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Finlay M, Chakravarti V, Buchanan F, Dewan T, Adams S, Mahant S, Nicholas D, Widger K, McGuire KM, Nelson KE. Learning to Trust Yourself: Decision-Making Skills Among Parents of Children With Medical Complexity. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00792-9. [PMID: 38810951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children with medical complexity have substantial medical needs and their caregivers must make many challenging decisions about their care. Caregivers often become more involved in decisions over time, but it is unclear what skills they develop that facilitate this engagement. OBJECTIVES To describe the skills that caregivers developed as they gained experience making medical decisions. METHODS Eligible caregivers had a child who met referral criteria for their centre's Complex Care program for >1 year, were adults responsible for their child's medical decisions, and spoke English or a language with an available interpreter. We followed a semistructured interview guide to ask caregivers to describe and reflect on two challenging medical decisions that they made for their child-one early and one recent. Guided by interpretive description, we identified and refined themes in an iterative process. RESULTS We conducted 15 interviews with 16 parents (14 [88%] women, two [13%] men) of a child with medical complexity (aged 1-17 years). Parents described 1) becoming more adept at managing decisional information, 2) recognizing the influence of the decision's context, 3) building stronger relationships with providers, and 4) becoming more effective at guiding their child's care as a decision-maker. As parents built these skills, they developed a greater sense of agency and confidence as decision-makers. CONCLUSION Parents of children with medical complexity change how they approach decision making over time as they acquire relevant skills. These findings can inform the development of interventions to support skill-building among new caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Finlay
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (M.F., F.B., S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Francine Buchanan
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (M.F., F.B., S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tammie Dewan
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (T.D.), Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Pediatrics (T.D.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sherri Adams
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (M.F., F.B., S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (S.A., K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics (S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjay Mahant
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (M.F., F.B., S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics (S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (S.M., K.W., K.E.N.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (S.M., K.E.N.), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research (S.M.), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Nicholas
- Faculty of Social Work (D.N.), University of Calgary, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing (S.A., K.W.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (S.M., K.W., K.E.N.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Advanced Care Team (K.W., K.E.N.), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristina Mangonon McGuire
- Patient Research Partner (K.M.), Patient and Community Engagement Research, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Katherine E Nelson
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (M.F., F.B., S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Paediatrics (S.A., S.M., K.E.N.), Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (S.M., K.W., K.E.N.), Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (S.M., K.E.N.), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Advanced Care Team (K.W., K.E.N.), Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Glick AF, Yin HS, Silva B, Modi AC, Huynh V, Goodwin EJ, Farkas JS, Turock JS, Famiglietti HS, Dickson VV. Pediatrician perspectives on barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence for parents of children with medical complexity. J Hosp Med 2024; 19:278-286. [PMID: 38445808 PMCID: PMC10987266 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High rates of posthospitalization errors are observed in children with medical complexity (CMC). Poor parent comprehension of and adherence to complex discharge instructions can contribute to errors. Pediatrician views on common barriers and facilitators to parent comprehension and adherence are understudied. OBJECTIVE To examine pediatrician perspectives on barriers and facilitators experienced by parents in comprehension of and adherence to inpatient discharge instructions for CMC. DESIGN, SETTINGS, AND PARTICIPANTS We conducted a qualitative, descriptive study of attending pediatricians (n = 20) caring for CMC in inpatient settings (United States and Canada) and belonging to listservs for pediatric hospitalists/complex care providers. We used purposive/maximum variation sampling to ensure heterogeneity (e.g., hospital, region). MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES A multidisciplinary team designed and piloted a semistructured interview guide with pediatricians who care for CMC. Team members conducted semistructured interviews via phone or video call. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed. We analyzed transcripts using content analysis; codes were derived a priori from a conceptual framework (based on the Pediatric Self-Management Model) and a preliminary transcript analysis. We applied codes and identified emerging themes. RESULTS Pediatricians identified three themes as barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence: (1) regimen complexity, (2) access to the healthcare team (e.g., inpatient team, outpatient pediatrician, home nursing) and resources (e.g., medications, medical equipment), and (3) need for a family centered and health literacy-informed approach to discharge planning and education. Next steps include the assessment of parent perspectives on barriers and facilitators to discharge instruction comprehension and adherence for prents of CMC and the development of intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F. Glick
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - H. Shonna Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Silva
