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Broden EG, Boyden JY, Keller S, James R, Mooney-Doyle K. Who, What, Where, and How? The State of Family Science in Pediatric Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00844-3. [PMID: 38992396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.022] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Families are vital providers and recipients of pediatric palliative care (PPC) services. Understanding the scope and nature of evidence at the intersection of family science and PPC research is necessary to develop family-focused interventions that enhance child and family health. OBJECTIVES Explore and describe the family-level impact of pediatric serious illness. METHODS We conducted a librarian-assisted scoping review using Arskey and O'Malley's approach. We searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases for empirical publications from 2016-2021 that focused on families navigating serious pediatric illness published in English. Two reviewers assessed eligibility, with discrepancies resolved by a third. We used Covidence and REDCap for data management and extraction. RESULTS We screened 10,983 abstracts; 309 abstracts were included in full text screening. The final group of 52 citations was analyzed by the entire team. Most research was conducted in Western Europe and North America. The perspectives of parents of children with cancer were most frequently described; voices of seriously ill youth and their siblings were less often presented. Most of the research was descriptive qualitative, followed by descriptive quantitative. Few studies were mixed methods, inferential, or interpretive. Studies most often described parent, youth, and family experience with illness and less often explored family processes and relationships. Irrespective of the approach (i.e., qualitative, quantitative), few studies focused on families as the analytic unit or used family-level analysis techniques. Study participants were usually from local dominant populations and less often from historically marginalized communities. CONCLUSION The robust, descriptive, and individual-level evidence describing family impact of serious pediatric illness provides a solid foundation for future research priorities. Stronger integration of family techniques and diverse family voices in pediatric palliative care research can clarify family processes, illuminate structural barriers, and inform interventions that are responsive to family needs. These steps will enhance the education, policy, and clinical provision of PPC to all who would benefit, thereby advancing health equity for children living with serious illness and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Yale National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT; School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT.
| | - Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Susan Keller
- Research Library, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Richard James
- Nemours Children's Health, Wilmington, DE; Fontan Outcomes Network
| | - Kim Mooney-Doyle
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD
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Brouwer MA, Engel M, Teunissen SCCM, Leget C, Kars MC. The Spiritual Dimension of Parents' Experiences Caring for a Seriously Ill Child: An Interview Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00843-1. [PMID: 38964428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.06.021] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with life-threatening conditions may have to balance their personal, family, and professional lives in the anticipation of child loss and the demands of providing medical care for their child. The challenges these parents are confronted with may lead to specific care needs. In this paper we explore the spiritual dimension of caring for a child with a life-threatening condition from the parents perspective. METHODS We held an exploratory qualitative study with in-depth interviews with parents of children (0-21) with life-threatening conditions. Interviews were transcribed and subsequently thematically analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-four parents of 21 children participated in the interviews. The spiritual dimension is an important, although not always visible, aspect of the experience of parents dealing with their child's illness. The main domains with regard to spirituality were: 1) identity; 2) parenthood; 3) connectedness; 4) loss or adjustment of goals; 5) agency; 6) navigating beliefs and uncertainties; and 7) decision-making. Parents also reflected on their spiritual care needs. CONCLUSION The spiritual dimension plays a central role in the experiences of parents who care for children with life-threatening conditions, but they receive little support in this dimension, and care needs often go unnoticed. If we want to provide high-quality pediatric palliative care including adequate spiritual support for parents, we should focus on the wide range of their spiritual experiences, and provide support that focuses both on loss of meaning as well as on where parents find growth, joy or meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije A Brouwer
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, (M.A.B, M.E, S.C.C.M.T, M.C.K), Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Department of General Practice and Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijanne Engel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, (M.A.B, M.E, S.C.C.M.T, M.C.K), Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Department of General Practice and Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands..
