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Vermilion P, Boss R. Pediatric Perspectives on Palliative Care in the Neurocritical Care Unit. Neurocrit Care 2024:10.1007/s12028-024-02076-1. [PMID: 39138717 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-024-02076-1] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Pediatric neurocritical care teams care for patients and families facing the potential for significant neurologic impairment and high mortality. Such admissions are often marked by significant prognostic uncertainty, high levels of parental emotional overload, and multiple potentially life-altering decision points. In addition to clinical acumen, families desire clear and consistent communication, supported decision-making, a multidisciplinary approach to psychosocial supports throughout an admission, and comprehensive bereavement support after a death. Distinct from their adult counterparts, pediatric providers care for a broader set of rare diagnoses with limited prognostic information. Decision-making requires its own ethical framework, with substitutive judgment giving way to the best interest standard as well as "good parent" narratives. When a child dies, bereavement support is often needed for the broader community. There will always be a role for specialist palliative care consultation in the pediatric neurocritical care unit, but the care of every patient and family will be well served by improving these primary palliative care skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Vermilion
- Department of Medicine, Pediatrics, and Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 687 , Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Renee Boss
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Bogetz JF, Strub B, Bradford MC, McGalliard J, Shipman K, Jeyte A, Patneaude A, Johnston EE, Ananth P, Thienprayoon R, Rosenberg AR. Quality of Care in the Last Two Years of Life for Children with Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00910-2. [PMID: 39097243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Limited data exists about care received by children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) in the final years of their disease and end-of-life (EOL). OBJECTIVE To examine hospital performance on EOL quality measures and to describe healthcare services during the last two years of life for children with CCCs who died in-hospital. METHODS Retrospective automated electronic health record review of children with ≥1 CCC ICD-10 diagnosis code, who died inpatient between October 2020-March 2023 at a single quaternary U.S. children's hospital. Quality was assessed based on performance on 15 measures across 5 domains: healthcare utilization, interprofessional supports, medical intensity, symptom management, and communication. Quality EOL care and healthcare services in the last two years of life were determined overall by age group and per patient. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate demographic differences by age. RESULTS 266 children with CCCs died in the study timeframe; 45% were infants (n=120), 52% (n=137) were male, 42% (n=113) were white, 64% (n=170) were non-Hispanic, and 59% (n=156) had public insurance. Children had a median of 3 CCCs (IQR 2.4; range 1-8). On average, children met 69% (SD 13%) of EOL quality measures for which they were eligible. In the 2 years prior to death, 98% (n=261) had an ICU admission, 75% (n=200) had a procedure requiring sedation, and 29% (n=79) had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 86% (n=229) died in the ICU. CONCLUSION In this study, children with CCCs met 69% of quality measures and received high-intensity healthcare in the last 2 years of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jori F Bogetz
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute.
| | - Bryan Strub
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Analytics in Research (BEAR) Core, Seattle Children's Research Institute; 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States.
| | - Miranda C Bradford
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Analytics in Research (BEAR) Core, Seattle Children's Research Institute; 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States.
| | - Julie McGalliard
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Analytics in Research (BEAR) Core, Seattle Children's Research Institute; 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States.
| | - Kelly Shipman
- Palliative Care and Resilience Lab, Seattle Children's Research Institute; Center for Clinical Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania; 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Astan Jeyte
- Behavioral and Clinical Outcomes Research Program, Seattle Children's Research Institute; Office: 1920 Terry Avenue, Seattle WA 98101, United States.
| | - Arika Patneaude
- Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, Seattle Children's Hospital; Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Seattle Children's Research Institute; University of Washington School of Social Work.
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine; Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, UAB School of Medicine.
| | - Prasanna Ananth
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center.
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; Department of Anesthesia, Division of Palliative Care, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Pediatrics Harvard Medical School.
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3
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Broden EG, Eche-Ugwu IJ, DeCourcey DD, Wolfe J, Hinds PS, Snaman J. "At Least I Can Push this Morphine": PICU Nurses' Approaches to Suffering Among Dying Children. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 68:132-141.e2. [PMID: 38679304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.018] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parents of children who die in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) carry memories of their child's suffering throughout a lifelong grieving experience. Given their prolonged time at the bedside, PICU nurses are poised to attend to dying children's suffering. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore how PICU nurses identify, assess, and attend to EOL suffering. METHODS Interpretive descriptive qualitative study with thematic analysis of virtual focus groups from a geographically diverse sample of PICU nurses. RESULTS Nurses participated in five focus groups (N = 19). Most identified as White (89%) females (95%) with a range of 1-24 years of PICU experience and involvement in >10 EOL care cases (89%). Nurses described approaches to suffering within five themes: 1) Identifying and easing perceptible elements; 2) Recognizing and responding to subtleties moment-to-moment; 3) Acclimating to family interdependence; 4) Synchronizing nurse in-the-room insight with systemic complexity; and 5) Accounting for ambiguity. Nurses detailed elements of suffering they could "fix" with straightforward, external interventions (e.g., pain medication). More complex tasks like optimizing care within familial and interprofessional team relationships while navigating psychosocial responses from children and families challenged nurses. Nurses attempted to minimize EOL suffering amidst ambiguity and complexity using internal processes including managing the environment and titrating moment-to-moment care. CONCLUSIONS While physical suffering may be remedied with direct nursing care, holistically attending to EOL suffering in the PICU requires both bolstering external processes and strengthening PICU nurses' internal resources. Improving psychosocial training and optimizing interprofessional care systems could better support dying children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (E.G.B., J.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachussetts; National Clinician Scholars Program (E.G.B.), Yale Schools of Medicine and Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Ijeoma Julie Eche-Ugwu
- Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research in Nursing and Patient Care Services(I.J.E.U.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachussetts
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics (D.D.D., J.W., J.S.), Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachussetts; Division of Medical Critical Care (D.D.D.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachussetts
