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Lu H, Jin L. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of critical care unit personnel regarding pediatric palliative care: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:125. [PMID: 38769557 PMCID: PMC11106871 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01456-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the perceptions of healthcare providers in China regarding pediatric palliative care, particularly in critical care units (PICUs), where many children receive palliative care. To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of PICU personnel in China regarding pediatric palliative care. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in five cities in China (Shanghai, Suzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu and Yunnan) between November 2022 and December 2022. RESULTS The analysis included 204 participants (122 females), with 158 nurses and 46 physicians. The average knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 9.75 ± 2.90 points (possible range, 0-13 points), 38.30 ± 3.80 points (possible range, 12-60 points) and 35.48 ± 5.72 points (possible range, 9-45 points), respectively. Knowledge score was higher for physicians than for nurses (P < 0.001) and for personnel with previous training in pediatric palliative care (P = 0.005). According to structural equation modelling knowledge had a direct positive effect on attitude (β = 0.69 [0.28-1.10], p = 0.001), and indirect on practice (β = 0.82 [0.36-1.28], p < 0.001); attitude had significant effect on practice as well (β = 1.18 [0.81-1.56], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There is room for improvement in the knowledge, attitudes and practices of PICU personnel in China regarding pediatric palliative care. The findings of this study may facilitate the design and implementation of targeted education/training programs to better inform physicians and nurses in China about pediatric palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Lu
- Department of Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Linfei Jin
- Department of Peadiatric Intensive Care Unit, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
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2
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Superdock AK, Trejo M, Yang Y, Torres C, Blazin LJ, Baker JN, Spraker-Perlman HL, Kaye EC. "Understanding why she had to leave me": The roles of religion and spirituality in narratives of parents grieving the loss of a child to cancer. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38709638 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2024.2348059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Religion and spirituality often influence how people experience illness, death, and grief. The roles of religion and spirituality for parents who have lost a child to cancer remain underexplored. This study aimed to describe how cancer-bereaved parents talk about religion and spirituality when reflecting on their experiences. Participants whose children died of cancer one to six years prior to participation completed a one-on-one semi-structured interview. Interview transcripts underwent qualitative analysis. Content pertaining to religion and/or spirituality underwent subsequent in-depth analysis to identify themes. Of 30 interviews analyzed, 28 contained religion/spirituality content. Four themes arose: (1) life after death, (2) divine control, (3) evolution of faith after loss, and (4) religious and spiritual interactions within the medical community. The absence of supports for religious and spiritual needs represents a gap in bereavement care. Future work should clarify needs and explore potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K Superdock
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mariela Trejo
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yenny Yang
- College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Carlos Torres
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lindsay J Blazin
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Holly L Spraker-Perlman
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Palliative Care & Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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3
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Gettis MA, Basu R, Welling S, Wall E, Dutreuil V, Calamaro CJ. Pediatric Death and Family Organ Donation: Bereavement Support Services in One Pediatric Health System. J Patient Exp 2024; 11:23743735241226987. [PMID: 38361833 PMCID: PMC10868482 DOI: 10.1177/23743735241226987] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Health care providers need to support families and provide resources when facing their child's death and potential organ donation. Aims of this retrospective chart review in a tertiary health care system were: (1) describe characteristics of pediatric organ donors compared to those who were not; (2) determine differences between services utilized by families who selected organ donation versus those who did not. From 2017 to 2023 of 288 pediatric deaths, 76 were organ donors and 212 did not donate. Organ donors' mean age at admission was 6.3 ± 5.8 years. Thirty-four (44.7%) participated in Honor Walks. Significant differences existed between organ donors and non-organ donors in patients who were diagnosed with SIDS (3.9% vs 13.2%; P = .025). This study provides additional data to help further our understanding of bereavement support services for families making difficult decisions regarding organ donation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajit Basu
- Division Critical Care Medicine, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Eryn Wall
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Valerie Dutreuil
- Emory University Pediatric Biostatistics Core, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina J Calamaro
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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4
