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Field NK, Franck LS, Shellhaas RA, Glass HC, Young KA, Dhar S, Hamlett A, Pilon B, Means K, Soul JS, Massey SL, Wusthoff CJ, Chu CJ, Thomas C, Rogers E, Berl MM, Benedetti GM, Anwar T, Lemmon ME. Life After Neonatal Seizures: Characterizing the Longitudinal Parent Experience. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 161:76-83. [PMID: 39317023 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.08.007] [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: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of neonates with seizures report persistent symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. We aimed to characterize the parent experience of caring for children impacted by neonatal seizures, including longitudinal assessment across childhood. METHODS This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted at Neonatal Seizure Registry (NSR) sites in partnership with the NSR Parent Advisory Panel. Parents completed surveys at discharge; 12, 18, and 24 months; and 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 years. Surveys included demographic information and open-ended questions targeting parent experience. A conventional content analysis approach was used. RESULTS A total of 320 caregivers completed at least one open-ended question, with the majority of respondents at discharge (n = 142), 12 months (n = 169), 18 months (n = 208), and 24 months (n = 245). We identified the following three primary themes. (1) Personal Burden of Care: Parents experienced emotional distress, financial strain, physical demands, and fears for their child's unknown outcome; (2) Managing Day-to-Day Life: Parents described difficulties navigating their parenting role, including managing their child's challenging behaviors and understanding their child's needs amid neurodevelopmental impairment; (3) My Joys as a Parent: Parents valued bonding with their child, being a caregiver, and watching their child's personality grow. CONCLUSIONS Parents of children impacted by neonatal seizures face persistent challenges, which are interwoven with the joys of being a parent. Our findings suggest that future interventions should promote resiliency, address caregivers' psychosocial needs longitudinally, and provide enhanced support for parents caring for children with medical complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda S Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Saisha Dhar
- Trinity College, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ashley Hamlett
- NSR Parent Partner, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Betsy Pilon
- NSR Parent Partner, Executive Director - Hope for HIE, West Bloomfield, Michigan
| | - Katie Means
- NSR Parent Partner, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Fort Thomas, Kentucky
| | - Janet S Soul
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shavonne L Massey
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Courtney J Wusthoff
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Catherine J Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cameron Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Madison M Berl
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Giulia M Benedetti
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tayyba Anwar
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's National Hospital and The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, District of Columbia.
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Field NK, Glass HC, Franck LS, Shellhaas RA, Means J, Lemmon ME. A Novel Question Prompt List for Parents of Neonates With Seizures. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 161:64-66. [PMID: 39288660 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California; Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Linda S Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Justin Means
- Neonatal Seizure Registry Parent Partner, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Fort Thomas, Kentucky
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.
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Bansal S, Molloy EJ, Rogers E, Bidegain M, Pilon B, Hurley T, Lemmon ME. Families as partners in neonatal neuro-critical care programs. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03257-6. [PMID: 38886506 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03257-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Parents of neonates with neurologic conditions face a specific breadth of emotional, logistical, and social challenges, including difficulties coping with prognostic uncertainty, the need to make complex medical decisions, and navigating new hopes and fears. These challenges place parents in a vulnerable position and at risk of developing mental health issues, which can interfere with bonding and caring for their neonate, as well as compromise their neonate's long-term neurodevelopment. To optimize neurologic and developmental outcomes, emerging neonatal neuro-critical care (NNCC) programs must concurrently attend to the unique needs of the developing newborn brain and of his/her parents. This can only be accomplished by embracing a family-centered care environment-one which prioritizes effective parent-clinician communication, longitudinal parent support, and parents as equitable partners in clinical care. NNCC programs offer a multifaceted approach to critical care for neonates at-risk for neurodevelopmental impairments, integrating expertise in neonatology and neurology. This review highlights evidence-based strategies to guide NNCC programs in developing a family-partnered approach to care, including primary staffing models; staff communication, implicit bias, and cultural competency trainings; comprehensive and tailored caregiver training; single-family rooms; flexible visitation policies; colocalized neonatal and maternal care; uniform mental health screenings; follow-up care referrals; and connections to peer support. IMPACT: Parents of neonates with neurologic conditions are at high-risk for experiencing mental health issues, which can adversely impact the parent-neonate relationship and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of their neonates. While guidelines to promote families as partners in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have been developed, no protocols integrate the unique needs of parents in neonatal neurologic populations. A holistic approach that makes families true partners in the care of their neonate with a neurologic condition in the NICU has the potential to improve mental and physical well-being for both parents and neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Bansal