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics (D.D.D., J.W., J.S.), Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachussetts; Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Massachusetts General Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachussetts
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science (P.H.), Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Department of Pediatrics (P.H.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jennifer Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (E.G.B., J.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachussetts; Department of Pediatrics (D.D.D., J.W., J.S.), Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachussetts
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4
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White Makinde K, Silverstein A, Peckham-Gregory E, Kim E, Casas J. Exploring Pediatric Code Status, Advance Care Planning, and Mode of Death Disparities at End of Life. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024:S0885-3924(24)00860-1. [PMID: 39032676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.07.009] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Children from marginalized groups are at risk for worse medical outcomes, yet little is known about their end of life experiences. OBJECTIVE We examine the characteristics of deceased children with a focus on race, ethnicity, and preferred language. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who died at Texas Children's Hospital from 2018 to 2019. Demographics, date of death, and final code status were extracted. Medical complexity prior to admission and mode of death were obtained from chart review. RESULTS We included 433 patients. Over one-third were Hispanic (39.3%) with 42.3% preferring Spanish. The majority were White (61.4%) or Black (21.0%). Most patients had significant medical complexity (52.0%) or were infants in their birth admission (29.4%). Half (52.4%) received palliative care; patients with increased medical complexity were more likely to have palliative care involved (P<0.001). There were no differences in palliative care, code status, or mode of death by race. Hispanic patients were less likely to have a full code status (OR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.25-0.73). Spanish-speaking patients were more likely to have palliative care involvement (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.21-3.46) and less likely full code orders (OR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.1-0.63). CONCLUSION Palliative care services are engaged with most children at end of life and is accessible to marginalized patient groups. Spanish-speaking patients have different code status orders and modes of death at end of life. Further studies are needed to elucidate explanatory factors for differences revealed and multicenter studies are needed to characterize more widespread experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisha White Makinde
- Department of Pediatrics (K.W.M.), Division of Newborn Medicine,Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Allison Silverstein
- Department of Pediatrics (A.S.), Section of Palliative Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Erin Peckham-Gregory
- Department of Pediatrics (E.P.G.), Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Erin Kim
- McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston (E.K.), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica Casas
- Department of Pediatrics (J.S.), Division of Palliative Care, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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5
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Liesse KM, Malladi L, Dinh TC, Wesp BM, Kam BN, Turturice BA, Pyke-Grimm KA, Char DS, Hollander SA. Trajectories in Intensity of Medical Interventions at the End of Life: Clustering Analysis in a Pediatric, Single-Center Retrospective Cohort, 2013-2021. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024:00130478-990000000-00365. [PMID: 39023327 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pediatric deaths often occur within hospitals and involve balancing aggressive treatment with minimization of suffering. This study first investigated associations between clinical/demographic features and the level of intensity of various therapies these patients undergo at the end of life (EOL). Second, the work used these data to develop a new, broader spectrum for classifying pediatric EOL trajectories. DESIGN Retrospective, single-center study, 2013-2021. SETTING Four hundred sixty-one bed tertiary, stand-alone children's hospital with 112 ICU beds. PATIENTS Patients of age 0-26 years old at the time of death. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 1111 included patients, 85.7% died in-hospital. Patients who died outside the hospital were older. Among the 952 in-hospital deaths, most occurred in ICUs (89.5%). Clustering analysis was used to distinguish EOL trajectories based on the presence of intensive therapies and/or an active resuscitation attempt at the EOL. We identified five simplified categories: 1) death during active resuscitation, 2) controlled withdrawal of life-sustaining technology, 3) natural progression to death despite maximal therapy, 4) discontinuation of nonsustaining therapies, and 5) withholding/noninitiation of future therapies. Patients with recent surgical procedures, a history of organ transplantation, or admission to the Cardiovascular ICU had more intense therapies at EOL than those who received palliative care consultations, had known genetic conditions, or were of older age. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective study of pediatric EOL trajectories based on the intensity of technology and/or resuscitation discontinued at the EOL, we have identified associations between these trajectories and patient characteristics. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of these trajectories on families, patients, and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Liesse
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Lakshmee Malladi
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Tu C Dinh
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Brendan M Wesp
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Brittni N Kam
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Kimberly A Pyke-Grimm
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Danton S Char
- Division of Pediatric Anesthesia, Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
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6
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Boyden JY, Umaretiya PJ, D'Souza L, Johnston EE. Disparities in Pediatric Palliative Care: Where Are We and Where Do We Go from Here? J Pediatr 2024; 275:114194. [PMID: 39004168 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackelyn Y Boyden
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Puja J Umaretiya
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Louise D'Souza
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Emily E Johnston
- Institute for Cancer Outcomes and Survivorship, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
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7
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Juarez EF, Peterson B, Kobayashi ES, Gilmer S, Tobin LE, Schultz B, Lenberg J, Carroll J, Bai-Tong S, Sweeney NM, Beebe C, Stewart L, Olsen L, Reinke J, Kiernan EA, Reimers R, Wigby K, Tackaberry C, Yandell M, Hobbs C, Bainbridge MN. A Machine Learning Decision Support Tool Optimizes Whole Genome Sequencing Utilization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.07.05.24310008. [PMID: 39006422 PMCID: PMC11245077 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.05.24310008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The Mendelian Phenotype Search Engine (MPSE), a clinical decision support tool using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning, helped neonatologists expedite decisions to whole genome sequencing (WGS) to diagnose patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. After the MPSE was introduced, utilization of WGS increased, time to ordering WGS decreased, and WGS diagnostic yield increased.