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Riera-Negre L, Hidalgo-Andrade P, Rosselló MR, Verger S. Exploring critical factors in pediatric palliative care in Latin America: A scoping review. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2306473. [PMID: 38286132 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2306473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the current landscape of pediatric palliative care in Latin America, including policies, regulations, available resources, challenges, barriers, and evidence-based recommendations. We conducted a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed articles related to pediatric palliative care in Latin America, considering both review and empirical articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish within the last decade. Our review initially identified 30 publications, which were subjected to a full-text assessment. The majority of these articles originated from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, highlighting a regional concentration of research efforts. Notably, we observed a scarcity of comprehensive research and specific studies on pediatric palliative care in Latin America. Our findings revealed significant challenges, including resource limitations, the absence of dedicated policies, and the critical need for interdisciplinary teams to address the multifaceted aspects of pediatric palliative care. In light of our review, we emphasise the necessity for more extensive and representative research efforts, as well as the continuous updating of scientific evidence in the field of pediatric palliative care within the Latin American context. The recommendations derived from this review aim to contribute to the enhancement of pediatric palliative care services and accessibility throughout Latin America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Riera-Negre
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Paula Hidalgo-Andrade
- Well-being, Health, and Society Research Group, University of the Americas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Maria R Rosselló
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
| | - Sebastià Verger
- Department of Applied Pedagogy and Educational Psychology, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma, Spain
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5
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Calandrino A. End of Life in Pediatrics: The "Relief" of Poetry on Pain by Reaching Children's Spirituality. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e443-e447. [PMID: 36332770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calandrino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (A.C.), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Liguria, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini (A.C.), 16147 Genoa, Liguria, Italy.
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6
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Moreira-Dias PL, Franco LF, Bonelli MA, Ferreira EAL, Wernet M. Searching for human connection to transcend symbolisms in pediatric palliative care. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76:e20220476. [PMID: 37377316 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to present a theoretical model for the interactional context of health professionals and families of children and adolescents under palliative care. METHODS qualitative study based on the theoretical frameworks of Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism. Ten palliative care professionals took part in this study through semi-structured interviews employing snowball technique from 2020 to 2021. RESULTS the comparative data analysis resulted in the theoretical model "Searching for human connection to transcend symbolisms in pediatric palliative care". It reveals symbolic elements that substantiate the construction of a collaborative context integrating two phenomena: "Overcoming boundaries and intertwining paths" and "Embracing suffering to weave meaningful experiences". Symbolisms in palliative care guide the behavior of families and professionals, which makes them the key factor to be managed. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS symbolisms and suffering continually integrate the interactional experience of professionals. Empathy and compassion are fundamental elements to enable their connection with families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Monika Wernet
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos. São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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End of life in patients attended by pediatric palliative care teams: what factors influence the place of death and compliance with family preferences? Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:2369-2377. [PMID: 36890334 PMCID: PMC10175312 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
Each year, more than 8 million children worldwide require specialized palliative care, yet there is little evidence available in pediatrics on the characteristics of the end of life in this context. Our aim is to analyze the characteristics of patients who die in the care of specific pediatric palliative care teams. This is ambispective, analytical observational, multicenter study conducted between 1 January and 31 December 2019. Fourteen specific pediatric palliative care teams participated. There are 164 patients, most of them suffering from oncologic, neurologic, and neuromuscular processes. The follow-up time was 2.4 months. The parents voiced preferences in respect of the place of death for 125 of the patients (76.2%). The place of death for 95 patients (57.9%) was at the hospital and 67 (40.9%) was at home. The existence of a palliative care team for over 5 years is more likely to be related to families voicing preferences and their fulfillment. Longer follow-up times by pediatric palliative care teams were observed in families with whom preferences regarding the place of death were discussed and in patients who died at home. Patients who did not receive home visits, when the pediatric palliative care team did not provide full care and when preferences regarding the place of death were not discussed with parents, were more likely to die in the hospital. Conclusions: Advance planning of end-of-life care is one of the most important aspects of pediatric palliative care. The provision of services by the teams and the follow-up time are related to parents' expressed preferences and the place of death. What is Known: • Various studies have shown how the availability of pediatric palliative care services improves the quality of life of patients and their families while reducing costs. • The place of death is an important factor influencing the quality of end-of-life care for dying people. The increase in palliative care teams increases the number of deaths in the home and having this care available 24/7 increases the probability of dying at home. What is New: • Our study identifies how a longer follow-up time of patients by palliative care teams is significantly associated with death at home and with express and comply with the preferences expressed by families. • Home visits by the palliative care team increase the likelihood that the patient will die at her home and that the preferences expressed by the palliative care team families will be cared for.