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eleanor J Molloy
- Paediatric Research Laboratory, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Dublin Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Research in Childhood Centre (TriCC), Children's Health Ireland & Coombe Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Tim Hurley
- Paediatric Research Laboratory, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute (TTMI), St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Paediatrics, Dublin Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
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Sagaser A, Pilon B, Goeller A, Lemmon M, Craig AK. Parent Experience of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy and Hypothermia: A Call for Trauma Informed Care. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:586-593. [PMID: 35026852 PMCID: PMC9276837 DOI: 10.1055/a-1739-3388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). We surveyed parents of infants treated with TH about their experiences of communication and parental involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). STUDY DESIGN A 29-question anonymous survey was posted on a parent support (web site: https://www.hopeforhie.org ) and sent to members via e-mail. Responses from open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 165 respondents completed the survey and 108 (66%) infants were treated with TH. 79 (48%) respondents were dissatisfied/neutral regarding the quality of communication in the NICU, whereas 127 (77%) were satisfied/greatly satisfied with the quality of parental involvement in the NICU. Six themes were identified as follows: (1) setting for communication: parents preferred face to face meetings with clinicians; (2) content and clarity of language: parents valued clear language (use of layman's terms) and being explicitly told the medical diagnosis of HIE; (3) immediate and longitudinal emotional support: parents required support from clinicians to process the trauma of the birth experience and hypothermia treatment; (4) clinician time and scheduling: parents valued the ability to join rounds and other major conversations about infant care; (5) valuing the parent role: parents desired being actively involved in rounds, care times, and decision-making; (6) physical presence and touch: parents valued being physically present and touching their baby; this presence was limited by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related restrictions. CONCLUSION We highlight stakeholder views on parent involvement and parent-clinician communication in the NICU and note significant overlap with principles of trauma informed care: safety (physical and psychological), trustworthiness and transparency, peer support, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, and voice and choice. We propose that a greater understanding and implementation of these principles may allow the medical team to more effectively communicate with and involve parents in the care of infants with HIE in the NICU. KEY POINTS · Parents of infants with HIE experience trauma both from the birth and the hypothermia treatment.. · Transparent communication and encouraging parental involvement can ameliorate this trauma..
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Sagaser
- Department of Pediatrics, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | | | | | - Monica Lemmon
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexa K. Craig
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Neurology, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
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Forth FA, Hammerle F, König J, Urschitz MS, Neuweiler P, Mildenberger E, Kidszun A. Optimistic vs Pessimistic Message Framing in Communicating Prognosis to Parents of Very Preterm Infants: The COPE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240105. [PMID: 38393728 PMCID: PMC10891472 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance In the neonatal intensive care unit, there is a lack of understanding about how best to communicate the prognosis of a serious complication to parents. Objective To examine parental preferences and the effects of optimistic vs pessimistic message framing when providing prognostic information about a serious complication. Design, Setting, and Participants This crossover randomized clinical trial was conducted at a single German university medical center between June and October 2021. Eligible participants were parents of surviving preterm infants with a birth weight under 1500 g. Data were analyzed between October 2021 and August 2022. Interventions Alternating exposure to 2 scripted video vignettes showing a standardized conversation between a neonatologist and parents, portrayed by professional actors, about the prognosis of a hypothetical very preterm infant with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The video vignettes differed in the framing of identical numerical outcome estimates as either probability of survival and probability of nonimpairment (optimistic framing) or a risk of death and impaired survival (pessimistic framing). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was preference odds (ratio of preference for optimistic vs pessimistic framing). Secondary outcomes included state anxiety, perceptions of communication, and recall of numerical estimates. Results Of 220 enrolled parents (142 [64.5%] mothers; mean [SD] age: mothers, 39.1 [5.6] years; fathers, 42.7 [6.9] years), 196 (89.1%) preferred optimistic and 24 (10.1%) preferred pessimistic framing (preference odds, 11.0; 95% CI, 6.28-19.10; P < .001). Preference for optimistic framing was more pronounced when presented second than when presented first (preference odds, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.77-16.48; P = .003). State anxiety scores were similar in both groups at baseline (mean difference, -0.34; -1.18 to 0.49; P = .42) and increased equally after the first video (mean difference, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.79 to 0.69; P = .39). After the second video, state anxiety scores decreased when optimistic framing followed pessimistic framing but remained unchanged when pessimistic framing followed optimistic framing (mean difference, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.91 to 3.39; P < .001). With optimistic framing, participants recalled numerical estimates more accurately for survival (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.64-9.79; P = .002) but not for impairment (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.85-2.63; P = .16). Conclusions and Relevance When given prognostic information about a serious complication, parents of very preterm infants may prefer optimistic framing. Optimistic framing may lead to more realistic expectations for survival, but not for impairment. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00024466.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A. Forth
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Hammerle
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jochem König
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael S. Urschitz
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp Neuweiler
- Journalistisches Seminar, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Mildenberger
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - André Kidszun
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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6
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Pressler RM, Abend NS, Auvin S, Boylan G, Brigo F, Cilio MR, De Vries LS, Elia M, Espeche A, Hahn CD, Inder T, Jette N, Kakooza-Mwesige A, Mader S, Mizrahi EM, Moshé SL, Nagarajan L, Noyman I, Nunes ML, Samia P, Shany E, Shellhaas RA, Subota A, Triki CC, Tsuchida T, Vinayan KP, Wilmshurst JM, Yozawitz EG, Hartmann H. Treatment of seizures in the neonate: Guidelines and consensus-based recommendations-Special report from the ILAE Task Force on Neonatal Seizures. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2550-2570. [PMID: 37655702 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Seizures are common in neonates, but there is substantial management variability. The Neonatal Task Force of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) developed evidence-based recommendations about antiseizure medication (ASM) management in neonates in accordance with ILAE standards. Six priority questions were formulated, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed, and results were reported following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 standards. Bias was evaluated using the Cochrane tool and risk of Bias in non-randomised studies - of interventions (ROBINS-I), and quality of evidence was evaluated using grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE). If insufficient evidence was available, then expert opinion was sought using Delphi consensus methodology. The strength of recommendations was defined according to the ILAE Clinical Practice Guidelines development tool. There were six main recommendations. First, phenobarbital should be the first-line ASM (evidence-based recommendation) regardless of etiology (expert agreement), unless channelopathy is likely the cause for seizures (e.g., due to family history), in which case phenytoin or carbamazepine should be used. Second, among neonates with seizures not responding to first-line ASM, phenytoin, levetiracetam, midazolam, or lidocaine may be used as a second-line ASM (expert agreement). In neonates with cardiac disorders, levetiracetam may be the preferred second-line ASM (expert agreement). Third, following cessation of acute provoked seizures without evidence for neonatal-onset epilepsy, ASMs should be discontinued before discharge home, regardless of magnetic resonance imaging or electroencephalographic findings (expert agreement). Fourth, therapeutic hypothermia may reduce seizure burden in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (evidence-based recommendation). Fifth, treating neonatal seizures (including electrographic-only seizures) to achieve a lower seizure burden may be associated with improved outcome (expert agreement). Sixth, a trial of pyridoxine may be attempted in neonates presenting with clinical features of vitamin B6-dependent epilepsy and seizures unresponsive to second-line ASM (expert agreement). Additional considerations include a standardized pathway for the management of neonatal seizures in each neonatal unit and informing parents/guardians about the diagnosis of seizures and initial treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit M Pressler
- Clinical Neuroscience, UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicholas S Abend
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stéphan Auvin
- Department Medico-Universitaire Innovation Robert-Debré, Robert Debré Hospital, Public Hospital Network of Paris, Pediatric Neurology, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Geraldine Boylan
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Francesco Brigo
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of Merano (SABES-ASDAA), Merano, Italy