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8
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Adams SY, Redford K, Li R, Malfa A, Tucker R, Lechner BE. Utility of do-not-resuscitate orders for critically ill infants in the NICU. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03367-1. [PMID: 38969816 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03367-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand the value of DNR orders for critically ill infants in the NICU. METHODS A prospective mixed-methods approach was utilized including chart review of infants who died in a regional NICU over a twenty-six-month period and surveys of their neonatologists, neonatal fellows, and nurses. RESULTS 40 infants died during the study period and 120 staff surveys were completed. Infants with DNR orders were of a higher gestational age at birth and a higher chronological age at death. Nurses were more likely to perceive benefit from DNR orders than physicians. Medical staff recollection of the existence of DNR orders was not always accurate. Time and fear of adding unnecessary emotional burden to parents were identified as barriers to DNR order implementation. An advanced care planning model built on open communication instead of DNR order documentation was deemed the best approach. CONCLUSION Though DNR orders are beneficial for a subset of infants, DNR orders are likely not applicable for all infants who die in the NICU. More important is supportive, individualized communication between families and the medical team to ensure quality end-of-life care. IMPACT In the adult and pediatric ICU literature, DNR orders are associated with improved qualitative "good death" assessments and decreased familial decision regret. In the NICU, rates of DNR usage aren't well reported and their overall utility is unclear. Though DNR orders can help guide clinical decision making in the NICU and may be associated with higher quality ethical discussion, our data suggest that they are not applicable in all patient cases. We hope that this work will help guide approaches to end-of-life care in the NICU and underscore the importance of frequent, open communication between families and their medical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Y Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Katherine Redford
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Randall Li
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ana Malfa
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Richard Tucker
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Beatrice E Lechner
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Ting J, Songer K, Bailey V, Rotman C, Lipsitz S, Rosenberg AR, Delgado-Corcoran C, Moynihan KM. Impact of Subspecialty Pediatric Palliative Care on Children with Heart Disease; A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Pediatr Cardiol 2024:10.1007/s00246-024-03535-4. [PMID: 38907871 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03535-4] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
While many experts in pediatric cardiology have emphasized the importance of palliative care involvement, very few studies have assessed the influence of specialty pediatric palliative care (SPPC) involvement for children with heart disease. We conducted a systematic review using keywords related to palliative care, quality of life and care-satisfaction, and heart disease. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and Web of Science in December 2023. Screening, data extraction and methodology followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Pairs of trained reviewers independently evaluated each article. All full texts excluded from the review were hand-screened for eligible references including systematic reviews in general pediatric populations. Two reviewers independently extracted: (1) study design; (2) methodology; (2) setting; (3) population; (4) intervention/exposure and control definition; (5) outcome measures; and (6) results. Of 4059 studies screened, 9 met inclusion criteria including two with overlapping patient data. Study designs were heterogenous, including only one randomized control and two historical control trials with SPPC as a prospective intervention. Overall, there was moderate to high risk of bias. Seven were single centers studies. In combined estimates, patients who received SPPC were more likely to have advance care planning documented (RR 2.7, [95%CI 1.6, 4.7], p < 0.001) and resuscitation limits (RR 4.0, [2.0, 8.1], p < 0.001), while half as likely to have active resuscitation at end-of-life ([0.3, 0.9], p = 0.032). For parental stress, receipt of SPPC improved scores by almost half a standard deviation (RR 0.48, 95%CI 0.10, 0.86) more than controls. Ultimately, we identified a paucity of high-quality data studying the influence of SPPC; however, findings correlate with literature in other pediatric populations. Findings suggest benefits of SPPC integration for patients with heart disease and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ting
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kathryn Songer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Valerie Bailey
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, MS BCH3215, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Chloe Rotman
- Medical Library, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stuart Lipsitz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Center for Patient Safety, Research, and Practice, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abby R Rosenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Katie M Moynihan
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, MS BCH3215, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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10
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Crain N, Miller J. Palliative Care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. AACN Adv Crit Care 2024; 35:134-145. [PMID: 38848559 DOI: 10.4037/aacnacc2024104] [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: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The purposes of this review are to describe differences between palliative care for adult patients and palliative care for pediatric patients, both generally and in the intensive care unit; to highlight ethical considerations for pediatric intensive care unit patients by using illustrative cases; and to examine the impact of these ethical considerations on decision-making for children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Crain
- Noreen Crain is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Anesthesia, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, and Medical Director of Pediatric Palliative Care, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, 1215 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0386
| | - Joy Miller
- Joy Miller is Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Palliative Care, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Charlottesville, Virginia
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11
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Lechner BE, Kukora SK, Hawes K. Equity, inclusion and cultural humility: contemporizing the neonatal intensive care unit family-centered care model. J Perinatol 2024; 44:760-766. [PMID: 38532086 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-01949-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Existing NICU family centered care models lack the key elements of equity, inclusion and cultural humility. These models were conceived to support families during the stressful life event of an infant's NICU admission. Their development, however, occurred prior to recognition of the medical field's systematic shortcomings in providing equitable care and their impact on outcome disparities for marginalized communities; thus, they do not include cultural or equitable healthcare considerations. Given the significant neonatal care inequities for marginalized groups, incorporating the experience of these patients in a targeted manner into family centered care frameworks is of critical importance to ensure culturally humble and thus more just and equitable treatment. Here, we review past approaches to NICU family centered care and propose a novel, updated framework which integrates culturally humble care into the NICU family centered care framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice E Lechner
- Division of Neonatology, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Stephanie K Kukora
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Katheleen Hawes
- Division of Neonatology, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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12