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8
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Cho E, Dietrich MS, Friedman DL, Gilmer MJ, Gerhardt CA, Given BA, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Hinds PS, Akard TF. Effects of a Web-Based Pediatric Oncology Legacy Intervention on the Coping of Children With Cancer. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2023; 40:34-42. [PMID: 35535490 DOI: 10.1177/10499091221100809] [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: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent or refractory cancer often results in substantial and extensive physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual burdens for children and their families. However, the therapeutic benefits of legacy interventions in children with recurrent or refractory cancer have been examined only recently, with limited attention to specific effects on children's coping abilities. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a digital storytelling-legacy intervention on the adaptive coping of children with recurrent or refractory cancer. METHODS This study used a 2-arm randomized, waitlist-controlled trial design. A total of 150 children with recurrent or refractory cancer and their parents were recruited via Facebook advertisements. RESULTS The analysis sample included 92 dyads (35-intervention group, 57-control group). The legacy intervention showed small and statistically nonsignificant effects on primary-control and disengagement coping strategies among children with recurrent or refractory cancer. CONCLUSIONS Legacy interventions using readily accessible digital storytelling have the potential to enhance the adaptive coping skills among children with recurrent or refractory cancer. Further research should determine how to enhance interventions tailored to this population to optimize the benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cho
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary S Dietrich
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Debra L Friedman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, 12328Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cynthia A Gerhardt
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, 2647The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Center for Biobehavioral Health, 51711The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Barbara A Given
- College of Nursing, 3078Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | | | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality Outcomes, 8404Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, 8367George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- School of Nursing, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,School of Medicine, 5718Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
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Noritz G, Davidson L, Steingass K. Providing a Primary Care Medical Home for Children and Youth With Cerebral Palsy. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022060055. [PMID: 36404756 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disorder of childhood, with prevalence estimates ranging from 1.5 to 4 in 1000 live births. This clinical report seeks to provide primary care physicians with guidance to detect children with CP; collaborate with specialists in treating the patient; manage associated medical, developmental, and behavioral problems; and provide general medical care to their patients with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garey Noritz
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
| | - Lynn Davidson
- The Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Katherine Steingass
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; and
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10
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Descriptive analysis of palliative sedation in a pediatric palliative care unit. An Pediatr (Barc) 2022; 96:385-393. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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11
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Benedetti F, Zoletto S, Salerno A, Avagnina I, Benini F. Old Drug, New Pain. Roles and Challenges of Methadone Therapy in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:874529. [PMID: 35712616 PMCID: PMC9196103 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.874529] [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] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is defined as the prevention and relief from suffering of families and children with life-limiting (LLDs) or life-threatening diseases (LTDs). These patients often experience pain, with morphine being the most widely used drug to treat it. Few studies investigated the role of methadone in PPC patients, although it is considered among the most effective and underutilized drugs in PPC. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and dosage of methadone in PPC. METHODS Between August and October 2021 PubMed, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies on the use of methadone in children with LLDs and LTDs. Articles were included if they met the following criteria: published in the last 10 years, English language, patients aged 0-23 years; children enrolled in a PPC center or receiving declared support from a PPC service; reporting of specific data on methadone in interventional trials, observational studies, or case series on >10 patients. The reporting of the article was guided by the PRISMA guidelines, and a critical appraisal of the included studies was performed using the JBI-tool. RESULTS After duplicates removal and full-text assessment, four studies were included and another one was added after checking the references of the retrieved papers. All were retrospective, and the literature is concordant in documenting the lack of evidence. A total of 116 children received methadone in PPC. From our review emerges the poor quality of data collection: in only one study pain was assessed with standardized scales. All studies documented the effectiveness of methadone in treating complex pain, either nociceptive or neuropathic. No serious adverse events were reported, with no cases of cardiac arrhythmias. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that methadone could represent a suitable strategy for treating pain in PPC. However, the evidence base is insufficient, and further research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Zoletto
- Pediatric Residency Program, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Salerno
- Pediatric Residency Program, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Avagnina
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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12