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Avani C. Modi
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vincent Huynh
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily J. Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Jonathan S. Farkas
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Julia S. Turock
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Hannah S. Famiglietti
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Langone Health and Bellevue Hospital Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Victoria V. Dickson
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York, New York, USA
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Mehdizadeh-Maraghi R, Nemati-Anaraki L. Application of Problematic Integration Theory in Health Communication: A Scoping Review. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023:1-27. [PMID: 37981577 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2023.2281078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Problematic integration theory is a theory in communication that deals with the processing of messages by humans. It is helpful to study challenges and their solutions in the health communication context to develop effective relationships, treat patients, and, ultimately, ensure the well-being of society. A scoping review was conducted. Three databases were searched following the PRISMA-ScR statement without a time frame. Independent screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts was performed, and the studies selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria were assessed. The required information was then extracted from the studies and entered into Excel software. A total of 43 studies related to PI theory were identified in the databases. The results indicated that PI theory is used to interpret feelings, beliefs, challenges, concerns, and problematic dilemmas in five thematic categories: elderly care, cancer care, infertility, pregnancy, and childbirth care, illness care, and sexual care. Each of the papers also offers distinctive and valuable considerations for interventions such as communication strategies, coping mechanisms, uncertainty and certainty management, information management, education, training, support groups, and campaigns to improve decision-making and meet the challenges of health communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razieh Mehdizadeh-Maraghi
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences
| | - Leila Nemati-Anaraki
- Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences
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McLorie EV, Hackett J, Fraser LK. Understanding parents' experiences of care for children with medical complexity in England: a qualitative study. BMJ Paediatr Open 2023; 7:e002057. [PMID: 37550084 PMCID: PMC10407344 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002057] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To understand parents' experiences of receiving care for their child with medical complexity. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews with parents of children with medical complexities across England analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Twenty parents from four hospital sites in England took part in the study, a total of 17 interviews were completed, 3 joint and 14 single parent interviews. Four themes were developed: parents feel abandoned; continuity of care (made up of three subthemes); equipment barriers; and charities fill the gaps. CONCLUSIONS The perceived quality of healthcare provided to this population was found to be inconsistent, positive examples referred to continuity of care; communication, clinical management and long-lasting relationships. However, many experienced challenges when receiving care for their children; many of these challenges have been highlighted over the past two to three decades but despite the children's needs becoming more complex, little progress appears to have been made. Parents were seen as adopting significant additional roles beyond being a parent, but they still find themselves left without support across all areas. These families require more structured support. Policy makers and commissioners need to prioritise the needs of families to enable health and social care services to provide the support required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Hackett
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Lorna Katharine Fraser
- Cicely Saunders Institute, Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Shouldice AC, Beatty M, Adams S, Dharmaraj B, Moore C, Stinson JN, Desai A, Bartlett L, Culbert E, Cohen E, Orkin J. Caregivers' Experiences With a Web- and Mobile-Based Platform for Children With Medical Complexity and the Role of a Live Platform Coach: Thematic Analysis. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2023; 6:e43214. [PMID: 37405834 DOI: 10.2196/43214] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with medical complexity (CMC) are individuals with complex chronic conditions who have substantial health care needs, functional limitations, and significant use of health care. By nature of their health status, they have many care providers across multiple settings, making information sharing critical to their health and safety. Connecting2gether (C2), a web- and mobile-based patient-facing platform, was codeveloped with families to support and empower parental caregivers, improve information sharing, and facilitate care delivery. C2 also provided a live platform coach to conduct parental feedback and coaching sessions, which included answering questions, providing advice on usage, and addressing technological issues. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to understand the experience of parental caregivers using the C2 platform and the role of the live platform coach. This study is a subset of a larger study assessing the feasibility of C2 in the care of CMC. METHODS Parental caregivers (n=33) participated in biweekly sessions to provide feedback and receive real-time platform use support from a trained research team member acting as a live platform coach. Parental caregivers were asked about the utility and usability of C2's features. Questions, platform issues, and feedback were recorded on a standardized electronic data collection tool. A thematic analysis was performed to analyze parental comments, and codes were categorized into key themes. The number of comments corresponding with each code was quantified. RESULTS A total of 166 parental feedback and coaching sessions were conducted, with an average of 5 sessions per parental caregiver (range 1-7). There were 33 (85%) parental caregivers that participated in at least one coaching session. Technical issues and difficulties navigating C2 were addressed in real time during the sessions to encourage platform engagement. Four key themes were identified: (1) live platform coach, (2) barriers to platform usage and technical challenges, (3) platform requests and modifications, and (4) parent partnership and empowerment. CONCLUSIONS Parental caregivers describe C2 as a valuable tool, acting as a facilitator for enhanced care coordination and communication. Parental caregiver feedback showed that the live platform coach was a critical tool in educating on platform use and addressing technological concerns. Further study of the use of the C2 platform and its role in the care of CMC is needed to understand the possible benefits and cost-effectiveness of this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainslie Claire Shouldice
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Madison Beatty
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sherri Adams
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Blossom Dharmaraj
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clara Moore
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Nan Stinson
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lawrence S Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arti Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Leah Bartlett
- Royal Victoria Regional Health Center, Barrie, ON, Canada
| | - Erin Culbert
- Paediatric Services, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Eyal Cohen
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Orkin
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ramgopal S, Heneghan JA. Comparing two definitions of pediatric complexity among children cared for in general and pediatric emergency departments in a statewide sample. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2023; 4:e12950. [PMID: 37124473 PMCID: PMC10132184 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The number of children cared for in emergency departments (EDs) with medical complexity continues to rise. We sought to identify the concordance between 2 commonly used criteria of medical complexity among children presenting to a statewide sample of EDs. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study of children presenting to a statewide sample of Illinois EDs between 2016 and 2021. We classified patients as having medical complexity when using 2 definitions (≥1 pediatric Complex Chronic Condition [CCC] or complex chronic disease using the Pediatric Medical Complexity Algorithm [PMCA]) and compared their overlap and clinical outcomes. Results Of 6,550,296 pediatric ED encounters, CCC criteria and PMCA criteria were met in 217,609 (3.3%) and 175,708 (2.7%) encounters, respectively. Among patients with complexity, 100,015 (34.1%) met both criteria, with moderate agreement (κ = 0.49). Children with complexity by CCC had similar rates of presentation to a pediatric hospital (16.3% vs 14.8%), admission (28.5% vs 33.7%), ICU stay (10.0% vs 10.1%), and in-hospital mortality (0.5% vs 0.5%) compared to children with complexity by PMCA. The most common visit diagnoses for children with CCCs were related to sickle cell disease with crisis (3.9%), abdominal pain (3.6%), and non-specific chest pain (2.7%). The most common diagnoses by PMCA were related to depressive disorders (4.9%), sickle cell disease with crisis (4.8%), and seizures (3.2%). Conclusions and Relevance The CCC and PMCA criteria of multisystem complexity identified different populations, with moderate agreement. Careful selection of operational definitions is required for proper application and interpretation in clinical and health services research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram Ramgopal
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of PediatricsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Julia A. Heneghan
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's HospitalUniversity of MinnesotaMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
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Pitch N, Davidson L, Mekhuri S, Patel R, Patel S, Ambreen M, Amin R. Exploring the experience of family caregivers of children with medical complexity during COVID-19: a qualitative study. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:160. [PMID: 37024854 PMCID: PMC10077324 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-03944-z] [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: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Children with medical complexity have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated changes in healthcare delivery. The primary objective of this study was to gain a thorough understanding of the lived experiences of family caregivers of children with medical complexity during the pandemic. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with family caregivers of children with medical complexity from a tertiary pediatric hospital. Interview questions focused on the aspects of caregiving for children with medical complexity, impact on caregiver mental and physical well-being, changes to daily life secondary to the pandemic, and experiences receiving care in the healthcare system. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Interviews were audio recorded, deidentified, transcribed verbatim, coded and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews revealed three major themes and several associated subthemes: (1) experiences with the healthcare system amid the pandemic (lack of access to healthcare services and increased hospital restrictions, negative clinical interactions and communication breakdowns, virtual care use); (2) common challenges during the pandemic (financial strain, balancing multiple roles, inadequate homecare nursing); and (3) the pandemic's impact on family caregiver well-being (mental toll, physical toll). CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers of children with medical complexity experienced mental and physical burden due to the intense nature of their caregiving responsibilities that were exacerbated during the pandemic. Our results highlight key priorities for the development of effective interventions to support family caregivers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Pitch
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada.