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Brumbaugh JE, Bann CM, Bell EF, Travers CP, Vohr BR, McGowan EC, Harmon HM, Carlo WA, Hintz SR, Duncan AF. Social Determinants of Health and Redirection of Care for Infants Born Extremely Preterm. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:454-464. [PMID: 38466268 PMCID: PMC10928542 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Importance Redirection of care refers to withdrawal, withholding, or limiting escalation of treatment. Whether maternal social determinants of health are associated with redirection of care discussions merits understanding. Objective To examine associations between maternal social determinants of health and redirection of care discussions for infants born extremely preterm. Design, Setting, and Participants This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of infants born at less than 29 weeks' gestation between April 2011 and December 2020 at 19 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network centers in the US. Follow-up occurred between January 2013 and October 2023. Included infants received active treatment at birth and had mothers who identified as Black or White. Race was limited to Black and White based on service disparities between these groups and limited sample size for other races. Maternal social determinant of health exposures were education level (high school nongraduate or graduate), insurance type (public/none or private), race (Black or White), and ethnicity (Hispanic or non-Hispanic). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was documented discussion about redirection of infant care. Secondary outcomes included subsequent redirection of care occurrence and, for those born at less than 27 weeks' gestation, death and neurodevelopmental impairment at 22 to 26 months' corrected age. Results Of the 15 629 infants (mean [SD] gestational age, 26 [2] weeks; 7961 [51%] male) from 13 643 mothers, 2324 (15%) had documented redirection of care discussions. In unadjusted comparisons, there was no significant difference in the percentage of infants with redirection of care discussions by race (Black, 1004/6793 [15%]; White, 1320/8836 [15%]) or ethnicity (Hispanic, 291/2105 [14%]; non-Hispanic, 2020/13 408 [15%]). However, after controlling for maternal and neonatal factors, infants whose mothers identified as Black or as Hispanic were less likely to have documented redirection of care discussions than infants whose mothers identified as White (Black vs White adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.96) or as non-Hispanic (Hispanic vs non-Hispanic aOR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.60-0.87). Redirection of care discussion occurrence did not differ by maternal education level or insurance type. Conclusions and Relevance For infants born extremely preterm, redirection of care discussions occurred less often for Black and Hispanic infants than for White and non-Hispanic infants. It is important to explore the possible reasons underlying these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E. Brumbaugh
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Carla M. Bann
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | | | - Colm P. Travers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Betty R. Vohr
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and Warren Albert Medical School of Brown University, Providence
| | - Elisabeth C. McGowan
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and Warren Albert Medical School of Brown University, Providence
| | | | - Waldemar A. Carlo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Susan R. Hintz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, California
| | - Andrea F. Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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13
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Darchinger B, Härlein J, Fley G. [Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment in the PICU From the Nursing Staff's Perspective: Integrative Review]. Pflege 2024. [PMID: 38651458 DOI: 10.1024/1012-5302/a000998] [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: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatment in the PICU From the Nursing Staff's Perspective: Integrative Review Abstract: Background: Withdrawal of life sustaining measures is a common mode of treatment prior to the death of a critically ill child and has implications for all involved. The perspective of nurses has not yet been considered in this context. Aim: How do nurses experience the termination of life-sustaining measures in the paediatric intensive care unit? What is their role in this process? Methods: An integrative review was conducted to answer the research question. The literature search was performed in October 2022 in the CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO databases. Results: Three qualitative and five quantitative studies were included. The confrontation with emotions, uncertainties in the decision-making process, challenges and conflicts in collaboration, in interacting with those involved and in the provision of care determine the experience of nurses during treatment withdrawal. The nurses as involved in the decision-making process and representative of interests are influenced by intrarole conflicts. Conclusion: Nursing professionals need support to cope with their experiences in the context of treatment withdrawal in children. In addition to surveying the type and scope of support measures, interprofessional guidelines must be developed when life-sustaining measures are withdrawn. This includes future research to specify the role of nurses in treatment withdrawal and includes, for example, the description of specific tasks, necessary skills or the extent of involvement in decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Darchinger
- Kinder-Intensiv-Pflege-Station, Kinderklinik und Kinderpoliklinik, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital der LMU München, Deutschland
- Evangelische Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Jürgen Härlein
- Evangelische Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Nürnberg, Deutschland
| | - Gabriele Fley
- Evangelische Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Nürnberg, Deutschland
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14
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Nelson KE, Zhu J, Thomson J, Mahant S, Widger K, Feudtner C, Cohen E, Pullenayegum E, Feinstein JA. Recurrent Intensive Care Episodes and Mortality Among Children With Severe Neurologic Impairment. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e241852. [PMID: 38488795 PMCID: PMC10943411 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1852] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Children requiring care in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are known to have increased risk of subsequent mortality. Children with severe neurologic impairment (SNI)-who carry neurologic or genetic diagnoses with functional impairments and medical complexity-are frequently admitted to PICUs. Although recurrent PICU critical illness episodes (PICU-CIEs) are assumed to indicate a poor prognosis, the association between recurrent PICU-CIEs and mortality in this patient population is poorly understood. Objective To assess the association between number of recent PICU-CIEs and survival among children with severe neurologic impairment. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based retrospective cohort study used health administrative data from April 1, 2002, to March 31, 2020, on 4774 children born between 2002 and 2019 with an SNI diagnosis code in an Ontario, Canada, hospital record before 16 years of age and a first PICU-CIE from 2002 to 2019. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to June 2023. Exposure Pediatric intensive care unit critical illness episodes (excluding brief postoperative PICU admissions). Main Outcome and Measures One-year survival conditioned on the number and severity (length of stay >15 days or use of invasive mechanical ventilation) of PICU-CIEs in the preceding year. Results In Ontario, 4774 children with SNI (mean [SD] age, 2.1 [3.6] months; 2636 [55.2%] <1 year of age; 2613 boys [54.7%]) were discharged alive between 2002 and 2019 after their first PICU-CIE. Ten-year survival after the initial episode was 81% (95% CI, 79%-82%) for children younger than 1 year of age and 84% (95% CI, 82%-86%) for children 1 year of age or older; the age-stratified curves converged by 15 years after the initial episode at 79% survival (95% CI, 78%-81% for children <1 year and 95% CI, 75%-84% for children ≥1 year). Adjusted for age category and demographic factors, the presence of nonneurologic complex chronic conditions (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.70 [95% CI, 1.43-2.02]) and medical technology assistance (AHR, 2.32 [95% CI, 1.92-2.81]) were associated with increased mortality. Conditional 1-year mortality was less than 20% regardless of number or severity of recent PICU-CIEs. Among children with high-risk PICU-CIEs, 1-year conditional survival decreased from 90% (95% CI, 89%-91%) after the first PICU-CIE to 81% (95% CI, 77%-86%) after the fourth PICU-CIE. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study of children with SNI demonstrated a modest dose-dependent association between PICU-CIEs and short-term mortality. These data did not support the conventional wisdom that recurrent PICU admissions are associated with subsequent high mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E. Nelson