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Basu MR, Partin L, Revette A, Wolfe J, DeCourcey DD. Clinician Identified Barriers and Strategies for Advance Care Planning in Seriously Ill Pediatric Patients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e100-e111. [PMID: 33823242 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parents desire more opportunities for advance care planning (ACP), however, large-scale adoption of ACP for seriously ill children remains unrealized. Little is known about current approaches to ACP and strategies to circumvent existing barriers to ACP provision. OBJECTIVE To explore multidisciplinary clinician perceptions about perceived barriers and strategies to improve ACP provision. DESIGN Qualitative study including focus groups conducted with multidisciplinary clinicians at two centers from December 2018-April 2019. Iterative multi-stage thematic analyses were utilized to identify key contexts and themes pertaining to current approaches to ACP, as well as clinician perspectives on ACP barriers and improvement strategies. RESULTS Thirty-five clinicians (physicians, nurses, and psychosocial clinicians) participated in identifying both clinician and perceived patient and family barriers to initiating and engaging in ACP discussions, including mixed messaging, lack of knowledge of patient and family goals, prognostic uncertainty, poor prognostic awareness, unstandardized documentation, and family dynamics. Clinicians also identified strategies to overcome these barriers and to facilitate ACP discussions, including enhancing multidisciplinary communication, creation of a shared ACP communication framework, and formal training in ACP communication to normalize ACP throughout a child's disease trajectory. CONCLUSION Despite ubiquitous recognition of the importance of ACP communication, various clinician- and parent-level barriers were identified which impede ACP in children with serious illness and their families. Improvement strategies should focus on formal clinician training on how to conduct and document longitudinal ACP discussions to ensure care is aligned with family goals and values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera R Basu
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (M.R.B., L.P., J.W., D.D.D.), Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Lindsay Partin
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (M.R.B., L.P., J.W., D.D.D.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Revette
- Survey and Data Management Core, Dana Farber Cancer Institute (A.R.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (M.R.B., L.P., J.W., D.D.D.), Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute (J.W.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (M.R.B., L.P., J.W., D.D.D.), Boston, Massachusetts
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Benini F, Congedi S, Giacomelli L, Papa S, Shah A, Milani G. Refractory symptoms in paediatric palliative care: can ketamine help? Drugs Context 2021; 10:2021-2-5. [PMID: 34104198 PMCID: PMC8152774 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2021-2-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the main challenges for paediatric palliative care (PPC) is the management of concomitant, different and severe symptoms that frequently affect the quality of life of PPC patients and are often refractory to commonly used pharmacological treatments. Consequently, many efforts are still needed to find the best therapeutic options to handle these refractory conditions. Since the first synthesis of ketamine in the 1960s, its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties have been largely investigated and its potential wide range of clinical applications has become clear. However, this molecule still receives poor attention in some areas, including in children and PPC. This narrative review analyses the use of ketamine in children and the potential extension of its applications in PPC in order to provide new options for treatment in the PPC setting. METHODS Scientific papers published before October 2020 on MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were considered. The cited references of the selected papers and the authors' personal collections of literature were reviewed. The terms "palliative care", "ketamine", "neuropathic pain", "procedural pain", "status epilepticus", "refractory pain" and "child", adding "age: birth-18 years" on a further filter were used for the search. DISCUSSION The use of ketamine in PPC should be more widely considered due to its overall favourable safety profile and its efficacy, which are supported by an increasing number of studies, although in settings different from PPC and of mixed quality. Ketamine should be proposed according to a case-by-case evaluation and the specific diagnosis and the dosage and route of administration should be tailored to the specific needs of patients. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that ketamine is safe and efficacious in acute pain. These findings can prompt further research on the use of ketamine for the treatment of acute pain in PPC. CONCLUSION Ketamine could be a suitable option after the failure of conventional drugs in the treatment of different refractory conditions in PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Benini
- Centro Regionale Veneto di Terapia del Dolore and Cure Palliative Pediatriche, Hospice Pediatrico, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabrina Congedi
- Centro Regionale Veneto di Terapia del Dolore and Cure Palliative Pediatriche, Hospice Pediatrico, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gregorio Milani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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14
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de Noriega I, Rigal Andrés M, Martino Alba R. [Descriptive analysis of palliative sedation in a pediatric palliative care unit]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 96:S1695-4033(21)00009-6. [PMID: 33612453 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2021.01.005] [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: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data surrounding palliative sedation in pediatric patients is scarce. Our objective is to assess the utility of creating a quality standard for pediatric palliative sedation. MATERIAL AND METHODS A non-systematic review of the literature was used to find recommendations for pediatric palliative sedation, after which a definition was established based on three items: (1) indication, (2) consent, and (3) application. Afterwards, a retrospective analysis of palliative sedations applied by our unit over 5 years was performed. RESULTS Out of 163 patients, palliative sedation was applied in 20, in 17 of them by our unit (14/20 males; median: 11.9 years). Twelve patients had oncological diseases, seven had neurological conditions, and one had a polymalformative syndrome. Nine patients had more than one symptom at the time of PS initiation with pain (11/17) and dyspnoea (10/17) being the most frequent. As for the definition, only three patients achieved a global completion, with the registration of the consent, specification of refractoriness and the establishment of an adequate initial sedative dose being the areas with more possible improvement. CONCLUSIONS The application of the definition allowed us to analyze and find areas of improvement for our clinical practice of palliative sedation in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo de Noriega
- Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda, Madrid, España.
