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Saint Denny K, Lamore K, Nandrino JL, Rethore S, Prieur C, Mur S, Storme L. Parents' experiences of palliative care decision-making in neonatal intensive care units: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Acta Paediatr 2024; 113:992-998. [PMID: 38229540 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
AIM This work explores the experiences and meaning attributed by parents who underwent the decision-making process of withholding and/or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment for their newborn. METHODS Audio-recorded face-to-face interviews were led and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Eight families (seven mothers and five fathers) whose baby underwent withholding and/or withdrawing of life-sustaining treatment in three neonatal intensive care units from two regions in France were included. RESULTS The findings reveal two paradoxes within the meaning-making process of parents: role ambivalence and choice ambiguity. We contend that these paradoxes, along with the need to mitigate uncertainty, form protective psychological mechanisms that enable parents to cope with the decision, maintain their parental identity and prevent decisional regret. CONCLUSION Role ambivalence and choice ambiguity should be considered when shared decision-making in the neonatal intensive care unit. Recognising and addressing these paradoxical beliefs is essential for informing parent support practices and professional recommendations, as well as add to ethical discussions pertaining to parental autonomy and physicians' rapport to uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Saint Denny
- Department of Neonatology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
- Cognitive and Affective Sciences, SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Kristopher Lamore
- Cognitive and Affective Sciences, SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Nandrino
- Cognitive and Affective Sciences, SCALab UMR CNRS 9193, University of Lille, Lille, France
| | - Sabine Rethore
- Department of Neonatology, Valenciennes Hospital, Valenciennes, France
| | - Charlotte Prieur
- Regional Resource Team for Pediatric Palliative Care, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
- Department of Neonatology, Lens Hospital, Lens, France
| | - Sebastien Mur
- Department of Neonatology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Storme
- Department of Neonatology, Lille University Hospital, Lille, France
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Shaw KL, Spry J, Cummins C, Ewer AK, Kilby MD, Mancini A. Advance care planning in perinatal settings: national survey of implementation using Normalisation Process Theory. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2024; 109:135-142. [PMID: 37709497 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2023-325649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal advance care planning (PnACP) is a process of formal decision-making to help families plan for their baby's care when recognised that they may have a life-limiting condition. While PnACP is recommended in policy, there is a lack of evidence to support implementation and development in the perinatal setting. OBJECTIVE To conduct an online survey of UK and Ireland perinatal providers to examine how PnACP is operationalised in current practice. METHODS A secure online questionnaire was developed to collect data on (1) 'what' is being implemented, (2) the 'processes' being used, (3) perceived impact and (4) unmet support needs. Data were analysed using basic descriptive statistics, thematic analysis and through a conceptual lens of Normalisation Process Theory. RESULTS Questionnaires were completed by 108 health professionals working in 108 maternity and neonatal services, representing 90 organisations across the UK and Ireland. This revealed many resources and examples of good practice to support PnACP. However, there was wide variation in how PnACP was conceptualised and implemented. Existing frameworks, pathways and planning tools are not routinely embedded into care, and respondents identified many barriers that negatively impact the quality of care. They called for better integration of palliative care principles into acute settings and more investment in staff training to support families at existentially difficult times. CONCLUSIONS Priorities for additional perinatal service development include greater sharing of best practice and effective strategies to target the unique challenges of PnACP, such as time-sensitive collaborative working and decision-making in the face of high uncertainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L Shaw
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - J Spry
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Carole Cummins
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew K Ewer
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark D Kilby
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Fetal Medicine Centre, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
- The Medical Genomics Research Group, Illumina, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexandra Mancini
- Corporate Nursing, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- True Colours Trust, London, UK
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3
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Gallagher K, Chant K, Mancini A, Bluebond-Langner M, Marlow N. The NeoPACE study: study protocol for the development of a core outcome set for neonatal palliative care. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:203. [PMID: 38114987 PMCID: PMC10729357 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01326-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal death is the leading category of death in children under the age of 5 in the UK. Many babies die following decisions between parents and the neonatal team; when a baby is critically unwell, with the support of healthcare professionals, parents may make the decision to stop active treatment and focus on ensuring their baby has a 'good' death. There is very little evidence to support the clinical application of neonatal palliative care and/or end-of-life care, resulting in variation in clinical provision between neonatal units. Developing core outcomes for neonatal palliative care would enable the development of measures of good practice and enhance our care of families. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set with associated tools for measuring neonatal palliative care. METHOD This study has four phases: (1) identification of potential outcomes through systematic review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including parents and healthcare professionals (2) an online Delphi process with key stakeholders to determine core outcomes (3) identification of outcome measures to support clinical application of outcome use (4) dissemination of the core outcome set for use across neonatal units in the UK. Key stakeholders include parents, healthcare professionals, and researchers with a background in neonatal palliative care. DISCUSSION Developing a core outcome set will standardise minimum reported outcomes for future research and quality improvement projects designed to determine the effectiveness of interventions and clinical care during neonatal palliative and/or end-of-life care. The core outcome set will provide healthcare professionals working in neonatal palliative and/or end-of-life support with an increased and consistent evidence base to enhance practice in this area. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study has been registered with the COMET initiative ( https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1470 ) and the systematic review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023451068).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Gallagher
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK.
