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Metallinou D, Bardo S, Kitsonidou I, Sotiropoulou N. Attitudes and Experiences Towards Death of Healthcare Professionals Working in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 88:570-590. [PMID: 34632880 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211048667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Death is an integral part of neonatal intensive care units' (NICUs) environment and little it is known about NICU's staff death concepts. AIM To investigate attitudes and experiences towards death of healthcare professionals (HPs) working in NICUs. DESIGN Totally 131 participants from six hospitals were included in the study. Research instruments were a questionnaire designed by the authors and the scale Death Attitude Profile-Revised. RESULTS Gender, marital and educational status, frequent contact with end of life neonates and provision of neonatal end of life care during the research period correlated significantly with dimensions of DAP-R. Impact of NICU neonatal deaths on personal life correlated negatively with fear of death and positively with escape acceptance. CONCLUSION Evaluating the interrelationships among personal characteristics, attitudes and experiences towards death among NICU HPs may increase our understanding concerning working with dying neonates and provide direction for educational intervention and continuing professional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitra Metallinou
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Bardo
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Iliana Kitsonidou
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Niki Sotiropoulou
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
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Chen SH, Wu ET, Wang CC, Su MY, Chang CH, Chen HL, Lu FL, Cheng SY. Increasing Trend and Effects of Pediatric Palliative Care on Children With Noncancer Diagnoses. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:230-237.e1. [PMID: 37290731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pediatric palliative care (PPC), especially among noncancer pediatric patients, faces challenges including late referral, limited patient care, and insufficient data for Asian patients. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used the integrative hospital medical database between 2014 and 2018 to analyze the clinical characteristics, diagnoses, and end-of-life care for patients aged less than 20 who had died in our children's hospital, a tertiary referral medical center implementing PPC shared-care. RESULTS In our cohort of 323 children, 240 (74.3%) were noncancer patients who a younger median age at death (5 vs. 122 months, P < 0.001), lower rate of PPC involvement (16.7 vs. 66%, P < 0.001), and fewer survival days after PPC consult compared to cancer patients (3 vs. 11, P = 0.01). Patients not receiving PPC had more ventilator support (OR 9.9, P < 0.001), and less morphine use on their final day of life (OR 0.1, P < 0.001). Also, patients not receiving PPC had more cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the last day of life (OR 15.3, P < 0.001) and died in the ICU (OR 8.8, P < 0.001). There was an increasing trend of noncancer patients receiving PPC between 2014 and 2018 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS High disparities exist between children receiving PPC in cancer versus noncancer patients. The concept of PPC is gradually becoming accepted in noncancer children and is associated with more pain-relief medication and less suffering during end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Han Chen
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - En-Ting Wu
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yu Su
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (M.Y.S.), China Medical University Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Hao Chang
- Department of Medical Research (C.H.C.), National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Ling Chen
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department and Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Bioethics (H.L.C.), National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- Department of Pediatrics (S.H.C., E.T.W., C.C.W., M.Y.S., H.L.C., F.L.L.), National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shao-Yi Cheng
- Department of Family Medicine (S.Y.C.), National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Chatziioannidis I, Pouliakis A, Cuttini M, Boutsikou T, Giougi E, Volaki V, Sokou R, Xanthos T, Iliodromiti Z, Iacovidou N. Nurses' involvement in end-of-life decisions in neonatal intensive care units. Nurs Ethics 2022; 29:569-581. [PMID: 35142573 DOI: 10.1177/09697330211035505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND End-of-life decision-making for terminally ill neonates raises important legal and ethical issues. In Greece, no recent data on nurses' attitudes and involvement in end-of-life decisions are available. RESEARCH QUESTION/AIM To investigate neonatal nurses' attitudes and involvement in end-of-life decisions and the relation to their socio-demographic and work-related background data. RESEARCH DESIGN A survey was carried out in 28 neonatal intensive care units between September 2018 and January 2019. A structured questionnaire was distributed by post. PARTICIPANTS AND RESEARCH CONTEXT The questionnaire was answered anonymously by 312 nurses (response rate, 71.1%) and returned to the investigators. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS The study was approved by the Bioethics and Research Committee of Aretaieio Hospital in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. FINDINGS Nurses more often reported involvement in various end-of-life decisions, such as continuation of treatment without adding further therapeutic interventions for terminally ill neonates, while less reported were mechanical ventilation withdrawal and drug administration to end life. Nurses with a high attitude score, reflecting a more quality-of-life approach, were more likely to be involved in setting limits to intensive care. α low score was consistent with life preservation. Nurses' religiousness (p = 0.097), parenthood (p = 0.093), involvement in daily practice (p = 0.03), and position on the existing legal framework (p < 0.002) influenced their attitude score. DISCUSSION The likelihood of nurses to support interventions in neonates with poor prognosis in neonatal intensive care units was related to their attitudes. After adjusting for potential confounders, the most important predictors for nurses' attitudes were parenthood, involvement in daily practice, and position supporting current legislation reform. CONCLUSION Variability in involvement in end-of-life decisions among nurses exists on a national level.