| | - Manuel Rigal Andrés
- Unidad de Atención Integral Paliativa Pediátrica. Hospital Infantil Universitario del Niño Jesús, Madrid, España
| | - Ricardo Martino Alba
- Unidad de Atención Integral Paliativa Pediátrica. Hospital Infantil Universitario del Niño Jesús, Madrid, España
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15
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Upshaw NC, Roche A, Gleditsch K, Connelly E, Wasilewski-Masker K, Brock KE. Palliative care considerations and practices for adolescents and young adults with cancer. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2021; 68:e28781. [PMID: 33089627 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The definition of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in oncology varies with upper limits up to age 39. Younger AYAs, ages 12-24 years, are often cared for within pediatrics. In caring for AYAs with cancer, there are unique considerations that become even more important to recognize, acknowledge, and address in AYAs with life-threatening cancer receiving palliative care. This review highlights important factors such as psychosocial development, cultural considerations, and support structure, which should be considered when providing palliative care to AYAs with cancer during the various stages of care: introduction of palliative care; symptom management; advanced care planning (ACP); end-of-life (EOL) care; and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naadira C Upshaw
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anna Roche
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katrina Gleditsch
- Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atrium Health - Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Erin Connelly
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen Wasilewski-Masker
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Lazzarin P, Giacomelli L, Terrenato I, Benini F. A Tool for the Evaluation of Clinical Needs and Eligibility to Pediatric Palliative Care: The Validation of the ACCAPED Scale. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:205-210. [PMID: 32640899 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite their importance, pediatric palliative care (PPC) services are still scantly diffused. In addition, eligibility criteria for PPC are quite complex. Consequently, clinicians require a tool that suggests how to refer patients with life-limiting diseases to the most appropriate service and how to properly allocate health care resources. Objective: Recently, the Accertamento dei bisogni Clinico-Assistenziali Complessi in PEDiatria (ACCAPED) scale has been developed by a group of experts in PPC to evaluate the specific clinical needs of pediatric patients with a life-limiting disease. This study presents the validation of the ACCAPED scale. Design: Validation of ACCAPED scale was pursued by means of description and analysis of clinical vignettes representing patients with challenging-to-evaluate needs who have to be referred to the most appropriate service (community care, general PPC, and specialized PPC). The evaluation of vignettes according to the clinical experience of the experts represented the gold standard against which the validity of the ACCAPED scale was tested by groups with different levels of experience (experts, pediatricians, and health care providers (HCPs) not involved in PPC). Results: Results show a very high concordance between the evaluation of the vignettes through the ACCAPED scale and the evaluation by the clinical experience for experts in PPC and pediatricians. A less favorable grade of concordance has been recorded for HCPs not involved in PPC, suggesting that educational efforts to improve basic knowledge of PPC within the medical community are needed. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that the ACCAPED scale is a useful tool to improve rationalization of resources and eligibility criteria for PPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierina Lazzarin
- Centro Regionale Veneto di Terapia del Dolore and Cure Palliative Pediatriche, Hospice Pediatrico, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Giacomelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Polistudium SRL, Milano, Italy
| | - Irene Terrenato
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatic Unit, Scientific Direction, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Centro Regionale Veneto di Terapia del Dolore and Cure Palliative Pediatriche, Hospice Pediatrico, Padua, Italy
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