| | - Saskia C C M Teunissen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, (M.A.B, M.E, S.C.C.M.T, M.C.K), Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Department of General Practice and Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Leget
- Department of Care Ethics, (C.L), University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, (M.A.B, M.E, S.C.C.M.T, M.C.K), Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, Department of General Practice and Nursing Science, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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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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Alahmad G. Attitudes toward the Care of Children with Cancer in Saudi: An Exploratory Survey. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10040693. [PMID: 37189942 DOI: 10.3390/children10040693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The ethical challenges of pediatric cancer care across Arab countries are not well addressed, despite medical advancements and increased awareness of children's rights. The ethical challenges related to pediatric cancer in Saudi Arabia were investigated by surveying 400 respondents at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, Saudi Arabia, from four groups: pediatricians, medical students, nurses, and parents of children with cancer. Respondents' characteristics were surveyed across three outcomes: awareness of care, knowledge, and parent consent/child assent, developed from a systematic review and a qualitative analysis. A majority of respondents (89.0%) considered pediatric cancer different from adult cancer. Families considered alternative treatment, according to 64.3% of respondents, while 88.0% emphasized understanding the family's needs and values. Furthermore, 95.8% of respondents believed physicians should offer time for pedagogy, 92.3% viewed parental consent as essential, and 94.5% thought that sufficient discussion about the plan and type of treatment should precede consent. However, child assent showed lower levels of agreement, with only 41.3% and 52.5% agreeing with getting child assent and having a discussion. Finally, 56% agreed that parents might refuse suggested treatment, while only 24.3% agreed that the child could refuse it. In all these ethical considerations, nurses and physicians showed significantly more positive results compared with other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghiath Alahmad
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
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Moore B. The Fraught Notion of a "Good Death" in Pediatrics. THE JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND PHILOSOPHY 2023; 48:60-72. [PMID: 36516411 DOI: 10.1093/jmp/jhac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, I sort through some of the confusion surrounding what constitutes the controversial notion of a "good death" for children. I distinguish, first, between metaphysical and practical disagreements about the notion of a good death, and, second, between accounts of a good death that minimally and maximally promote the dying child's interests. I propose a narrowed account of the dying child's interests, because they differ from the interests of non-dying children. Importantly, this account illustrates how disagreements at the end of a child's life are sometimes the result of a shift from a future to a present-oriented understanding of the child's interests on the part of some stakeholders but not others, and sometimes the result of a values-based disagreement about how different interests should be weighted. This brings into sharper focus the questions of for whom, and in what way, a child's death might be considered good.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryanna Moore
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Yamaji N, Suzuki D, Suto M, Sasayama K, Ota E. Communication Tools Used in Cancer Communication with Children: A Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194624. [PMID: 36230548 PMCID: PMC9563078 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite the potential benefits of effective communication, telling children about unpredictable and life-threatening conditions such as cancer is challenging. This scoping review aimed to map the potential communication tools for children with cancer, their families, and healthcare professionals. We found 25 studies and 21 communication tools. Communication tools might support children to improve their knowledge and psychological outcomes. However, we found a lack of communication tools that were (1) accessible and validated, (2) designed for healthcare professionals, (3) targeted children, families, and healthcare professionals, and (4) were designed to meet the needs of children and families. This review identified areas for further research. Abstract Background: Although communication tools might guide healthcare professionals in communicating with children about cancer, it is unclear what kind of tools are used. This scoping review aimed to map the communication tools used in cancer communication among children with cancer, families, and healthcare professionals. Methods: A comprehensive search using PubMed (including MEDLINE), Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and CINAHL was conducted on 1 August 2021. We mapped communication tools and their impacts. Results: We included 25 studies (9 experimental studies and 16 feasibility studies) of 29 reports and found 21 communication tools. There was a lack of communication tools that were (1) accessible and validated, (2) designed for healthcare professionals, (3) targeted children, families, and healthcare professionals, and (4) were designed to meet the needs of children and families. Experimental studies showed that the communication tools improved children’s knowledge and psychological outcomes (e.g., health locus of control, quality of life, self-efficacy). Conclusion: We mapped communication tools and identified areas that needed further research, including a lack of tools to guide healthcare professionals and share information with children and families. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate these communication tools. Moreover, it is necessary to investigate how communication tools support children, families, and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyuri Yamaji
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Daichi Suzuki
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Kanagawa Institute of Technology, 1030 Shimo-ogino, Atsugi 243-0292, Japan
| | - Maiko Suto
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kiriko Sasayama
- Global Health Nursing, International University of Health and Welfare, 4-3 Kozunomori, Narita, Chiba 286-8686, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke’s International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Roppongi Grand Tower 34F, 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-6234, Japan
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De Clercq E, Grotzer M, Landolt MA, von Helversen B, Flury M, Rössler J, Kurzo A, Streuli J. No wrong decisions in an all-wrong situation. A qualitative study on the lived experiences of families of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2022; 69:e29792. [PMID: 35652529 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.29792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a rare, but lethal pediatric brain tumor with a median survival of less than 1 year. Existing treatment may prolong life and control symptoms, but may cause toxicity and side effects. In order to improve child- and family-centered care, we aimed to better understand the treatment decision-making experiences of parents, as studies on this topic are currently lacking. PROCEDURE The data for this study came from 24 semistructured interviews with parents whose children were diagnosed with DIPG in two children's hospitals in Switzerland and died between 2000 and 2016. Analysis of the dataset was done using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS For most parents, the decision for or against treatment was relatively straightforward given the fatality of the tumor and the absence of treatment protocols. Most of them had no regrets about their decision for or against treatment. The most distressing factor for them was observing their child's gradual loss of independence and informing them about the inescapability of death. To counter this powerlessness, many parents opted for complementary or alternative medicine in order to "do something." Many parents reported psychological problems in the aftermath of their child's death and coping strategies between mothers and fathers often differed. CONCLUSION The challenges of DIPG are unique and explain why parental and shared decision-making is different in DIPG compared to other cancer diagnoses. Considering that treatment decisions shape parents' grief trajectory, clinicians should reassure parents by framing treatment decisions in terms of family's deeply held values and goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva De Clercq
- Institute of Bioethics and History of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Grotzer
- University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus A Landolt
- University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Maria Flury
- University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Cancer Center Inselspital UCI, Inselspital University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Kurzo
- Cancer Center Inselspital UCI, Inselspital University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Streuli
- Institute of Bioethics and History of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Yamaji N, Suzuki D, Suto M, Sasayama K, Ota E. Communication tools used in cancer communication with children: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056403. [PMID: 35197351 PMCID: PMC8867319 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the potential benefits of effective communication, telling children about cancer, unpredictable and life-threatening conditions is challenging. This study aimed to summarise the communication tools used in cancer communication among children with cancer, caregivers and healthcare professionals. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct a scoping review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. We will search PubMed (including MEDLINE), Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO and CINAHL. We will include the qualitative and quantitative studies that reported the communication tools that tell a child diagnosed with cancer about the cancer-related information. We will summarise the communication tools and the impacts of the tools. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Formal ethical approval is not required, as primary data will not be collected in this study. The findings of this study will be disseminated through the presentation at the conference and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyuri Yamaji
