and expansion of the service are also discussed. Conclusions The findings highlight core components making this service a success and areas of challenge which continue to be addressed as the service develops. With increasing demand for home-based end of life care for children these components provide a structure which can help to guide service development to meet the needs of these families in other regions to ensure that children and families receive good quality care in their place of choice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00921-8.
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23
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Uber A, Ebelhar JS, Lanzel AF, Roche A, Vidal-Anaya V, Brock KE. Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:161-174. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01174-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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24
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Feudtner C, Faerber JA, Rosenberg AR, Kobler K, Baker JN, Bowman BA, Wolfe J, Friebert S. Prioritization of Pediatric Palliative Care Field-Advancement Activities in the United States: Results of a National Survey. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:593-598. [PMID: 33485936 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of pediatric palliative care (PPC) continues to encounter challenges and opportunities to improving access to high-quality PPC services. In early 2019, a workshop identified 11 potential "next step" actions, and subsequently a national survey-based poll of members of the PPC community was conducted to prioritize these potential actions in terms of their "actionable importance." METHODS Invitations to the survey were distributed in October 2019 to interdisciplinary PPC health care professionals via email to two major listservs, one hosted by the Section of Hospice and Palliative Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the other by the Center to Advance Palliative Care. Respondents rated the "actionable importance" of items relative to each other via a discrete choice experiment. Median importance scores are reported for each item. RESULTS One hundred seventy-seven individuals responded to the survey. The majority (62.2%) were physicians, with nurses (16.4%), advanced practice nurses (7.9%), and social workers (7.3%) being the other most common responders. The top five potential actions, in descending rank order, were: Determine what parents value regarding PPC (median score of 17.8, out of a total score of all items of 100); Define and disseminate core primary PPC curriculum (median, 15.3); Develop PPC national representation strategy and tactics (median, 12.3); Create PPC-specific program development toolkit (median, 10.9); and, Analyze payment and financing ratios (median, 9.6). CONCLUSIONS Those seeking to advance the field of PPC should take into account the findings from this study, which suggest that certain actions are more likely to have a beneficial impact on moving the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Feudtner
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jennifer A Faerber
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of WA School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kathie Kobler
- Center for Fetal Care, Advocate Children's Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Quality of Life for All Team; Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care; St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Brynn A Bowman
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Center to Advance Palliative Care, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
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Feudtner C, Nye R, Hill DL, Hall M, Hinds P, Johnston EE, Friebert S, Hays R, Kang TI, Wolfe J. Polysymptomatology in Pediatric Patients Receiving Palliative Care Based on Parent-Reported Data. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2119730. [PMID: 34351400 PMCID: PMC8343495 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.19730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Pediatric palliative care treats patients with a wide variety of advanced illness conditions, often with substantial levels of pain and other symptoms. Clinical and research advancements regarding symptom management for these patients are hampered by the scarcity of data on symptoms as well as an overreliance on clinician report. OBJECTIVE To provide a detailed description of the symptoms among patients receiving pediatric palliative care based on parental report via a validated, structured symptom assessment measure. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Baseline data for this cross-sectional analysis were collected between April 10, 2017, and February 5, 2020, from pediatric palliative care programs in 7 children's hospitals located in Akron, Ohio; Boston, Massachusetts; Birmingham, Alabama; Houston, Texas; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Seattle, Washington. Data were collected in the hospital, outpatient, and home setting from patients 30 years of age or younger who were receiving pediatric palliative care at 1 of the study sites. EXPOSURES Analyses were stratified by patients' demographic characteristics, including age, and by whether the patients had received a diagnosis of any of 10 non-mutually exclusive complex chronic condition categories. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Twenty symptoms measured via the modified Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, which scores the frequency and severity of any symptom that is present and provides a total symptom score. RESULTS Among the first 501 patients enrolled, the median age was 4.1 years (interquartile range, 0.8-12.9 years), 267 (53.3%) were male, and 356 (71.1%) were White. The most prevalent complex chronic conditions included gastrointestinal (357 [71.3%]), neurologic (289 [57.7%]), and cardiovascular (310 [61.9%]) conditions; 438 patients (87.4%) were technology dependent. Parents reported a mean (SD) of 6.7 (3.4) symptoms per patient and a median of 7 symptoms (interquartile range, 4-9 symptoms). A total of 367 patients (73.3%) had 5 or more symptoms. The 5 most prevalent symptoms were pain (319 [63.7%]; 95% CI, 59.4%-67.8%), lack of energy (295 [58.9%]; 95% CI, 54.5%-63.1%), irritability (280 [55.9%]; 95% CI, 51.5%-60.2%), drowsiness (247 [49.3%]; 95% CI, 44.9%-53.7%), and shortness of breath (232 [46.3%]; 95% CI, 41.9%-50.7%). Although older patients were reported by parents as having experienced more symptoms and having higher total symptom scores, variation across condition categories was relatively minor. Patients in the upper 10th percentile of total symptom scores had a median of 12.0 symptoms (interquartile range, 11-13). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, most children receiving palliative care were experiencing polysymptomatology. An important subgroup of patients frequently experienced numerous severe symptoms. Assessment and management of patients with polysymptomatology are critical aspects of pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Feudtner
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Russell Nye
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Douglas L. Hill
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Matt Hall
- Children’s Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Pam Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Emily E. Johnston
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Sarah Friebert
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Akron Children’s Hospital and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron, Ohio
| | - Ross Hays
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Tammy I. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Palliative Care, Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Lindley LC, Svynarenko R, Mooney-Doyle K, Mendola A, Naumann WC, Keim-Malpass J. Patterns of Health Care Services During Pediatric Concurrent Hospice Care: A National Study. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:282-288. [PMID: 34032124 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211018661] [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: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children at end of life have unique and complex care needs. Although there is increasing evidence about pediatric concurrent hospice care, the health care services received while in hospice have not received sufficient attention. OBJECTIVES To examine the health care services, unique clusters of health care services, and characteristics of the children in the clusters. METHODS Multiple data sources were used including national Medicaid claims data. Children under 21years in pediatric concurrent hospice care were included. Using Medicaid categories assigned to claims, health care services were distributed across 20 categories. Latent class analysis was used to identify clusters of health care services. Demographic profiles of the clusters were created. RESULTS The 6,243 children in the study generated approximately 500,0000 non-hospice, health care service claims while enrolled in hospice care. We identified 3 unique classes of health care services use: low (61.1%), moderate (18.1%), and high (20.8%) intensity. The children in the 3 classes exhibited unique demographic profiles. CONCLUSIONS Health care services cluster together in unique fashion with distinct patterns among children in concurrent hospice care. The findings suggest that concurrent hospice care is not a 1-size-fit all solution for children. Concurrent hospice care may be customized and require attention to care coordination to ensure high-quality care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Lindley
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | | | | | - Annette Mendola
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Weaver MS, Shostrom VK, Neumann ML, Robinson JE, Hinds PS. Homestead together: Pediatric palliative care telehealth support for rural children with cancer during home-based end-of-life care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28921. [PMID: 33522720 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with terminal cancer and their families describe a preference for home-based end-of-life care. Inadequate support outside of the hospital is a limiting factor in home location feasibility, particularly in rural regions lacking pediatric-trained hospice providers. METHODS The purpose of this longitudinal palliative telehealth support pilot study was to explore physical and emotional symptom burden and family impact assessments for children with terminal cancer receiving home based-hospice care. Each child received standard of care home-based hospice care from an adult-trained rural hospice team with the inclusion of telehealth pediatric palliative care visits at a scheduled minimum of every 14 days. RESULTS Eleven children (mean age 11.9 years) received pediatric palliative telehealth visits a minimum of every 14 days, with an average of 4.8 additional telehealth visits initiated by the family. Average time from enrollment to death was 21.6 days (range 4-95). Children self-reported higher physical symptom prevalence than parents or hospice nurses perceived the child was experiencing at time of hospice enrollment with underrecognition of the child's emotional burden. At the time of hospice enrollment, family impact was reported by family caregivers as 46.4/100 (SD 18.7), with noted trend of improved family function while receiving home hospice care with telehealth support. All children remained at home for end-of-life care. CONCLUSION Pediatric palliative care telehealth combined with adult-trained rural hospice providers may be utilized to support pediatric oncology patients and their family caregivers as part of longitudinal home-based hospice care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Valerie K Shostrom