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jingqin Zhu
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanna Thomson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sanjay Mahant
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris Feudtner
- The Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Eyal Cohen
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eleanor Pullenayegum
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. Feinstein
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado
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15
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Sadler K, Khan S, AlGhamdi K, Alyami HH, Nancarrow L. Addressing 10 Myths About Pediatric Palliative Care. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2024; 41:193-202. [PMID: 37144635 DOI: 10.1177/10499091231174202] [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: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
With advances in biomedical sciences, a growing number of conditions affecting children have evolved from being considered life-limiting to almost chronic diseases. However, improvements in survival rates often come at a cost of increased medical complexity and lengthy hospitalizations, which can be associated with a poorer quality of life. This is where pediatric palliative care (PPC) can play a significant role. PPC is a specialty of healthcare that focuses on the prevention and relief of suffering in children with serious conditions. Unfortunately, despite the well-identified need for PPC services across pediatric specialties, multiple misconceptions persist. Common myths about palliative care are identified and deconstructed in light of the most recent evidenced-based references in the field to provide guidance to healthcare providers to address these. PPC is often associated with end-of-life care, loss of hope, and cancer. Some healthcare providers and parents also believe that information like diagnosis should be withheld from children for their emotional protection. These examples of misconceptions hinder the integration of pediatric palliative care and its additional layer of support and clinical expertise. PPC providers have advanced communication skills, are able to instill hope in the face of uncertainty, are trained to initiate and implement individualized pain and symptom management plans, and understand how to improve the quality of life in children with serious illnesses. Improved awareness about the scope of PPC is needed to ensure that children benefit from the maximum expertise and support throughout their complex health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Sadler
- Oncology and Liver Diseases Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saadiya Khan
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled AlGhamdi
- General Pediatrics Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamad Hussain Alyami
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Nursing Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lori Nancarrow
- Children's Palliative Care Department, Whittington Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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16
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Delgado-Corcoran C, Wawrzynski SE, Mansfield K, Fuchs E, Yeates C, Flaherty BF, Harousseau M, Cook L, Epps JV. Grieving Children' Death in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of a Standardized Process. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:236-240. [PMID: 37878371 PMCID: PMC10825263 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0134] [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] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The grief that accompanies witnessing the death of a child puts health care professionals at risk of secondary trauma, burnout, and turnover when left unaddressed. Objective: Support staff well-being and promote resiliency. Methods: Descriptive implementation of a structured, peer-to-peer bereavement support program for intensive care unit (ICU) staff at a tertiary children's hospital. Results: Thirty-five virtual sessions were held over the period of one year.Through these sessions, participants shared perspectives and normalized reactions, and explored potential coping strategies. Post-session feedback surveys demonstrated the negative impact of a death on the personal or work life of ICU staff. Additionally, nearly all reported some level of burnout. Conclusions: The sessions were feasible and positively impacted staff coping and well-being. Barriers and facilitators to session attendance, as well as suggestions for improvement, were also explored. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. No clinical trial registration is applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Delgado-Corcoran
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Sarah E. Wawrzynski
- Center for HealthCare Delivery Science, Nemours Children's Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Kelly Mansfield
- College of Nursing, Division of Acute and Chronic Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Erin Fuchs
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Chelsea Yeates
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Brian F. Flaherty
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Mark Harousseau
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Lawrence Cook
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jake Van Epps
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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17
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Jones MN, Simpson SL, Beck AF, Cortezzo DE, Thienprayoon R, Corley AMS, Thomson J. Racial Inequities in Palliative Referral for Children with High-Intensity Neurologic Impairment. J Pediatr 2024; 268:113930. [PMID: 38309525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.113930] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether racial and socioeconomic inequities in pediatric palliative care utilization extend to children with high-intensity neurologic impairment (HI-NI), which is a chronic neurological diagnosis resulting in substantial functional morbidity and mortality. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective study of patients with HI-NI who received primary care services at a tertiary care center from 2014 through 2019. HI-NI diagnoses that warranted a palliative care referral were identified by consensus of a multidisciplinary team. The outcome was referral to palliative care. The primary exposure was race, categorized as Black or non-Black to represent the impact of anti-Black racism. Additional exposures included ethnicity (Hispanic/non-Hispanic) and insurance status (Medicaid/non-Medicaid). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariable logistic regression models were performed to assess associations between exposures and palliative care referral. RESULTS A total of 801 patients with HI-NI were included; 7.5% received a palliative referral. There were no differences in gestational age, sex, or ethnicity between patients who received a referral and those who did not. In multivariable analysis, adjusting for ethnicity, sex, gestational age, and presence of complex chronic conditions, Black children (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26, 0.84) and children with Medicaid insurance (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23, 0.70) each had significantly lower odds of palliative referral compared with their non-Black and non-Medicaid-insured peers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We identified inequities in pediatric palliative care referral among children with HI-NI by race and insurance status. Future work is needed to develop interventions, with families, aimed at promoting more equitable, antiracist systems of palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret N Jones
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
| | - Samantha L Simpson
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew F Beck
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - DonnaMaria E Cortezzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rachel Thienprayoon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexandra M S Corley
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Joanna Thomson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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18