- Department of Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Daichi Suzuki
- Department of Nursing, Kanagawa Institute of Technology, Atsugi, Japan
| | - Maiko Suto
- Department of Health Policy, National Center for Child Health and Development, Setagaya-ku, Japan
| | - Kiriko Sasayama
- Department of Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Department of Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St Luke's International University, Chuo-ku, Japan
- The Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Minato-ku, Japan
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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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Comas Carbonell E, Mateo-Ortega D, Busquets-Alibés E. The psychological experience of pediatric oncology patients facing life-threatening situations: A systematic review with narrative synthesis. Palliat Support Care 2021; 19:733-743. [PMID: 33750507 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this systematic review is to describe the elements of the psychological experience of pediatric oncology patients facing life-threatening situations and the corresponding care needs. METHODS The study design is a systematic review following the PRISMA standard of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. The review was conducted using multiple databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO. The risk of bias of the articles was evaluated with the "Critical Appraisal Skills Programme." RESULTS A total of 21 articles met inclusion criteria. The analysis of the evidence revealed that the psychological experience involves changes in relationships, thoughts about death, emotional changes, physical symptoms, spiritual changes, and feelings of uncertainty. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The care needs identified are maintaining normality, controlling physical and psychological symptoms, and that maintaining hope is an important aspect for children. Whether or not the children want to talk about death is another important aspect that needs to be reflected upon, and it would be appropriate to consider, on an individual level, involving patients in the discussion on the diagnosis and treatment of the illness. Future research should be conducted from the children's perspective since most existing research is from the perspective of the family members or health professionals. Furthermore, it is recommended to take into account qualitative approaches that provide more detailed information on the patients' subjectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dolors Mateo-Ortega
- Palliative Care Unit, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group on Stress and Health, Faculty of Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Chair in Palliative Care, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Busquets-Alibés
- Research Group on Methodology, Methods, Models and Outcomes of Health and Social Sciences (M3O), Faculty of Health Science and Welfare, Centre for Health and Social Care Research (CESS), University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Barcelona, Spain
- Chair in Bioethics Fundació Grífols, University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia, , Barcelona, Spain
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Pacurari N, De Clercq E, Dragomir M, Colita A, Wangmo T, Elger BS. Challenges of paediatric palliative care in Romania: a focus groups study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:178. [PMID: 34794399 PMCID: PMC8598931 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00871-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of palliative care facilities for children vary considerably among the European member states. In Romania, a country where health expenditure is among the lowest in Europe, palliative care has been mainly provided by charitable organizations. Despite the high number of children needing palliative care, there is scant literature and research available on paediatric palliative care in Romania. The study explores the viewpoints of various paediatric oncology providers with regard to paediatric palliative care provision in Romania. METHODS Four mixed focus groups were conducted at four university-affiliated paediatric oncology centres located in three distinct Romanian regions (Bucuresti-llfov, Nord-Est and Nord-Vest). The focus groups were analyzed using thematic coding. RESULTS For many healthcare professionals, emotional burden inherent to the profession; unhealthy work-life balance and understaffing were among the biggest barriers to the successful integration of pediatric palliative care. The lack of staff was attributed to a shortage of financial resources, and to the persisting cultural stigma surrounding palliative care and oncology. Also political turmoil was identified as an important obstacle to palliative care implementation. CONCLUSION Significant barriers persist limiting the broader implementation of pediatric palliative care in Romania. In order to render palliative care in pediatric oncology more sustainable, more attention should be paid to the mental health care of healthcare professionals working in this field, to the development of mobile palliative care services and to the emigration of skilled medical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Pacurari
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, CH, Switzerland
| | - Eva De Clercq
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, CH, Switzerland.