| | - Kathy Chant
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK
| | - Alex Mancini
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Neil Marlow
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, 74 Huntley Street, WC1E 6AU, London, UK
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4
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Bertaud S, Montgomery AM, Craig F. Paediatric palliative care in the NICU: A new era of integration. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101436. [PMID: 37147253 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We are entering a new era of integration between neonatal medicine and paediatric palliative care, with increasing recognition that the role and skills of palliative care extend beyond care of only the terminally ill infant. This paper addresses the principles of paediatric palliative care and how they apply in the NICU, considers who provides palliative care in this setting and outlines the key components of care. We consider how the international standards of palliative care pertain to neonatal medicine and how a fully integrated approach to care may be realised across these two disciplines. Palliative care is so much more than end-of-life care, offering a proactive and holistic approach which addresses the physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs of the infant and family. This is a truly interdisciplinary endeavour, relying on a harmonisation of the skills from both the neonatal and palliative care teams to deliver high-quality coordinated care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bertaud
- Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK; Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, UK; Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Angela M Montgomery
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Finella Craig
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK.
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5
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Limacher R, Fauchère JC, Gubler D, Hendriks MJ. Uncertainty and probability in neonatal end-of-life decision-making: analysing real-time conversations between healthcare professionals and families of critically ill newborns. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:53. [PMID: 37138282 PMCID: PMC10155355 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of critically ill neonates face potentially adverse prognoses and outcomes, with some of them fulfilling the criteria for perinatal palliative care. When counselling parents about the critical health condition of their child, neonatal healthcare professionals require extensive skills and competencies in palliative care and communication. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the communication patterns and contents between neonatal healthcare professionals and parents of neonates with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions regarding options such as life-sustaining treatment and palliative care in the decision-making process. METHODS A qualitative approach to analysing audio-recorded conversations between neonatal team and parents. Eight critically ill neonates and a total of 16 conversations from two Swiss level III neonatal intensive care units were included. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: the weight of uncertainty in diagnosis and prognosis, the decision-making process, and palliative care. Uncertainty was observed to impede the discussion about all options of care, including palliative care. Regarding decision-making, neonatologists oftentimes conveyed to parents that this was a shared endeavour. However, parental preferences were not ascertained in the conversations analysed. In most cases, healthcare professionals were leading the discussion and parents expressed their opinion reactively to the information or options received. Only few couples proactively participated in decision-making. The continuation of therapy was often the preferred course of action of the healthcare team and the option of palliative care was not mentioned. However, once the option for palliative care was raised, the parents' wishes and needs regarding the end-of-life care of their child were obtained, respected, and implemented by the team. CONCLUSION Although shared decision-making was a familiar concept in Swiss neonatal intensive care units, parental involvement in the decision-making process illustrated a somewhat different and complex picture. Strict adherence to the concept of certainty might impede the process of decision-making, thereby not discussing palliation and missing opportunities to include parental values and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regula Limacher
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Fauchère
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Gubler
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Paediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Manya Jerina Hendriks
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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van Varsseveld OC, Ten Broeke A, Chorus CG, Heyning N, Kooi EMW, Hulscher JBF. Surgery or comfort care for neonates with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis: Lessons learned from behavioral artificial intelligence technology. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1122188. [PMID: 36925670 PMCID: PMC10011167 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1122188] [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: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Critical decision making in surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is highly complex and hard to capture in decision rules due to case-specificity and high mortality risk. In this choice experiment, we aimed to identify the implicit weight of decision factors towards future decision support, and to assess potential differences between specialties or centers. Methods Thirty-five hypothetical surgical NEC scenarios with different factor levels were evaluated by neonatal care experts of all Dutch neonatal care centers in an online environment, where a recommendation for surgery or comfort care was requested. We conducted choice analysis by constructing a binary logistic regression model according to behavioral artificial intelligence technology (BAIT). Results Out of 109 invited neonatal care experts, 62 (57%) participated, including 45 neonatologists, 16 pediatric surgeons and one neonatology physician assistant. Cerebral ultrasound (Relative importance = 20%, OR = 4.06, 95% CI = 3.39-4.86) was the most important factor in the decision surgery versus comfort care in surgical NEC, nationwide and for all specialties and centers. Pediatric surgeons more often recommended surgery compared to neonatologists (62% vs. 57%, p = 0.03). For all centers, cerebral ultrasound, congenital comorbidity, hemodynamics and parental preferences were significant decision factors (p < 0.05). Sex (p = 0.14), growth since birth (p = 0.25), and estimated parental capacities (p = 0.06) had no significance in nationwide nor subgroup analyses. Conclusion We demonstrated how BAIT can analyze the implicit weight of factors in the complex and critical decision for surgery or comfort care for (surgical) NEC. The findings reflect Dutch expertise, but the technique can be expanded internationally. After validation, our choice model/BAIT may function as decision aid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otis C van Varsseveld
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Caspar G Chorus
- Councyl, Delft, Netherlands.,Department of Engineering Systems and Services, Faculty Technology Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth M W Kooi
- Department of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jan B F Hulscher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Syltern J, Ursin L, Solberg B, Støen R. Postponed Withholding: Balanced Decision-Making at the Margins of Viability. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2022; 22:15-26. [PMID: 33998962 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2021.1925777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Advances in neonatology have led to improved survival for periviable infants. Immaturity still carries a high risk of short- and long-term harms, and uncertainty turns provision of life support into an ethical dilemma. Shared decision-making with parents has gained ground. However, the need to start immediate life support and the ensuing difficulty of withdrawing treatment stands in tension with the possibility of a fair decision-making process. Both the parental "instinct of saving" and "withdrawal resistance" involved can preclude shared decision-making. To help health care personnel and empower parents, we propose a novel approach labeled "postponed withholding." In the absence of a prenatal advance directive, life support is started at birth, followed by planned redirection to palliative care after one week, unless parents, after a thorough counseling process, actively ask for continued life support. Despite the emotional challenges, this approach can facilitate ethically balanced decision-making processes in the gray zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janicke Syltern
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- St Olavs Hospital University Hospital in Trondheim
| | - Lars Ursin
- The Norwegian University of Science and Technology
| | | | - Ragnhild Støen
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- St Olavs Hospital University Hospital in Trondheim
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8
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Gallagher K, Shaw C, Parisaei M, Marlow N, Aladangady N. Attitudes About Extremely Preterm Birth Among Obstetric and Neonatal Health Care Professionals in England: A Qualitative Study. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2241802. [PMID: 36374500 PMCID: PMC9664260 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.41802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Variation in attitudes between health care professionals involved in the counseling of parents facing extremely preterm birth (<24 wk gestational age) may lead to parental confusion and professional misalignment. OBJECTIVE To explore the attitudes of health care professionals involved in the counseling of parents facing preterm birth on the treatment of extremely preterm infants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study used Q methods to explore the attitudes of neonatal nurses, neonatologists, midwives, and obstetricians involved in the care of extremely preterm infants in 4 UK National Health Service perinatal centers between February 10, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Each participating center had a tertiary level neonatal unit and maternity center. Individuals volunteered participation through choosing to complete the study following a presentation by researchers at each center. A link to the online Q study was emailed to all potential participants by local principal investigators. Participants ranked 53 statements about the treatment of extremely preterm infants in an online quasi-normal distribution grid from strongly agree (6) to strongly disagree (-6). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Distinguishing factors per professional group (representing different attitudes) identified through by-person factor analysis of Q sort-data were the primary outcome. Areas of shared agreement (consensus) between professional groups were also explored. Q sorts achieving a factor loading of greater than 0.46 (P < .01) on a given factor were included. RESULTS In total, 155 health care professionals volunteered participation (128 [82.6%] women; mean [SD] age, 41.6 [10.2] years, mean [SD] experience, 14.1 [9.6] years). Four distinguishing factors were identified between neonatal nurses, 3 for midwives, 5 for neonatologists, and 4 for obstetricians. Analysis of factors within and between professional groups highlighted significant variation in attitudes of professionals toward parental engagement in decision-making, the perceived importance of potential disability in decision-making, and the use of medical technology. Areas of consensus highlighted that most professionals disagreed with statements suggesting disability equates to reduced quality of life. The statement suggesting the parents' decision was considered the most important when considering neonatal resuscitation was placed in the neutral (middistribution) position by all professionals. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this qualitative study suggest that parental counseling at extremely low gestations is a complex scenario further complicated by the differences in attitudes within and between professional disciplines toward treatment approaches. The development of multidisciplinary training encompassing all professional groups may facilitate a more consistent and individualized approach toward parental engagement in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Gallagher