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Zhang R, Tang Q, Zhu LH, Peng XM, Zhang N, Xiong YE, Chen MH, Chen KL, Luo D, Li X, Latour JM. Testing a Family Supportive End of Life Care Intervention in a Chinese Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Quasi-experimental Study With a Non-randomized Controlled Trial Design. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:870382. [PMID: 35935359 PMCID: PMC9354658 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.870382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal death often occurs in tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). In China, end-of-life-care (EOLC) does not always involve parents. AIM The aim of this study is to evaluate a parent support intervention to integrate parents at the end of life of their infant in the NICU. METHODS A quasi-experimental study using a non-randomized clinical trial design was conducted between May 2020 and September 2021. Participants were infants in an EOLC pathway in the NICU and their parents. Parents were allocated into a family supportive EOLC intervention group or a standard EOLC group based on their wishes. The primary outcomes depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for mothers; Hamilton Depression rating scale for fathers) and Satisfaction with Care were measured 1 week after infants' death. Student t-test for continuous variables and the Chi-square test categorical variables were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS In the study period, 62 infants died and 45 infants and 90 parents were enrolled; intervention group 20 infants, standard EOLC group 25 infants. The most common causes of death in both groups were congenital abnormalities (n = 20, 44%). Mean gestational age of infants between the family supportive EOLC group and standard EOLC group was 31.45 vs. 33.8 weeks (p = 0.234). Parents between both groups did not differ in terms of age, delivery of infant, and economic status. In the family support group, higher education levels were observed among mother (p = 0.026) and fathers (p = 0.020). Both mothers and fathers in the family supportive EOLC group had less depression compared to the standard EOLC groups; mothers (mean 6.90 vs. 7.56; p = 0.017) and fathers (mean 20.7 vs. 23.1; p < 0.001). Parents reported higher satisfaction in the family supportive EOLC group (mean 88.9 vs. 86.6; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Supporting parents in EOLC in Chinese NICUs might decreased their depression and increase satisfaction after the death of their infant. Future research needs to focus on long-term effects and expand on larger populations with different cultural backgrounds. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05270915.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Tang
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Department of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Li-Hui Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Peng
- Department of Neonatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Department of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Yue-E Xiong
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Department of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Mu-Hua Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Ke-Liang Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Li
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jos M Latour
- Department of Nursing, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, China.,Faculty of Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
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Wu ET, Wang CC, Huang SC, Chen CH, Jou ST, Chen YC, Wu MH, Lu FL. End-of-Life Care in Taiwan: Single-Center Retrospective Study of Modes of Death. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2021; 22:733-742. [PMID: 33767073 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000002715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medical advances and the National Health Insurance coverage in Taiwan mean that mortality in the PICU is low. This study describes change in modes of death and end-of-life care in a single center, 2011-2017. SETTING Multidisciplinary PICU in a tertiary referral Children's Hospital in Taiwan. PATIENTS There were 316 deaths in PICU patients. INTERVENTIONS Palliative care consultation in the PICU service occurred after the 2013 "Hospice Palliative Care Act" revision. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In the whole cohort, 22 of 316 patients (7%) were determined as "death by neurologic criteria". There were 94 of 316 patients (30%) who had an event needing cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 24 hours of death: 17 of these patients (17/94; 18%) died after failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation without a do-not-resuscitate order, and the other 77 of 94 patients (82%) had a do-not-resuscitate order after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Overall, there were 200 of 316 patients (63%) who had a do-not-resuscitate order and were entered into the palliative program: 169 of 200 (85%) died after life-sustaining treatment was limited, and the other 31 of 200 (15%) died after life-sustaining treatment was withdrawn. From 2011 to 2017, the time-trend in end-of-life care showed the following associations: 1) a decrease in PICU mortality utilization rate, from 22% to 7% (p < 0.001); 2) a decrease in use of catecholamine infusions after do-not-resuscitate consent, from 87% to 47% (p = 0.001), in patients having limitation in life-sustaining treatment; and 3) an increase in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, from 4% to 31% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our practice in a single PICU-center in Taiwan, we have seen that the integration of a palliative care consultation service, developed after the revision of a national "Palliative Care Act," was associated with increased willingness to accept withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and a lowered PICU care intensity at the end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Ting Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chien Huang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Ho Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiann-Tarng Jou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Charng Chen
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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End-of-life decision making in critical illness: Perspectives of Asian parents. Palliat Support Care 2021; 20:233-242. [PMID: 33942708 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951521000493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parents' perspectives regarding end-of-life (EOL) decisions, factors and possible barriers that influence the EOL decision making process, and to understand parental preferences for communication about EOL care in an Asian population. METHOD A prospective questionnaire cohort study conducted in a university-based tertiary care hospital. 30 parents of children who had been admitted to general pediatric wards for acute ailments and/or were being followed up in general pediatric outpatient clinics after inpatient admissions or emergency department visits completed 30 interviewer-administered questionnaires. With the first 10 completed questionnaires, we sought feedback on the design of the four case vignettes and related questions. Responses to specific questions related to each case vignette were rated on a Likert scale. RESULTS The majority of parents were able to comprehend and identify with the issues in the case vignettes, which allowed them to respond appropriately. Parents tended to avoid active withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining treatment. The top three priorities for parents making EOL decisions for their children were: the chance of improvement, the presence of pain or discomfort, and information provided by healthcare staff. Parents reported that they would prefer to know immediately if their child is at risk of dying; they also preferred to get as much information as possible from the healthcare team and thought that meeting with the healthcare team before making EOL decisions was pivotal. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Parents place highest priorities on their child's likelihood of improvement, perception of their child's pain, and information provided by healthcare professionals in making EOL decisions.