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Francoeur C, Silva A, Hornby L, Wollny K, Lee LA, Pomeroy A, Cayouette F, Scales N, Weiss MJ, Dhanani S. Pediatric Death After Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapies: A Scoping Review. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2024; 25:e12-e19. [PMID: 37678383 PMCID: PMC10756696 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate literature on the dying process in children after withdrawal of life sustaining measures (WLSM) in the PICU. We focused on the physiology of dying, prediction of time to death, impact of time to death, and uncertainty of the dying process on families, healthcare workers, and organ donation. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. STUDY SELECTION We included studies that discussed the dying process after WLSM in the PICU, with no date or study type restrictions. We excluded studies focused exclusively on adult or neonatal populations, children outside the PICU, or on organ donation or adult/pediatric studies where pediatric data could not be isolated. DATA EXTRACTION Inductive qualitative content analysis was performed. DATA SYNTHESIS Six thousand two hundred twenty-five studies were screened and 24 included. Results were grouped into four categories: dying process, perspectives of healthcare professionals and family, WLSM and organ donation, and recommendations for future research. Few tools exist to predict time to death after WLSM in children. Most deaths after WLSM occur within 1 hour and during this process, healthcare providers must offer support to families regarding logistics, medications, and expectations. Providers describe the unpredictability of the dying process as emotionally challenging and stressful for family members and staff; however, no reports of families discussing the impact of time to death prediction were found. The unpredictability of death after WLSM makes families less likely to pursue donation. Future research priorities include developing death prediction tools of tools, provider and parental decision-making, and interventions to improve end-of-life care. CONCLUSIONS The dying process in children is poorly understood and understudied. This knowledge gap leaves families in a vulnerable position and the clinical team without the necessary tools to support patients, families, or themselves. Improving time to death prediction after WLSM may improve care provision and enable identification of potential organ donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall Francoeur
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amina Silva
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- Consultant, Canadian Blood Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Krista Wollny
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laurie A Lee
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Consultant, Canadian Blood Services, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
- School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Quebec - University of Laval, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Dynamical Analysis Lab, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Transplant Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Florence Cayouette
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Quebec - University of Laval, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathan Scales
- Dynamical Analysis Lab, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, CHU de Quebec - University of Laval, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Transplant Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Porter AS, Gouda SR, Broden EG, Snaman JM. "Palliative Intensive Care" at the End of a Child's Life. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:e395-e398. [PMID: 37920949 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2023-007348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Porter
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Elizabeth G Broden
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
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20
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Delgado-Corcoran C, Wawrzynski SE, Flaherty B, Kirkland B, Bodily S, Moore D, Cook LJ, Olson LM. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and paediatric palliative care in an ICU. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:1846-1852. [PMID: 36278475 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122003018] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Compare rates, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of paediatric palliative care consultation in children supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation admitted to a single-centre 16-bed cardiac or a 28-bed paediatric ICU. METHODS Retrospective review of clinical characteristics and outcomes of children (aged 0-21 years) supported on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January, 2017 and December, 2019 compared by palliative care consultation. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS One hundred children (N = 100) were supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; 19% received a palliative care consult. Compared to non-consulted children, consulted children had higher disease severity measured by higher complex chronic conditions at the end of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation (5 versus. 3; p < 0.001), longer hospital length of stay (92 days versus 19 days; p < 0.001), and higher use of life-sustaining therapies after decannulation (79% versus 23%; p < 0.001). Consultations occurred mainly for longitudinal psychosocial-spiritual support after patient survived device deployment with a median of 27 days after cannulation. Most children died in the ICU after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies regardless of consultation status. Over two-thirds of the 44 deaths (84%; n = 37) occurred during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care consultation was rare showing that palliative care consultation was not viewed as an acute need and only considered when the clinical course became protracted. As a result, there are missed opportunities to involve palliative care earlier and more frequently in the care of extracorporeal membrane survivors and non-survivors and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Delgado-Corcoran
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sarah E Wawrzynski
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- University of Utah, College of Nursing, 10 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brian Flaherty
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Brandon Kirkland
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Stephanie Bodily
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Dominic Moore
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 100 N. Mario Capecchi Dr. Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lawrence J Cook
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, PO BOX 581289, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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21
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Calandrino A. End of Life in Pediatrics: The "Relief" of Poetry on Pain by Reaching Children's Spirituality. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 66:e443-e447. [PMID: 36332770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Calandrino
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Child and Maternal Health (A.C.), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Liguria, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini (A.C.), 16147 Genoa, Liguria, Italy.
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22
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Rholl E, Leuthner SR. The logistics of withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2023; 28:101443. [PMID: 37596126 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2023.101443] [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: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Withdrawal of life sustaining medical treatments is a common mode of death in the neonatal intensive care unit. Shared decision making and communication are crucial steps prior to, during and after a withdrawal of life sustaining medical treatments. Discussion should include the steps to occur during the withdrawal. Physicians should recommend appropriate withdrawal steps based on family goals. Stepwise approach should be taken only if a family requests. Care should continue for the family and staff after the withdrawal and the infant's death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Rholl
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 N 92nd St, Suite C 410, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, 53226, USA.
| | - Steven R Leuthner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 999 N 92nd St, Suite C 410, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, 53226, USA.