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Shaw
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Parisaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Marlow
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Narendra Aladangady
- Department of Neonatology, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Paediatrics, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Shaw C, Connabeer K, Drew P, Gallagher K, Aladangady N, Marlow N. End-of-Life Decision Making Between Doctors and Parents in NICU: The Development and Assessment of a Conversation Analysis Coding Framework. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35443841 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2059800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We report the development and assessment of a novel coding framework in the context of research into neonatal end-of-life decision making conversations. Data comprised 27 formal conversations between doctors and parents of critically ill babies, recorded in two neonatal intensive care units. The coding framework was developed from a qualitative analysis of the recordings using the method of conversation analysis (CA). Codes underpinned by our qualitative analysis had in the main moderate to strong agreement (inter-rater reliability) between coders; three codes had lower agreement reflecting the use of euphemisms for death and disability. Coding these interactions confirmed the significance of the doctors' talk in terms of parental involvement in decision-making, whilst highlighting areas warranting further qualitative analysis. This quantifiable representation provides a novel outcome based on evidence that is internal to the conversation rather than influenced by other factors related to the baby's care or outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Shaw
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London
| | - Kathrina Connabeer
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Birmingham City University
| | - Paul Drew
- Department of Language & Linguistic Science, University of York
| | - Katie Gallagher
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London
| | - Narendra Aladangady
- Department of Neonatology, Homerton University Hospital
- Centre for Paediatrics, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL
| | - Neil Marlow
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London
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Personalized communication with parents of children born at less than 25 weeks: Moving from doctor-driven to parent-personalized discussions. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151551. [PMID: 34893335 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Communication with parents is an essential component of neonatal care. For extremely preterm infants born at less than 25 weeks, this process is complicated by the substantial risk of mortality or major morbidity. For some babies with specific prognostic factors, the majority die. Although many of these deaths occur after admission to the intensive care unit, position statements have focused on communication during the prenatal consultation. This review takes a more comprehensive approach and covers personalized and parent-centered communication in the clinical setting during three distinct yet inter-related phases: the antenatal consultation, the neonatal intensive care hospitalization, and the dying process (when this happens). We advocate that a 'one-size-fits-all' communication model focused on standardizing information does not lead to partnerships. It is possible to standardize personalized approaches that recognize and adapt to parental heterogeneity. This can help clinicians and parents build effective partnerships of trust and affective support to engage in personalized decision-making. These practices begin with self-reflection on the part of the clinician and continue with practical frameworks and stepwise approaches supporting personalization and parent-centered communication.
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Klee K, Wilfond B, Thomas K, Ridling D. Conflicts between parents and clinicians: Tracheotomy decisions and clinical bioethics consultation. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:685-695. [DOI: 10.1177/09697330211023986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The parent of a child with profound cognitive disability will have complex decisions to consider throughout the life of their child. An especially complex decision is whether to place a tracheotomy to support the child’s airway. The decision may involve the parent wanting a tracheotomy and the clinician advising against this intervention or the clinician recommending a tracheotomy while the parent is opposed to the intervention. This conflict over what is best for the child may lead to a bioethics consult. Objective: The study explores the conflicts that may arise around tracheotomy placements. Research design: This study is a retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients for whom a tracheotomy decision required a bioethics consult. Participants and research context: Pediatric patients aged birth to 18 years old with a bioethics consult for a tracheotomy decision conflict between April 2010 and December 2016. A standardized data collection tool was used to review notes entered by the palliative care team, social workers, primary clinical team interim summaries, and the bioethics consult service. Ethical considerations: The study was reviewed and approved by the medical center’s institutional review board. Results: There were 248 clinical bioethics consults during the identified study period. There were 31 consults involving 21 children where the word tracheotomy was mentioned in the consult, and 13 of the 21 consults were for children with profound cognitive disability. Discussion and conclusion: Clinicians need to be aware of their own biases when discussing a child’s prognosis and treatment options while also understanding the parents’ values and what the parent might consider to be burdensome in the care of their child and the acceptable burden for the child to experience.