| | - Monica Dragomir
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, The Institute of Oncology, Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Colita
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, CH, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, CH, Switzerland
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Rost M, Mihailov E. In the name of the family? Against parents' refusal to disclose prognostic information to children. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2021; 24:421-432. [PMID: 33847853 PMCID: PMC8349339 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-021-10017-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Parents frequently attempt to shield their children from distressing prognostic information. Pediatric oncology providers sometimes follow parental request for non-disclosure of prognostic information to children, invoking what we call the stability of the family argument. They believe that if they inform the child about terminal prognosis despite parental wishes, cohesion and family structure will be severely hampered. In this paper, we argue against parental request for non-disclosure. Firstly, we present the stability of the family argument in more detail. We, then, set out the (conceptual, legal, systemic) entitativity of the family and the kind of value the stability of the family argument assumes, before we set on to critically evaluate the argument. Our analysis shows that disclosure of prognostic information to children does not necessarily destabilize the family to a greater extent than non-disclosure. In fact, a systemic perspective suggests that mediated disclosure is more likely to result in a (long-term) stability of the family than non-disclosure. It is in the interest of the family to resist the initial aversive reaction to delivering bad news. In the final part, we draw a set of recommendations on how to facilitate decision-making in face of parental request for non-disclosure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Emilian Mihailov
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistr. 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Research Centre in Applied Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Le Rouzic MA, Claudot F. Characteristics of parental decision-making for children with advanced cancer who are offered enrollment in early-phase clinical trials: A systematic review. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2020; 37:500-529. [PMID: 32401102 DOI: 10.1080/08880018.2020.1759738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Limited research is available on parental decision-making regarding their children's participation in pediatric phase I oncology trials compared with the adult population. The objectives of this review were to describe: (1) the process of parental decision-making in this situation; (2) the optimal communication features physicians need when proposing inclusion in such trials; and (3) the place of the child/adolescent in the assent process. Thirty relevant studies meeting inclusion criteria were identified by searching five computerized databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cairn, Psychinfo, EM Premium). Parental decision-making is a complex process based on hopeful expectations, multiple family considerations and the child's previous cancer experience. It is highly impacted by the quality of physicians' communication. A therapeutic alliance along with an empathetic attitude and a timely delivery of accurate information is essential. Due weight should be given to the voice of children or adolescents and their optimal level of involvement may be discussed depending on their age and maturity. They should be given age-adapted information in order to empower them to be rightfully and meaningfully involved in early-phase research. This review highlights the main gaps and necessary remedial actions to support an optimal patient care management in this situation. Physicians' training in communication, structured interdisciplinary teamwork and early integration of palliative care are three key challenges which need to be implemented to actively engage in optimization strategies which would improve patient care and family support when offering enrollment in a phase I trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Amelyne Le Rouzic
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Children's University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Frédérique Claudot
- APEMAC, team MICS, Lorraine University, Nancy, France.,Platform of the Clinical Research Initiative, Nancy University Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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14
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Tremolada M, Taverna L, Bonichini S, Pillon M, Biffi A, Putti MC. Pediatric Patients Treated for Leukemia Back to School: A Mixed-Method Analysis of Narratives about Daily Life and Illness Experience. Behav Sci (Basel) 2020; 10:bs10070107. [PMID: 32630265 PMCID: PMC7407376 DOI: 10.3390/bs10070107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few years, more children and adolescents healed from leukemia go back to their daily life, even if they can show some psycho-social difficulties. The study adopted semi-structured interviews and a mixed-method approach to examine the narratives of 75 children and adolescents about their return to school post 2-years treatment for leukemia. The aims are to collect their illness experiences, to understand how they feel about school and daily routines and to identify the best socio-demographic and illness predictors of a good re-adaptation to school and daily life. The results show that by increasing age and when the pediatric patient have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, at the stop-therapy time, her/his perception about relationships at school and academic performance decrease, especially if his/her feelings about the disease and follow-up visits are negative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tremolada
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8 35131-Padova, Italy;
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-34-7486-8835
| | - Livia Taverna
- Faculty of Education, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Brixen-Bressanone, Viale Ratisbona, 16 39042-Bressanone, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Bonichini
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 8 35131-Padova, Italy;
| | - Marta Pillon
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Maria Caterina Putti
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, Department of Woman’s and Child’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.P.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
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15