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Chen SJ, Lee YS, Tsao PC, Wang C, Chou CS, Jeng MJ. Neonatal hospice care utilization in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan before and after the legalization of life-sustaining treatment withdrawal. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:774-778. [PMID: 32433346 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000346] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The advancements in neonatal critical care have not only improved the outcomes of extreme prematurity but also prolonged the process of death in terminally ill neonates. This study analyzed the characteristics of neonates who died at a single tertiary center in Taiwan. The utilization of neonatal hospice care before and after the legalization of life-sustaining treatment (LST) withdrawal in Taiwan in 2013 was also compared. METHODS This study enrolled the neonatal mortality cases in the Taipei Veterans General Hospital during January 2008 to December 2017 through chart review. Data on birth history, primary diagnosis, complications, and death circumstances were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 105 neonatal deaths were analyzed. The circumstances of death were as follows: 22 (21%) cases of full LST and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed until death; 63 (60%) cases of LST initiated but no more CPR after do-not-resuscitate (DNR) consents signed; 8 (7.6%) cases of LST withdrawn; 4 (3.8%) cases of DNR signed without LST initiation; 3 (2.9%) cases of CPR not performed, although no DNR signed; and 5 (4.8%) cases of discharge against medical advice under critical condition. The incidence of written DNR consents (57.9% in 2008-2009 vs 93.8% in 2016-2017; p = 0.02) showed an increasing trend. Regarding the incidence of comorbidities, renal failure rate was higher in the DNR group than in the non-DNR group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION There was an increasing trend for written DNR consent and the utilization of neonatal hospice care. Renal failure, as a comorbidity, was significantly associated with the written DNR consent in the neonates. Further studies to evaluate the factors associated with neonatal hospice care utilization are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Jung Chen
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Sheng Lee
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Chen Tsao
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chi Wang
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Veteran General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Sui Chou
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mei-Jy Jeng
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Bioethical Decisions in Neonatal Intensive Care: Neonatologists' Self-Reported Practices in Greek NICUs. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103465. [PMID: 32429230 PMCID: PMC7277706 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study presents, for the first time, empirical data on practices regarding bioethical decision-making in treatment of preterm and ill newborns in Greece. The aim of the study was to: (a) record self-reported practices and involvement of Greek physicians in decisions of withholding and withdrawing neonatal intensive care, and (b) explore the implication of cultural, ethical, and professional parameters in decision-making. Methods: 71 physicians, employed fulltime in all public Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) (n = 17) in Greece, completed an anonymous questionnaire between May 2009 and May 2011. Results: One-third of the physicians in our sample admitted that they have, at least once in the past, decided the limitation of intensive care of a newborn close to death (37.7%) and/or a newborn with unfavorable neurological prognosis (30.8%). The higher the physicians’ support towards the value of quality of human life, the more probable it was that they had taken a decision to withhold or withdraw neonatal intensive care (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our research shows that Greek NICU physicians report considerably lower levels of ethical decision-making regarding preterm and ill newborns compared to their counterparts in other European countries. Clinical practices and attitudes towards ethical decision-making appear to be influenced mainly by the Greek physicians’ values.
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Fadadu PP, Liu JC, Schiltz BM, Xoay TD, Phuc PH, Kumbamu A, Ouellette Y. A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Pediatric Intensivists' Attitudes toward End-of-Life Care in Vietnam. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:885-893. [PMID: 30724688 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although the need for palliative care is gaining recognition in Southeast Asia, knowledge about how decisions are made for children near the end of life remains sparse. Objective: To explore pediatric intensivists' attitudes and practices surrounding end-of-life care in Vietnam. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study conducted at a tertiary pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit in Hanoi. Physicians and nurses completed a quantitative survey about their views on end-of-life care. A subset of these providers participated in semistructured interviews on related topics. Analysis of surveys and interviews were conducted. Results were triangulated. Results: Sixty-eight providers (33 physicians and 35 nurses) completed the quantitative survey, and 18 participated in interviews. Qualitative data revealed three overarching themes with numerous subthemes and supporting quotations. The first theme was factors influencing providers' decision-making process to escalate or withdraw treatment. Quantitative data showed that 40% of providers valued the family's ability to pay to continue life-sustaining treatment. Second, communication dynamics in decision making were highlighted; 72% of providers would be willing to override a family's wishes to withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Third, provider perceptions of death varied, with 68% regarding their patients' deaths as a personal failure. Conclusions: We elicited and documented how pediatric intensivists in Vietnam currently think about and provide end-of-life care. These findings indicate a need to strengthen palliative care training, increase family involvement in decision making, implement standardized and official do-not-resuscitate documentation, and expand pediatric hospice services at the individual, hospital, and national levels in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joy C Liu