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23
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Feudtner C, Beight LJ, Boyden JY, Hill DL, Hinds PS, Johnston EE, Friebert SE, Bogetz JF, Kang TI, Hall M, Nye RT, Wolfe J. Goals of Care Among Parents of Children Receiving Palliative Care. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:800-807. [PMID: 37306979 PMCID: PMC10262061 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Importance While knowing the goals of care (GOCs) for children receiving pediatric palliative care (PPC) are crucial for guiding the care they receive, how parents prioritize these goals and how their priorities may change over time is not known. Objective To determine parental prioritization of GOCs and patterns of change over time for parents of children receiving palliative care. Design, Setting, and Participants A Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network's Shared Data and Research cohort study with data collected at 0, 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in hospital, outpatient, or home settings from April 10, 2017, to February 15, 2022, at 7 PPC programs based at children's hospitals across the US. Participants included parents of patients, birth to 30 years of age, who received PPC services. Exposures Analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics, number of complex chronic conditions, and time enrolled in PPC. Main Outcomes Parents' importance scores, as measured using a discrete choice experiment, of 5 preselected GOCs: seeking quality of life (QOL), health, comfort, disease modification, or life extension. Importance scores for the 5 GOCs summed to 100. Results A total of 680 parents of 603 patients reported on GOCs. Median patient age was 4.4 (IQR, 0.8-13.2) years and 320 patients were male (53.1%). At baseline, parents scored QOL as the most important goal (mean score, 31.5 [SD, 8.4]), followed by health (26.3 [SD, 7.5]), comfort (22.4 [SD, 11.7]), disease modification (10.9 [SD, 9.2]), and life extension (8.9 [SD, 9.9]). Importantly, parents varied substantially in their baseline scores for each goal (IQRs more than 9.4), but across patients in different complex chronic conditions categories, the mean scores varied only slightly (means differ 8.7 or less). For each additional study month since PPC initiation, QOL was scored higher by 0.06 (95% CI, 0.04-0.08) and comfort scored higher by 0.3 (95% CI, 0-0.06), while the importance score for life extension decreased by 0.07 (95% CI, 0.04-0.09) and disease modification by 0.02 (95% CI, 0-0.04); health scores did not significantly differ from PPC initiation. Conclusions and Relevance Parents of children receiving PPC placed the highest value on QOL, but with considerable individual-level variation and substantial change over time. These findings emphasize the importance of reassessing GOCs with parents to guide appropriate clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Feudtner
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Leah J. Beight
- Doctor of Medicine Program, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jackelyn Y. Boyden
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Douglas L. Hill
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pamela S. Hinds
- Children’s National Hospital, Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Department of Pediatrics, the George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Emily E. Johnston
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Sarah E. Friebert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Care, Akron Children’s Hospital and Rebecca D. Considine Research Institute, Akron, Ohio
| | - Jori F. Bogetz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Tammy I. Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Palliative Care, Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Matt Hall
- Children’s Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Russell T. Nye
- Justin Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Pediatrics Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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24
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Karakaya Z, Boyraz M, Atis SK, Yuce S, Duyu M. Descriptive and Clinical Characteristics of Nonsurvivors in a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Turkey: 6 Years of Experience. J Pediatr Intensive Care 2023. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify the characteristics of nonsurvivors in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Turkey. This is a retrospective analysis of patients who died in a tertiary PICU over a 6-year period from 2016 to 2021. Data were drawn from electronic medical records and resuscitation notes. Mode of death was categorized as failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (F-CPR) or brain death. Among the 161 deaths, 136 nonsurvivors were included and 30.1% were younger than 1 year. Severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (31.6%) were the most common primary diagnoses. The most common mode of death was F-CPR (86.8%). More than half of the subjects had been admitted from pediatric emergency departments (58.1%), and more than half (53.7%) had died within 7 days in the PICU. Patients admitted from pediatric emergency departments had the lowest frequency of comorbidities (p < 0.001). Severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, and ARDS diagnoses were significantly more frequent in those who died after 7 days (p < 0.001), whereas septicemia, shock, and multiple organ dysfunction were more common among those who died within the first day of PICU admission (p < 0.001). It may be important to note that patients referred from wards are highly likely to have comorbidities, while those referred from pediatric emergency departments may be relatively younger. Additionally, patients with septicemia, shock, or multiple organ dysfunction were more likely to die earlier (within 7 days), especially compared with those with severe pneumonia, respiratory failure, or ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Karakaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Boyraz
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Seyma Koksal Atis
- Department of Pediatrics, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Servet Yuce
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhterem Duyu
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Goztepe Prof. Dr. Suleyman Yalcin City Hospital, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
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25
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Lazzara A, Boss RD. Observation of Child Experience During Discontinuing of Medically Provided Nutrition and Hydration. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:155-161. [PMID: 36526253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.12.008] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ethical and professional guidelines support withholding/discontinuing medically provided nutrition and hydration (MPNH) for children in specific scenarios yet literature shows many providers do not support this practice. One reason clinicians continue MPNH is worry about child suffering. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to assess clinician observations of infant/child experience following withholding/discontinuing MPNH. METHODS This study is a national survey of clinicians who had personally medically-managed an infant/child during the process of withholding/discontinuing MPNH. Survey disseminated via Twitter, email, and Facebook. Descriptive and content analyses were performed. RESULTS Responses from 195 clinicians represented experiences with 900+ children, with over half of those experiences occurring within the prior year. Palliative care was consulted in 76% of cases. Most clinicians reported that in their patients, comfort (80/142, 56%) and peacefulness (89/143, 62%) increased during withholding/discontinuing MPNH, as did dry lips/mouth (109/143, 76%). Most observed decreased work of breathing (58/142, 63%) and respiratory secretions (90/142, 63%). The perceived need for pain medication typically remained unchanged (54/142, 38%). When asked to describe the dying process during withholding/ discontinuing MPNH, the most common response was "peaceful." Clinicians also observed increasing levels of parent relief (78/137, 57%), peace (77/137, 56%), as well as anxiety (74/137, 54%). CONCLUSION Respiratory, gastrointestinal symptoms, signs of peacefulness, and comfort improved for most infants and children during withholding/withdrawing MPNH. Aside from dry lips/mouth, fewer than 10% of children were perceived to have increased symptom distress. This study's findings are consistent with adult data and failed to detect a compelling reason to forgo withholding/discontinuing MPNH solely due to concern about child comfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lazzara