| | - Laura Davidson
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Samantha Mekhuri
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Richa Patel
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Selvi Patel
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Munazzah Ambreen
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Reshma Amin
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, 4539 Hill Wing, 555 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES) SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
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8
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Parpia C, Moore C, Beatty M, Miranda S, Adams S, Stinson J, Desai A, Bartlett L, Culbert E, Cohen E, Orkin J. Evaluation of a Secure Messaging System in the Care of Children With Medical Complexity: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Form Res 2023; 7:e42881. [PMID: 36821356 PMCID: PMC9999262 DOI: 10.2196/42881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Connecting2gether (C2) platform is a web and mobile-based information-sharing tool that aims to improve care for children with medical complexity and their families. A key feature of C2 is secure messaging, which enables parental caregivers (PCs) to communicate with their child's care team members (CTMs) in a timely manner. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the use of a secure messaging system, (2) examine and compare the content of messages to email and phone calls, and (3) explore PCs' and CTMs' perceptions and experiences using secure messaging as a method of communication. METHODS This is a substudy of a larger feasibility evaluation of the C2 platform. PCs of children with medical complexity were recruited from a tertiary-level complex care program to use the C2 platform for 6 months. PCs could invite CTMs involved in their child's care to register on the platform. Messages were extracted from C2, and phone and email data were extracted from electronic medical records. Quantitative data from the use of C2 were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Messaging content codes were iteratively developed through a review of the C2 messages and phone and email communication. Semistructured interviews were completed with PCs and CTMs. Communication and interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 36 PCs and 66 CTMs registered on the C2 platform. A total of 1861 messages were sent on C2, with PCs and nurse practitioners sending a median of 30 and 74 messages, respectively. Of all the C2 messages, 85.45% (1257/1471) were responded to within 24 hours. Email and phone calls focused primarily on clinical concerns and medications, whereas C2 messaging focused more on parent education, proactive check-ins, and nonmedical aspects of the child's life. Four themes emerged from the platform user interviews related to C2 messaging: (1) connection to the care team, (2) efficient communication, (3) clinical uses of secure messaging, and (4) barriers to use. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our study provides valuable insight into the benefits of secure messaging in the care of children with medical complexity. Secure messaging provided the opportunity for continued family teaching, proactive check-ins from health care providers, and casual conversations about family and child life, which contributed to PCs feeling an improved sense of connection with their child's health care team. Secure messaging can be a beneficial additional communication method to improve communication between PCs and their care team, reducing the associated burden of care coordination and ultimately enhancing the experience of care delivery. Future directions include the evaluation of secure messaging when integrated into electronic medical records, as this has the potential to work well with CTM workflow, reduce redundancy, and allow for new features of secure messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Parpia
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clara Moore
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Sherri Adams
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stinson
- SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arti Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Leah Bartlett
- Royal Victoria Regional Health Center, Barrie, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eyal Cohen
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Julia Orkin
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Perioperative Care of Children with Severe Neurological Impairment and Neuromuscular Scoliosis- A Practical Pathway to Optimize Peri-Operative Health and Guide Decision Making. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11226769. [PMID: 36431246 PMCID: PMC9696380 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11226769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromuscular scoliosis is a common feature in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI), including those with severe cerebral palsy. Surgical correction of scoliosis is the mainstay of treatment. This group of patients also have associated medical complexity. The complication rates post-surgery are high, although, for many, they are worth the risk. There are currently no published practice guidelines or care pathways for children with SNI who are undergoing scoliosis corrective surgery. In response to the high uptake of this surgery, coupled with the expected complication rates, our hospital established a perioperative clinic. The purpose of this paper is to describe our perioperative approach. This clinic has developed into a service beyond perioperative care and, with the collaborative meeting, enables shared decision-making to identify the right candidate for surgery. The process involves surgical expertise, understanding the family and child at the centre, and optimisation of medical care pre- and post-surgery. In this paper, we describe the process in a step-by-step manner. We provide clinical vignettes, as well as the proformas that we use, and we highlight the benefits of the team-based process.