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12
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Zhang WW, Yu YH, Dong XY, Reddy S. Treatment status of extremely premature infants with gestational age < 28 weeks in a Chinese perinatal center from 2010 to 2019. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:67-74. [PMID: 34767193 PMCID: PMC8761149 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-021-00481-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of studies conducted in China on the outcomes of all live-birth extremely premature infants (EPIs) and there is no unified recommendation on the active treatment of the minimum gestational age in the field of perinatal medicine in China. We aimed to investigate the current treatment situation of EPIs and to provide evidence for formulating reasonable treatment recommendations. METHODS We established a real-world ambispective cohort study of all live births in delivery rooms with gestational age (GA) between 24+0 and 27+6 weeks from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS Of the 1163 EPIs included in our study, 241 (20.7%) survived, while 849 (73.0%) died in the delivery room and 73 (6.3%) died in the neonatal intensive care unit. Among all included EPIs, 862 (74.1%) died from withholding or withdrawal of care. Regardless of stratification according to GA or birth weight, the proportion of total mortality attributable to withdrawal of care is high. For infants with the GA of 24 weeks, active treatment did not extend their survival time (P = 0.224). The survival time without severe morbidity of the active treatment was significantly longer than that of withdrawing care for infants older than 25 weeks (P < 0.001). Over time, the survival rate improved, and the withdrawal of care caused by socioeconomic factors and primary nonintervention were reduced significantly (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The mortality rate of EPIs is still high. Withdrawal of care is common for EPIs with smaller GA, especially in the delivery room. It is necessary to use a multi-center, large sample of real-world data to find the survival limit of active treatment based on our treatment capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Wen Zhang
- grid.460018.b0000 0004 1769 9639Department of Neonatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021 China
| | - Yong-Hui Yu
- Department of Neonatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, China.
| | - Xiao-Yu Dong
- grid.508193.6Department of Neonatology, Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Jinan, 250021 China
| | - Simmy Reddy
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Schouten ES, Beyer MF, Flemmer AW, de Vos MA, Kuehlmeyer K. Conversations About End-of-Life Decisions in Neonatology: Do Doctors and Parents Implement Shared Decision-Making? Front Pediatr 2022; 10:897014. [PMID: 35676897 PMCID: PMC9168986 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.897014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in perinatal medicine have contributed to significantly improved survival of newborns. While some infants die despite extensive medical treatment, a larger proportion dies following medical decision-making (MDM). International guidelines about end-of-life (EOL) MDM for neonates unify in their recommendation for shared decision-making (SDM) between doctors and parents. Yet, we do not know to what extent SDM is realized in neonatal practice. OBJECTIVE We aim at examining to which extent SDM is implemented in the NICU setting. METHODS By means of Qualitative Content Analysis, audio-recorded conversations between neonatologists and parents were analyzed. We used a framework by de Vos that was used to analyze similar conversations on the PICU. RESULTS In total we analyzed 17 conversations with 23 parents of 12 NICU patients. SDM was adopted only to a small extent in neonatal EOL-MDM conversations. The extent of sharing decreased considerably over the stages of SDM. The neonatologists suggested finding a decision together with parents, while at the same time seeking parents' agreement for the intended decision to forgo life-sustaining treatment. CONCLUSIONS Since SDM was only realized to a small extent in the NICU under study, we propose evaluating how parents in this unit experience the EOL-MDM process and whether they feel their involvement in the process acceptable and beneficial. If parents evaluate their involvement in the current approach beneficial, the need for implementation of SDM to the full extent, as suggested in the guidelines, may need to be critically re-assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther S Schouten
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria F Beyer
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas W Flemmer
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirjam A de Vos
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja Kuehlmeyer
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Ten Broeke A, Hulscher J, Heyning N, Kooi E, Chorus C. BAIT: A New Medical Decision Support Technology Based on Discrete Choice Theory. Med Decis Making 2021; 41:614-619. [PMID: 33783246 PMCID: PMC8191159 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x211001320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We present a novel way to codify medical expertise and to make it available to support medical decision making. Our approach is based on econometric techniques (known as conjoint analysis or discrete choice theory) developed to analyze and forecast consumer or patient behavior; we reconceptualize these techniques and put them to use to generate an explainable, tractable decision support system for medical experts. The approach works as follows: using choice experiments containing systematically composed hypothetical choice scenarios, we collect a set of expert decisions. Then we use those decisions to estimate the weights that experts implicitly assign to various decision factors. The resulting choice model is able to generate a probabilistic assessment for real-life decision situations, in combination with an explanation of which factors led to the assessment. The approach has several advantages, but also potential limitations, compared to rule-based methods and machine learning techniques. We illustrate the choice model approach to support medical decision making by applying it in the context of the difficult choice to proceed to surgery v. comfort care for a critically ill neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Hulscher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Elisabeth Kooi
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Kinder Ziekenhuis, Division of Neonatology, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Caspar Chorus
- Councyl, Delft, Netherlands.,Faculty Technology Policy and Management, Department of Engineering Systems and Services, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
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