- Innovation Research and Teaching Service (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical Private University, Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Maria Roberta Cilio
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Saint-Luc University Hospital, and Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Linda S De Vries
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maurizio Elia
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Alberto Espeche
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Materno Infantil, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cecil D Hahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Terrie Inder
- Department of Pediatrics, Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital of Orange County, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Nathalie Jette
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Silke Mader
- Scientific Affairs, European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Munich, Germany
| | - Eli M Mizrahi
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lakshmi Nagarajan
- Children's Neuroscience Service, Department of Neurology, Perth Children's Hospital and University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Iris Noyman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Division, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Magda L Nunes
- Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul-PUCRS School of Medicine and the Brain Institute, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pauline Samia
- Departments of Pediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eilon Shany
- Department of Neonatology, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Renée A Shellhaas
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ann Subota
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chahnez Charfi Triki
- Child Neurology Department, Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax Medical School, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Tammy Tsuchida
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | | | - Jo M Wilmshurst
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elissa G Yozawitz
- Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hans Hartmann
- Clinic for Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Roberts KH, Barks JDE, Glass HC, Soul JS, Chang T, Wusthoff CJ, Chu CJ, Massey SL, Abend NS, Lemmon ME, Thomas C, Guillet R, Rogers EE, Franck LS, McCaffery H, Li Y, McCulloch CE, Shellhaas RA. Feeding and developmental outcomes after neonatal seizures-A prospective observational study. ANNALS OF THE CHILD NEUROLOGY SOCIETY 2023; 1:209-217. [PMID: 37842075 PMCID: PMC10572735 DOI: 10.1002/cns3.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective Among neonates with acute symptomatic seizures, we evaluated whether inability to take full feeds at time of hospital discharge from neonatal seizure admission is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes, after adjusting for relevant clinical variables. Methods This prospective, 9-center study of the Neonatal Seizure Registry (NSR) assessed characteristics of infants with seizures including: evidence of brainstem injury on MRI, mode of feeding upon discharge, and developmental outcomes at 12, 18, and 24 months. Inability to take oral feeds was identified through review of medical records. Brainstem injury was identified through central review of neonatal MRIs. Developmental outcomes were assessed with the Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation of Adaptive and Functional Skills (WIDEA-FS) at 12, 18, and 24 months corrected age. Results Among 276 infants, inability to achieve full oral feeds was associated with lower total WIDEA-FS scores (160.2±25.5 for full oral feeds vs. 121.8±42.9 for some/no oral feeds at 24 months, p<0.001). At 12 months, a G-tube was required for 23 of the 49 (47%) infants who did not achieve full oral feeds, compared with 2 of the 221 (1%) who took full feeds at discharge (p<0.001). Conclusions Inability to take full oral feeds upon hospital discharge is an objective clinical sign that can identify infants with acute symptomatic neonatal seizures who are at high risk for impaired development at 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D E Barks
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Pediatrics; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Janet S Soul
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Courtney J Wusthoff
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
- Department of Pediatrics- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Catherine J Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shavonne L Massey
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicholas S Abend
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Departments of Anesthesia & Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Cameron Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, and Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH
| | - Ronnie Guillet
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
| | - Elizabeth E Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Linda S Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics; UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Yi Li
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Charles E McCulloch
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics; University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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8
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Peralta D, Bogetz J, Lemmon ME. Seminars in Fetal & neonatal medicine: Palliative and end of life care in the NICU. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101457. [PMID: 37230860 PMCID: PMC10827319 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Peralta
- Duke North Pavilion, 2400 Pratt Street, 8th Floor, DUMC 102509, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Jori Bogetz
- 1900 Ninth Ave, JMB-6, Seattle, WA 98101, USA.