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Lin B, Gutman T, Hanson CS, Ju A, Manera K, Butow P, Cohn RJ, Dalla‐Pozza L, Greenzang KA, Mack J, Wakefield CE, Craig JC, Tong A. Communication during childhood cancer: Systematic review of patient perspectives. Cancer 2019; 126:701-716. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beryl Lin
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Talia Gutman
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Camilla S. Hanson
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Angela Ju
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Karine Manera
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Phyllis Butow
- Psycho‐oncology Co‐operative Research Group School of Psychology University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Richard J. Cohn
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Luciano Dalla‐Pozza
- Cancer Centre for Children The Children's Hospital at Westmead Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Katie A. Greenzang
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Mack
- Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute Boston Massachusetts
| | - Claire E. Wakefield
- School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Kids Cancer Centre Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick New South Wales Australia
| | - Jonathan C. Craig
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
| | - Allison Tong
- School of Public Health University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Centre for Kidney Research The Children's Hospital at Westmead Westmead New South Wales Australia
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16
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De Clercq E, Rost M, Rakic M, Ansari M, Brazzola P, Wangmo T, Elger BS. The conceptual understanding of pediatric palliative care: a Swiss healthcare perspective. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:55. [PMID: 31296209 PMCID: PMC6625075 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health care providers’ perception of pediatric palliative care might negatively influence timely implementation. The aim of the study was to examine understanding of and attitudes towards pediatric palliative care from the perspective of health care providers working in pediatric oncology in Switzerland to promote the timely implementation of pediatric palliative care. Methods Five mixed focus groups were conducted with 29 health care providers (oncologists, nurses, psychologists, and social workers) at five Swiss pediatric oncology group centers. The focus group interviews were analyzed using thematic coding. Results Most participants associated pediatric palliative care with non-curative treatment. They regularly reported difficulties in addressing palliative care services to families due to the strong stigma surrounding this term. They also thought that the notion of palliative care is very much linked to a policy context, and difficult to reconcile with children’s everyday life. To overcome these obstacles many participants used synonyms such as comfort or supportive care. A few providers insisted on the need of using palliative care and reported the importance of positive “word of mouth”. Conclusions The use of synonyms might be a pragmatic approach to overcome initial barriers to the implementation of palliative care in pediatrics. However, this tactic might ultimately prove to be ineffective as these terms might acquire the same negative connotations as palliative care. Positive word-of-mouth by satisfied families and healthcare providers might be a more sustainable way to advocate for pediatric palliative care than replacing it with a euphemistic term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva De Clercq
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milenko Rakic
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Ansari
- Division of General Pediatrics Pediatric Oncohematology Unit, Hopitaux Universitaires de Geneve Hopital des enfants, Rue Willy Donzé 6, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pierluigi Brazzola
- Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona e Valli, Pediatria Bellinzona, Via Ospedale 12, 6500, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056 Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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17
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Rost M, Wangmo T, Rakic M, Acheson E, Rischewski J, Hengartner H, Kühne T, Elger BS. Burden of treatment in the face of childhood cancer: A quantitative study using medical records of deceased children. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2018; 27:e12879. [PMID: 30039619 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Lived experiences of childhood cancer patients and their families have been described as interrupted and as a loss of normal life. Apart from symptoms due to the cancer disease, families continuously experience burden of treatment. Since coping capacities are unique to each individual, we captured variables that offer objective measures of treatment burden, with a particular focus on the disruptive effects of treatment on families' lives. Our sample was comprised by 193 children that died of cancer. Medical records were extracted retrospectively. Quantitative data were statistically analysed with respect to variables related to treatment burden. Deceased children with cancer and their families faced a significant burden of treatment. Results revealed that deceased leukaemia patients had a higher number of inpatient stays, spent more time in the hospital both during their illness and during the last month of their life, and were more likely to die in the hospital when compared to deceased patients with CNS neoplasms and with other diagnoses. Our findings highlight the disruptive effects of treatment that are likely to have a great impact on families' daily life, that go beyond exclusively focusing on side effects, and that needs to be taken into account by the treating staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rost
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tenzin Wangmo
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Milenko Rakic
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elaine Acheson
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Rischewski
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Children's Hospital, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Kühne
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, University of Basel Children's Hospital UKBB, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bernice S Elger
- Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Costello J. Research roundup. Int J Palliat Nurs 2018; 24:48-49. [PMID: 29368555 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.1.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Costello
- Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
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