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10
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Baker CL, Ozkaynak M, Ziniel SI, Harpin SB, Makic MBF. Systems of communication in school-nurse led care coordination: A concept analysis. Nurs Forum 2022; 57:1536-1544. [PMID: 36316158 DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM To analyze the concept of systems of communication in school nurse-led care coordination to develop an operational definition that will inform intervention development. BACKGROUND Communication has been identified as an essential attribute in care coordination. However, previous concept analyses of care coordination did not clearly define systems of communication or consider the context of school-based care coordination. Defining and conceptualizing systems of communication has important implications for improving school nurse-led care coordination. METHODS Concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's eight-step concept analysis method. The literature was searched to identify supporting literature that was analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. RESULTS Systems of communication in school nurse-led care coordination can be defined as systems wherein care team members, led by the school nurse, collaborate by communicating information and knowledge through an individualized healthcare plan that is student/family-centered and shared through information systems. Attributes require developing an individual health plan that incorporates care coordination needs, information sharing with student/family consent, and a clear delineation of team member roles. Consequences include student/family outcomes, team member knowledge, and efficiency and accuracy of information. CONCLUSIONS Concept clarification and a synthesized definition allow for more effective measurement development for effective communication in school nurse-led care coordination. Students with healthcare needs in the school environment require systems of communication that efficiently work toward school nurse-led care coordination that addresses the student's health and academic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Baker
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mustafa Ozkaynak
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sonja I Ziniel
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Scott B Harpin
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Mary Beth F Makic
- College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Tennant R, Allana S, Mercer K, Burns CM. Exploring the Experiences of Family Caregivers of Children With Special Health Care Needs to Inform the Design of Digital Health Systems: Formative Qualitative Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e28895. [PMID: 34989692 PMCID: PMC8771348 DOI: 10.2196/28895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) are responsible for managing and communicating information regarding their child's health in their homes. Although family caregivers currently capture information through nondigital methods, digital health care applications are a promising solution for supporting the standardization of information management in complex home care across their child's health care team. However, family caregivers continue to use paper-based methods where the adoption of digital health care tools is low. With the rise in home care for children with complex health care needs, it is important to understand the caregiving work domain to inform the design of technologies that support child safety in the home. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to explore how family caregivers navigate information management and communication in complex home care for CSHCN. METHODS This research is part of a broader study to explore caregivers' perspectives on integrating and designing digital health care tools for complex home care. The broader study included interviews and surveys about designing a voice user interface to support home care. This formative study explored semistructured interview data with family caregivers of CSHCN about their home care situations. Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the information management and communication processes. RESULTS We collected data from 7 family caregivers in North America and identified 5 themes. First, family caregivers were continuously learning to provide care. They were also updating the caregiver team on their child's status and teaching caregivers about their care situation. As caregiving teams grew, they found themselves working on communicating with their children's educators. Beyond the scope of managing their child's health information, family caregivers also navigated bureaucratic processes for their child's home care. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers' experiences of caring for CSHCN differ contextually and evolve as their child's condition changes and they grow toward adulthood. Family caregivers recorded information using paper-based tools, which did not sufficiently support information management. They also experienced significant pressure in summarizing information and coordinating 2-way communication about the details of their child's health with caregivers. The design of digital health care systems and tools for complex home care may improve care coordination if they provide an intuitive method for information interaction and significant utility by delivering situation-specific insights and adapting to unique and dynamic home care environments. Although these findings provide a foundational understanding, there is an opportunity for further research to generalize the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Tennant
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sana Allana
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Kate Mercer
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,Library, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine M Burns