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9
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Lemmon ME, Barks MC, Bansal S, Bernstein S, Kaye EC, Glass HC, Ubel PA, Brandon D, Pollak KI. The ALIGN Framework: A Parent-Informed Approach to Prognostic Communication for Infants With Neurologic Conditions. Neurology 2023; 100:e800-e807. [PMID: 36456199 PMCID: PMC9984217 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Clinicians often communicate complex, uncertain, and distressing information about neurologic prognosis to parents of critically ill infants. Although communication tools have been developed in other disciplines and settings, none address the unique needs of the neonatal and pediatric neurology context. We aimed to develop a parent-informed framework to guide clinicians in communicating information about neurologic prognosis. METHODS Parents of infants with neurologic conditions in the intensive care unit were enrolled in a longitudinal study of shared decision-making from 2018 to 2020. Parents completed semistructured interviews following recorded family meetings with the health care team, at hospital discharge, and 6 months after discharge. All interviews targeted information about parent preferences for prognostic disclosure. We analyzed the data using a conventional content analysis approach. Two study team members independently coded all interview transcripts, and discrepancies were resolved in consensus. We used NVIVO 12 qualitative software to index and organize codes. RESULTS Fifty-two parents of 37 infants completed 123 interviews. Parents were predominantly mothers (n = 37/52, 71%) with a median age of 31 (range 19-46) years. Half were Black (n = 26/52, 50%), and a minority reported Hispanic ethnicity (n = 2/52, 4%). Inductive analysis resulted in the emergence of 5 phases of prognostic communication (Approach, Learn, Inform, Give support, and Next steps: ALIGN): (1) Approach: parents appreciated receiving consistent information about their child's neurologic outcome from clinicians who knew their child well. (2) Learn: parents valued when clinicians asked them how they preferred receiving information and what they already knew about their child's outcome prior to information delivery. (3) Inform: parents valued honest, thorough, and balanced information that disclosed prognostic uncertainty and acknowledged room for hope. (4) Give support: parents valued empathic communication and appreciated clinicians who offered real-time emotional support. (5) Next steps: parents appreciated clinicians who connected them to resources, including peer support. DISCUSSION The ALIGN framework offers a novel, parent-informed strategy to effectively communicate neurologic prognosis. Although ALIGN represents key elements of a conversation about prognosis, each clinician can adapt this framework to their own approach. Future work will assess the effectiveness of this framework on communication quality and prognostic understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Lemmon
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC.
| | - Mary C Barks
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Simran Bansal
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Erica C Kaye
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Hannah C Glass
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Peter A Ubel
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Debra Brandon
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Kathryn I Pollak
- From the Departments of Pediatrics (M.E.L., M.C.B., S. Bansal, S. Bernstein), Population Health Sciences (M.E.L., K.I.P.), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; University of Utah School of Medicine (S. Bernstein), Salt Lack City; Department of Oncology (E.C.K.), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN; Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics (E.C.K.), UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics (H.C.G.), University of California, San Francisco; Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy (P.A.U.), Duke University, Durham; and Duke University School of Nursing (D.B.), Durham; Cancer Prevention and Control (KIP), Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC
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10
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Rent S, Bidegain M, Lemmon ME. Neonatal neuropalliative care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:185-199. [PMID: 36599508 PMCID: PMC10615113 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal neuropalliative care is directed toward patients and families impacted by serious, life limiting, or debilitating neurologic illness in the antenatal and newborn period. This chapter will outline key considerations for clinicians hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We focus on three core domains: (1) family-centered communication and care, (2) prognostication and decision-making, and (3) pain and symptom management. In each domain, we outline key considerations in the antenatal period, at birth, and in the neonatal intensive care unit. We also address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts. We conclude with suggestions for future research and key considerations for neonatal clinicians who wish to incorporate a neuropalliative approach to care into their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States.