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Marie L Neumann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jacob E Robinson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Boyden JY, Feudtner C, Deatrick JA, Widger K, LaRagione G, Lord B, Ersek M. Developing a family-reported measure of experiences with home-based pediatric palliative and hospice care: a multi-method, multi-stakeholder approach. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:17. [PMID: 33446192 PMCID: PMC7809872 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many children with serious illnesses are receiving palliative and end-of-life care from pediatric palliative and hospice care teams at home (PPHC@Home). Despite the growth in PPHC@Home, no standardized measures exist to evaluate whether PPHC@Home provided in the U.S. meets the needs and priorities of children and their families. Methods We developed and conducted a preliminary evaluation of a family-reported measure of PPHC@Home experiences using a multi-method, multi-stakeholder approach. Our instrument development process consisted of four phases. Item identification and development (Phase 1) involved a comprehensive literature search of existing instruments, guidelines, standards of practice, and PPHC@Home outcome studies, as well as guidance from a PPHC stakeholder panel. Phase 2 involved the initial item prioiritization and reduction using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with PPHC professionals and parent advocates. Phase 3 involved a second DCE with bereaved parents and parents currently receiving care for their child to further prioritize and winnow the items to a set of the most highly-valued items. Finally, we conducted cognitive interviews with parents to provide information about the content validity and clarity of the newly-developed instrument (Phase 4). Results Items were compiled predominantly from three existing instruments. Phase 2 participants included 34 PPHC providers, researchers, and parent advocates; Phase 3 participants included 47 parents; and Phase 4 participants included 11 parents. At the completion of Phase 4, the Experiences of Palliative and Hospice Care for Children and Caregivers at Home (EXPERIENCE@Home) Measure contains 22 of the most highly-valued items for evaluating PPHC@Home. These items include “The care team treats my child’s physical symptoms so that my child has as good a quality of life as possible”, “I have regular access to on-call services from our care team”, and “The nurses have the knowledge, skills, and experience to support my child’s palliative or hospice care at home.” Conclusions The EXPERIENCE@Home Measure is the first known to specifically measure family-reported experiences with PPHC@Home in the U.S. Future work will include formal psychometric evaluation with a larger sample of parents, as well as evaluation of the clinical utility of the instrument with PPHC@Home teams. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-020-00703-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Janet A Deatrick
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gwenn LaRagione
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Blyth Lord
- Courageous Parents Network, Newton, MA, USA
| | - Mary Ersek
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, 21 S University Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Honoring the Good Parent Intentions of Courageous Parents: A Thematic Summary from a US-Based National Survey. CHILDREN-BASEL 2020; 7:children7120265. [PMID: 33271834 PMCID: PMC7760659 DOI: 10.3390/children7120265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with complex medical needs describe an internal, personal definition of "trying to be a good parent" for their loved child. Gaps exist in the current "good parent concept" literature: (1) When the idea of "trying to be a good parent" comes into existence for parents, (2) How parents' definition of "being a good parent" may change over time and may influence interactions with the child, and (3) Whether parents perceive attainment of their personal definition. AIM The purpose of this study was to explore these current gaps in the "good parent concept" knowledge base from the perspective of parents of children with chronic or complex illness. MATERIALS AND METHODS These themes were explored through a 63-item, mixed-method web-based survey distributed by the Courageous Parents Network (CPN), an organization and online platform that orients, educates, and empowers families and providers caring for seriously ill children. RESULTS The term "trying to be a good parent" resonated with 85% of the 67 responding parents. For the majority of parents, the concept of "being a good parent" started to exist in parental awareness before the child's birth (70.2%) and evolved over time (67.5%) to include less judgment and more self-compassion. Parents identified their awareness of their child's prognosis and changing health as influential on their "trying to be a good parent" concept. Parental advocacy, child's age, and duration of illness were reported as influencing parental perceptions of having achieved their definition of "being a good parent". CONCLUSIONS Familiarity with parental perspectives on their parenting goodness and goals is a necessary core of family-centric health care.
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