- 1Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Brenda M Schiltz
- 2Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | | | - Ashok Kumbamu
- 4Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yves Ouellette
- 2Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Kim S, Savage TA, Hershberger PE, Kavanaugh K. End-of-Life Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units from an Asian Perspective: An Integrative Review of the Research Literature. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:848-857. [PMID: 30632880 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: End-of-life (EOL) care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can vary depending on religious beliefs of health care providers and families as well as the sociocultural environment. Although guidelines exist for EOL care in NICUs, most are based on Western studies, and little is known about such care in Asian countries, which have different religious and social background. Objective: This review synthesized empirical research to reveal the state of the science on infant EOL care in Asian countries. Design: This was an integrative review. Setting/Subjects: Data were collected from studies identified in CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed. The search was limited to current empirical studies involving infant EOL care in Asian countries and published in English between 2007 and 2016. Results: Of 286 studies initially identified, 11 empirical studies conducted in Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, Mongolia, Taiwan, and Turkey were included in the review. Four themes were captured: factors influencing decision making, trends in decision making, practical aspects of EOL care, and health care providers' preparation. In most NICUs, health care providers controlled decisions regarding use of life-sustaining treatment, with parents participating in decision making no more than 60% of the time. Although care decisions were gradually changing from "do everything" for patient survival to a more palliative approach, comfort care at the EOL was chosen no more than 63% of the time. Conclusion: While infant EOL care practice and research vary by country, few articles address these matters in Asia. This integrative review characterizes infant EOL care in Asia and explores cultural influences on such care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujeong Kim
- 1 Department of Nursing, College of Nursing, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington
| | - Teresa A Savage
- 2 Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Patricia E Hershberger
- 3 Department of Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karen Kavanaugh
- 2 Department of Women, Children, and Family Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.,4 Department of Nursing Research, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Abdel Razeq NM. End-of-life Decisions at Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Jordanian Nurses Attitudes and Viewpoints of Who, When, and How. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 44:e36-e44. [PMID: 30420167 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore factors predicting neonatal nurses' attitude towards end-of-life decisions in neonates, and to describe the nurses' viewpoints on end-of-life decisions; barriers to end-of-life decision making; parents', nurses', and ethical committees' involvement in the process of end-of-life decision making; and who should regulate end-of-life decisions regarding neonates. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was applied. Sample included 279 neonatal nurses working in 24 neonatal intensive care units across Jordan. Data were collected using internationally-accepted questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in data analysis. RESULTS Most nurses perceived that everything possible should be done to ensure a neonate's survival, even when they suffer severe prognosis (80%) and irrespective of the burden of the child's disability on the family (75%). Almost all nurses (96%) were against administering drugs with the purpose of ending the neonate's life and 63% were against continuing current treatment without adding others. The nurses' perceived effect of end-of-life decisions on their everyday life, and the importance of religious values to the nurses' personal lives, significantly predicted pro-life attitude scores. According to 80% of the nurses, legal constraints were the most significant barriers to end-of-life decision making. The majority of nurses (84%) indicated that non-religious bodies should establish end-of-life regulations for neonates. CONCLUSION Generally, nurses' attitude was supportive of life saving decisions at end-of-life, regardless of the survival odds and the probable health outcomes of the neonates. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Neonates' end-of-life care, and parents' bereavement care, should be standard practices in every NICU, worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin M Abdel Razeq
- The University of Jordan - School of Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Amman Jordan.