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11
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Lemmon ME, Barks MC, Bernstein S, Davis JK, Jiao MG, Kaye EC, Glass HC, Brandon D, Ubel PA. Prognostic Discussion for Infants with Neurologic Conditions: Qualitative Analysis of Family Conferences. Ann Neurol 2022; 92:699-709. [PMID: 35866708 PMCID: PMC9600061 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We characterize the content and role of prognostic discussion for infants with neurologic conditions. METHODS In this descriptive qualitative study, we prospectively enrolled infants (age < 1 year) in the intensive care unit with a neurologic condition anticipated to have ≥1 family conference about prognosis or goals of care. We audiorecorded family conferences as they occurred. We used a rapid-cycle qualitative approach to identify and refine themes. RESULTS Forty infants and 61 parents were enrolled; 68 family conferences occurred for 24 infants. The majority of infant cases (n = 23/24, 96%) and conferences (n = 64/68, 94%) included discussion of neurologic prognosis. Common infant diagnoses included prematurity (n = 12, 52%), genetic conditions (n = 9, 35%), and brain malformations (n = 7, 30%). We identified 2 themes relating to the characterization of the infant's prognosis: (1) predictions of impairment and (2) rationale for prognostic predictions. We identified 3 themes characterizing the role of prognostic discussion: (1) aligning parent and clinician understanding of infant outcome, (2) influencing decision-making, and (3) preparing for life at home. We identified 2 themes characterizing discussion of prognostic uncertainty: (1) multilayered types of uncertainty and (2) holding space for hope alongside uncertainty. INTERPRETATION In this cohort of infants with neurologic conditions and their parents, we identified salient themes characterizing the content and role of discussion about neurologic outcome. Our findings highlight that prognostic discussion focuses on anticipated impairments, informs decision-making, and helps families prepare for home life. Future work should characterize whether these findings align with parent preferences for prognostic disclosure. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:699-709.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary C Barks
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J Kelly Davis
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Megan G Jiao
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hannah C Glass
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Debra Brandon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter A Ubel
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Fuqua School of Business and Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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12
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Farley S, Bansal S, Barks MC, Pollak KI, Kaye EC, Quarles A, Briglia K, Johnson E, Lakis K, Lemmon ME. Role of Social Workers in Family Conferences for Critically Ill Infants. J Palliat Med 2022; 25:1236-1242. [PMID: 35285675 PMCID: PMC9347387 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Communication challenges in the neonatal intensive care unit include fragmented communication, challenges managing expectations amidst uncertainty, and navigating complex medical information. Social workers are well suited to mitigate these challenges. Objective: In this study, we aimed to characterize the extent and nature of social worker participation in family conferences for critically ill infants. Design: We used a longitudinal observational mixed-methods design, enrolling infants with a neurological condition, their parent(s), and their clinicians. All audio-recorded conferences were transcribed and de-identified. Emergent themes and subthemes were identified using conventional content analysis. Results: We enrolled 40 infants and 61 parents. Sixty-eight conferences were held and audio recorded for 24 infants. Social workers were present for 51 of these conferences (n = 51/68, 75%) across 18 cases (n = 18/24, 75%). We identified four themes, conceptualized as distinct roles played by social workers in family conferences: (1) Translator: social workers served as a communicative bridge between parents and the medical team; (2) Coordinator: social workers simplified logistics and connected parents to community resources, including home health agencies and financial assistance; (3) Expectation manager: social workers provided anticipatory guidance and helped parents conceptualize the remainder of the hospital stay, discharge, and life at home; and (4) Advocate: social workers validated parental values and concerns and provided immediate emotional support. Conclusions: Social workers participated in three-quarters of family conferences for critically ill infants. When they participated, they facilitated communication, coordinated care, managed expectations, and advocated for families. These findings underscore the important, varied, and concurrent roles social workers play in the care of critically ill infants. Future communication and family support interventions should leverage these distinct roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Farley
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Mary Carol Barks
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathryn I. Pollak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Anna Quarles
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kathleen Briglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erika Johnson
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Lakis
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Abstract
While medical advancements have led to improved survival of extremely premature infants, children remain at risk for brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment. Brain imaging can offer insight into an infant's acute and long-term outcome; however, counseling parents about the results and implications of brain imaging remains challenging. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature and describe the challenges associated with counseling families of premature infants on neuroimaging findings. We propose a framework to guide clinicians in counseling parents about brain imaging results, informed by best practices in other disciplines: (FIGURE): 1) Formulate a plan 2) Identify parental needs and values 3) Give information 4) Acknowledge Uncertainty 5) Recognize and Respond to emotions 6) Discuss Expectations and Establish follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Monica E Lemmon
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, DUMC 3936, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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14