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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A specialized multi-disciplinary care program for children with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction-associated immune dysregulation. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:464-469. [PMID: 35022559 PMCID: PMC8754067 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The complex physiology and medical requirements of children with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) challenge traditional care coordination models. While the involvement of multiple clinical subspecialty services is often necessary to support different care processes and individual organ system dysfunctions, it can also delay the diagnostic process, monitoring, and treatment. The logistics of coordinating with many specialty providers for critically ill patients are challenging and time consuming, and often can result in fragmented communication. To address these and other related issues, we developed a new multi-disciplinary consult service focused on streamlining diagnostics, management, and communication for patients with sepsis and MODS-associated immune dysregulation. The service, called the Program in Inflammation, Immunity, and the Microbiome (PrIIMe), is now a hospital-wide clinical consult service at our institution caring for a broad group of patients with immune dysregulation, particularly focusing on patients with sepsis and MODS. In this paper, we summarize the development, structure, and function of the program, as well as the initial impact. This information may be helpful to clinicians and healthcare leaders who are developing multi-disciplinary consult services for children with complex care needs, especially those with sepsis and MODS-associated immune dysregulation. IMPACT: The care of children with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction-associated immune dysregulation requires rapid and flexible involvement of multiple clinical subspecialists that is difficult to achieve without fragmented care and delayed decision making. In this narrative review we describe the development, structure, and function of a multi-disciplinary consult service at a children's hospital dedicated to helping coordinate management and provide continuity of care for patients with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction-associated immune dysregulation. This information may be helpful to clinicians and healthcare leaders who are developing multi-disciplinary consult services for children with complex care needs, especially those with sepsis and MODS-associated immune dysregulation.
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Hlyva O, Rae C, Deibert S, Kamran R, Shaikh H, Thabane L, Rosenbaum P, Klassen A, Lim A. A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study of Integrated Pediatric Complex Care: Experiences of Parents With Care and the Value of Parent Engagement in Research. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2021; 2:710335. [PMID: 36188846 PMCID: PMC9397898 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.710335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Children with medical complexity (CMC) are among the most vulnerable children in society. These children and their families face challenges of fragmented care and are at risk for poorer health outcomes. Families with CMC play a vital role in providing care and navigating the complexities of healthcare systems. It is essential to understand the best ways to engage these families in research to improve the care and optimize the health of CMC.Objectives: This study explored parent engagement within the context of a feasibility study evaluating an Integrated Tertiary Complex Care (ITCC) clinic created to support CMC closer to home. This paper aimed: (1) to understand the family experiences of care and (2) to explore parent engagement in the study.Method: This mixed-methods feasibility study included three components. First, feedback from focus groups was used to identify the common themes that informed interviews with parents. Second, one-on-one interviews were conducted with parents to explore their experience with care, such as the ITCC clinic, using an interpretative description approach. Third, the questionnaires were completed by parents at baseline and 6-months post-baseline. These questionnaires included demographic and cost information and three validated scales designed to measure the caregiver strain, family-centered care, and parental health. The recruitment rate, percentage completion of the questionnaires, and open-ended comments were used to assess parent engagement in the study.Results: The focus groups involved 24 parents, of which 19 (14 women, five men) provided comments. The findings identified the importance of Complex Care Team (CC Team) accessibility, local access, and family-centered approach to care. The challenges noted were access to homecare nursing, fatigue, and lack of respite affecting caregiver well-being. In this study, 17 parents participated in one-on-one interviews. The identified themes relevant to care experience were proximity, continuity, and coordination of care. The parents who received care through the ITCC clinic appreciated receiving care closer to home. The baseline questionnaires were completed by 44 of 77 (57%) eligible parents. Only 24 (31%) completed the 6-month questionnaire. The challenges with study recruitment and follow-up were identified.Conclusion: Family engagement was a challenging yet necessary endeavor to understand how to tailor the healthcare to meet the complex needs of families caring for CMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oksana Hlyva
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Charlene Rae
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shelby Deibert
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rakhshan Kamran
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Haniah Shaikh
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health, Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Rosenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anne Klassen
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Audrey Lim
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