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Lee JH, Cho SY, Kwon KA, Kim MJ. Investigation of Neonatal Staff Members' Attitudes toward End-of-Life Decision Making about Dying Newborns. NEONATAL MEDICINE 2017. [DOI: 10.5385/nm.2017.24.2.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hyeok Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Sun-Young Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Kyoung-Ah Kwon
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Myo-Jing Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Peng NH, Lee CH, Lee MC, Huang LC, Chang YC, DeSwarte-Wallace J. Effectiveness of Pediatric Palliative Care Education on Pediatric Clinicians. West J Nurs Res 2016; 39:1624-1638. [DOI: 10.1177/0193945916680615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A lack of knowledge and skills in pediatric palliative care may create hesitation in caring for children with serious life-threatening conditions and their families. Our research examined the effectiveness of pediatric palliative care training for pediatric clinicians. A pretest–posttest study provided educational training in pediatric palliative care to pediatric clinicians and used a pretest and a posttest to assess outcomes. Fifty pediatric clinicians attended this research with 83.3% response rate. After training, participants reported significantly increased confidence in a variety of areas, including providing emotional support to clinicians, personal knowledge, skills, and communication; ethical and legal concerns; and providing emotional support to dying children and their families. Results showed a significant main effect of training on confidence levels ( p < .000). This suggests that education can effectively boost pediatric clinicians’ confidence regarding providing pediatric palliative care and therefore should regularly be provided to clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niang-Huei Peng
- College of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Min-Chun Lee
- Buddhist Tzu-Chi General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chi Huang
- College of Nursing, China Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Yue-Cune Chang
- Department of Mathematics, Tmkang University, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Joetta DeSwarte-Wallace
- Miller Children’s Hospital Long Beach, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Abstract
On one hand, advances in neonatal care and rescue technology allow for the healthy survival or prolonged survival time of critically ill newborns who, in the past, would have been non-viable. On the other hand, many of the surviving critically ill infants have serious long-term disabilities. If an infant eventually cannot survive or is likely to suffer severe disability after surviving, ethical issues in the treatment process are inevitable, and this problem arises not only in developed countries but is also becoming increasingly prominent in developing countries. In addition, ethical concerns cannot be avoided in medical research. This review article introduces basic ethical guidelines that should be followed in clinical practice, including respecting the autonomy of the parents, giving priority to the best interests of the infant, the principle of doing no harm, and consent and the right to be informed. Furthermore, the major ethical concerns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China are briefly introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- a Department of Neonatology and NICU of Bayi Children's Hospital and
| | - Xin-Xin Chen
- a Department of Neonatology and NICU of Bayi Children's Hospital and
| | - Xin-Ling Wang
- b Department of Information , Beijing Military General Hospital , Beijing , China
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Lee MC, Chen YC, Chen CH, Lu FL, Hsiao CC, Peng NH. Comparison of the Educational Needs of Neonatologists and Neonatal Nurses Regarding Palliative Care in Taiwan. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2014; 33:264-71. [PMID: 25433068 DOI: 10.1177/1049909114559068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Education and training are very critical to development of high-quality neonatal palliative care. However, little investigation has been done into Taiwanese neonatal clinicians' educational needs regarding neonatal palliative care. PURPOSES The purposes of this study were to characterize and identify neonatal clinicians' educational needs regarding neonatal palliative care. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive surveyed method via a self administered questionnaire was used in this research. Thirty neonatologists were recruited by a convenience sampling and 30 nurses were recruited by a randomized sampling. RESULTS Out of sixty neonatal clinicians' survey, few had received the education in neonatal palliative care. Most reported minimal training in, experience with, and knowledge of neonatal palliative care. For neonatologists, two of twelve most strongly-felt educational needs were "discussing palliative care and ethical decision-making with parents" (70%) and "informing parents the poor progress in neonates" (63.3%). In contrast, neonatal nurses wanted more training regarding pain control (50%). Communication skills, including the discussing poor prognosis, bad news, and code status and talking with neonates about end-of-life care, were the educational need most commonly felt by both neonatologists and nurses. CONCLUSIONS Survey data from neonatologists and neonatal nurses in Taiwan indicate a need for further training on a range of neonatal palliative care competencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Chun Lee
- Chief of Department of Pediatric, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Instructor of Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yong-Chuan Chen
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Chao-Huei Chen
- Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan (ROC)
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- National Taiwan University Children Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chou Hsiao
- Changhua Christian Hospital in Changhua city, Changhua city, Taiwan
| | - Niang-Huei Peng
- College of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan (ROC)
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Wilkinson
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, 72 King William Rd, North Adelaide 5006, South Australia, Australia.
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