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Lemmon ME, Glass HC, Shellhaas RA, Barks MC, Bansal S, Annis D, Guerriero JL, Pilon B, Wusthoff CJ, Chang T, Soul JS, Chu CJ, Thomas C, Massey SL, Abend NS, Rau S, Rogers EE, Franck LS. Family-Centered Care for Children and Families Impacted by Neonatal Seizures: Advice From Parents. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 124:26-32. [PMID: 34509000 PMCID: PMC8523194 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of neonates with seizures are at risk of mental health symptoms due to the impact of illness on family life, prognostic uncertainty, and the emotional toll of hospitalization. A family-centered approach is the preferred model to mitigate these challenges. We aimed to identify strategies to promote family-centered care through an analysis of parent-offered advice to clinicians caring for neonates with seizures. METHODS This prospective, observational, and multicenter (Neonatal Seizure Registry) study enrolled parents of neonates with acute symptomatic seizures. Parents completed surveys about family well-being at 12, 18, and 24 months corrected gestational age. Parents were asked open-ended questions eliciting their advice to clinicians caring for neonates with seizures. Responses were analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach. RESULTS Among the 310 parents who completed surveys, 118 (38%) shared advice for clinicians. These parents were predominantly mothers (n = 103, 87%). Three overarching themes were identified. (1) Communicate information effectively: parents appreciate when clinicians offer transparent and balanced information in an accessible way. (2) Understand and validate parent experience: parents value clinicians who display empathy, compassion, and a commitment to parent-partnered clinical care. (3) Providesupportand resources: parents benefit from emotional support, education, connection with peers, and help navigating the health care system. CONCLUSIONS Parents caring for neonates with seizures appreciate a family-centered approach in health care encounters, including skilled communication, understanding and validation of the parent experience, and provision of support and resources. Future interventions should focus on building structures to reinforce these priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica E. Lemmon
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hannah C. Glass
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Renée A. Shellhaas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mary Carol Barks
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Simran Bansal
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dana Annis
- NSR Parent Partner, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Guerriero
- NSR Parent Partner, Children’s Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USA,Dana Farber Cancer Institute
| | | | | | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Janet S. Soul
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine J. Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cameron Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shavonne L. Massey
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas S. Abend
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stephanie Rau
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elizabeth E. Rogers
- Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Linda S. Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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15
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Abstract
Many childhood neurologic conditions are first diagnosed in the perinatal period and shorten or seriously alter the lives of affected infants. Neonatal neuropalliative care incorporates core practices and teachings of both neurology and palliative care and is directed toward patients and families affected by serious neurologic conditions in the antenatal and immediate newborn period. This review outlines key considerations for neurologists hoping to provide a neuropalliative care approach antenatally, in the neonatal intensive care unit, and around hospital discharge. We explore 4 core domains of neuropalliative care: (1) family-centered communication, (2) prognostication, (3) decision making, and (4) pain and symptom management. We address special considerations in care at the end of life and in varied cultural and practice contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharla Rent
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Margarita Bidegain
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Margaret H. Bost
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Chi Hornik
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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16
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Pilon B, Craig AK, Lemmon ME, Goeller A. Supporting families in their child's journey with neonatal encephalopathy and therapeutic hypothermia. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 26:101278. [PMID: 34561175 PMCID: PMC9627456 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2021.101278] [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: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neonates and families face challenges in hypothermic therapy, including trauma to parents, extreme emotions, and unfamiliarity with the medical system. Communication is an essential element to supporting parents while their children are in the NICU, and beyond, building the foundation for the ongoing relationship the family has with the medical system. Significant consideration needs to be given to the critical element of integrating the family into the care of a baby being treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Clinicians can promote healing of accumulated traumas of parents through ensuring parent's emotional safety, facilitating a trusting relationship, and promoting parent empowerment. Connecting parents with resources, especially peer support, is an essential part of a hospital stay. In this chapter, we explore best practices to support families during and after hypothermic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Pilon
- Hope for HIE, PO Box 250472, West Bloomfield, MI, 48325, USA.
| | - Alexa K. Craig
- Neonatal and Pediatric Neurology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Maine Medical Partners Pediatric Neurology, 55 Spring St, Scarborough, ME, 04074, USA
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Durham, NC, USA,Developmental Medicine, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Durham, NC, USA,Population Health Sciences, Durham, NC, USA,Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA,Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, DUMC 3936, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Annie Goeller
- Hope for HIE, PO Box 250472, West Bloomfield, MI, 48325, USA.
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17
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Glass HC, Soul JS, Chang T, Wusthoff CJ, Chu CJ, Massey SL, Abend NS, Lemmon M, Thomas C, Numis AL, Guillet R, Sturza J, McNamara NA, Rogers EE, Franck LS, McCulloch CE, Shellhaas RA. Safety of Early Discontinuation of Antiseizure Medication After Acute Symptomatic Neonatal Seizures. JAMA Neurol 2021; 78:817-825. [PMID: 34028496 PMCID: PMC8145161 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2021.1437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Question Is discontinuation of antiseizure medication (ASM) after resolution of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures and prior to discharge from the hospital associated with functional neurodevelopment or epilepsy at 24 months? Findings In this comparative effectiveness study of 303 children with neonatal seizures from 9 centers, 64% had ASM maintained at hospital discharge. No difference was found between ASM maintenance and discontinuation groups in functional neurodevelopment or epilepsy; 13% of children developed epilepsy, including more than one-third with infantile spasms. Meaning These results support discontinuing ASMs for most neonates with acute symptomatic seizures prior to discharge from the hospital, an approach that may represent an evidence-based change in practice for many clinicians. Importance Antiseizure medication (ASM) treatment duration for acute symptomatic neonatal seizures is variable. A randomized clinical trial of phenobarbital compared with placebo after resolution of acute symptomatic seizures closed early owing to low enrollment. Objective To assess whether ASM discontinuation after resolution of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures and before hospital discharge is associated with functional neurodevelopment or risk of epilepsy at age 24 months. Design, Setting, and Participants This comparative effectiveness study included 303 neonates with acute symptomatic seizures (282 with follow-up data and 270 with the primary outcome measure) from 9 US Neonatal Seizure Registry centers, born from July 2015 to March 2018. The centers all had level IV neonatal intensive care units and comprehensive pediatric epilepsy programs. Data were analyzed from June 2020 to February 2021. Exposures The primary exposure was duration of ASM treatment dichotomized as ASM discontinued vs ASM maintained at the time of discharge from the neonatal seizure admission. To enhance causal association, each outcome risk was adjusted for propensity to receive ASM at discharge. Propensity for ASM maintenance was defined by a logistic regression model including seizure cause, gestational age, therapeutic hypothermia, worst electroencephalogram background, days of electroencephalogram seizures, and discharge examination (all P ≤ .10 in a joint model except cause, which was included for face validity). Main Outcomes and Measures Functional neurodevelopment was assessed by the Warner Initial Developmental Evaluation of Adaptive and Functional Skills (WIDEA-FS) at 24 months powered for propensity-adjusted noninferiority of early ASM discontinuation. Postneonatal epilepsy, a prespecified secondary outcome, was defined per International League Against Epilepsy criteria, determined by parent interview, and corroborated by medical records. Results Most neonates (194 of 303 [64%]) had ASM maintained at the time of hospital discharge. Among 270 children evaluated at 24 months (mean [SD], 23.8 [0.7] months; 147 [54%] were male), the WIDEA-FS score was similar for the infants whose ASMs were discontinued (101 of 270 [37%]) compared with the infants with ASMs maintained (169 of 270 [63%]) at discharge (median score, 165 [interquartile range, 150-175] vs 161 [interquartile range, 129-174]; P = .09). The propensity-adjusted average difference was 4 points (90% CI, −3 to 11 points), which met the a priori noninferiority limit of −12 points. The epilepsy risk was similar (11% vs 14%; P = .49), with a propensity-adjusted odds ratio of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.7-3.4; P = .32). Conclusions and Relevance In this comparative effectiveness study, no difference was found in functional neurodevelopment or epilepsy at age 24 months among children whose ASM was discontinued vs maintained at hospital discharge after resolution of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. These results support discontinuation of ASM prior to hospital discharge for most infants with acute symptomatic neonatal seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Glass
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics; University of California, San Francisco
| | - Janet S Soul
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Taeun Chang
- Department of Neurology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Courtney J Wusthoff
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.,Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Catherine J Chu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shavonne L Massey
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Nicholas S Abend
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.,Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Monica Lemmon
- Departments of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cameron Thomas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Adam L Numis
- Department of Neurology and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Ronnie Guillet
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Julie Sturza
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Elizabeth E Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Linda S Franck
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Charles E McCulloch
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics; University of California, San Francisco
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