- Department of Pediatrics (A.L., R.D.B.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Renee D Boss
- Department of Pediatrics (A.L., R.D.B.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics (R.D.B.), Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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26
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Currie ER, Wolfe J, Boss R, Johnston EE, Paine C, Perna SJ, Buckingham S, McKillip KM, Li P, Dionne-Odom JN, Ejem D, Morvant A, Nichols C, Bakitas MA. Patterns of Pediatric Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Patients in the Southern U.S. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:532-540. [PMID: 36801354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.025] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite high rates of mortality among infants in the Southern U.S., little is known about the timing of pediatric palliative care (PPC), the intensity of end-of-life care, and whether there are differences among sociodemographic characteristics. OBJECTIVES To describe PPC patterns and treatment intensity during the last 48 hours of life among neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients in the Southern U.S. who received specialized PPC. METHODS Medical record abstraction of infant decedents who received PPC consultation in two NICUs (in Alabama and Mississippi) from 2009 to 2017 (n = 195) including clinical characteristics, palliative and end-of-life care characteristics, patterns of PPC, and intensive medical treatments in the last 48 hours of life. RESULTS The sample was racially (48.2% Black) and geographically (35.4% rural) diverse. Most infants died after withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions (58%) and had do not attempt resuscitation orders documented (75.9%); very few infants enrolled in hospice (6.2%). Initial PPC consult occurred a median of 13 days after admission and a median of 17 days before death. Infants with a primary diagnosis of genetic or congenital anomaly received earlier PPC consultation (P = 0.02) compared to other diagnoses. In the last 48 hours of life, NICU patients received intensive interventions including mechanical ventilation (81.5%), CPR (27.7%) and surgeries or invasive procedures (25.1%). Black infants were more likely to receive CPR compared to White infants (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Overall, PPC consultation occurred late in NICU hospitalizations, infants received high-intensity medical interventions in the last 48 hours of life, and there are disparities in intensity of treatment interventions at end of life. Further research is needed to explore if these patterns of care reflect parent preferences and goal concordance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Currie
- School of Nursing (E.R.C.), University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Blvd., Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics (J.W.), Boston, USA; Harvard Medical School
| | - Renee Boss
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (R.B.)
| | - Emily E Johnston
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine (E.E.J.), Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
| | | | - Samuel J Perna
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (S,J.P.), Department of Medicine, Gerontology, Geriatrics, and Palliative Care
| | - Susan Buckingham
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (S.B.), Palliative and Hospice Medicine
| | | | - Peng Li
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | - James N Dionne-Odom
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | - Deborah Ejem
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
| | | | | | - Marie A Bakitas
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing (P.L., J.N.O., D.E., M.A.B.)
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Serrano-Pejenaute I, Carmona-Nunez A, Zorrilla-Sarriegui A, Martin-Irazabal G, Lopez-Bayon J, Sanchez-Echaniz J, Astigarraga I. How do hospitalised children die? The context of death and end-of-life decision-making. J Paediatr Child Health 2023; 59:625-630. [PMID: 36752181 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
AIM The decrease in childhood mortality, the growing clinical complexity and the greater technification of intensive care units have changed the circumstances of death of paediatric patients. The aim of this study is to describe the context of death and end-of-life decision-making. METHODS Single-centre, retrospective, observational study of deaths in inpatients or home hospitalised children under 18 years old between 2011 and 2021. Demographic data, pathological history and circumstances of death were obtained from the medical record. The whole study period was divided into two halves for the analysis of the temporal trends. RESULTS A total of 358 patients died, 63.2% under the age of 1 year old; 86.9% had underlying life-limiting illnesses and 73.2% died in the intensive care unit, with no differences between the two time periods. Death at home was significantly higher in the second study period (3.8% vs. 9%). A total of 20.1% died during advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Life-sustaining treatment was withheld or withdrawn in 53.6%, with no differences between the time courses. Life-sustaining treatment was withheld mainly in patients with neurological, metabolic and oncological conditions, and less frequently in patients with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases or who were previously healthy. Most patients coded as palliative care (PC) or followed up by PC teams had an advance care plan (ACP) recorded, while in the others it was infrequent. PC coding, following by PC teams and ACP recording increased in the last years of the study. CONCLUSIONS Death of children in our setting usually occurs in relation to complex underlying pathology and after the decision of withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining treatment. In this context, PC and ACP acquire greater importance. In our study, PC involvement resulted in better documentation of ACP and PC coding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoya Serrano-Pejenaute
- Department of Pediatrics, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Doctoral Programme in Medicine and Surgery, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Julio Lopez-Bayon
- Pediatric Palliative Care and Home Hospitalisation, Department of Pediatrics, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesus Sanchez-Echaniz
- Pediatric Palliative Care and Home Hospitalisation, Department of Pediatrics, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Itziar Astigarraga
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.,Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Cruces University Hospital, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
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28
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Harmon A, Jordan M, Platt A, Wilson J, Keith K, Chandrashekaran S, Schlichte L, Pendergast J, Ming D. Goal-Concordance in Children with Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pediatr 2023; 253:278-285.e4. [PMID: 36257348 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize delivery of goal-concordant end-of-life (EOL) care among children with complex chronic conditions and to determine factors associated with goal-concordance. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective review of goals of care discussions for 272 children with at least 1 complex chronic condition who died at a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Goals of care and code status were assessed before and within the last 72 hours of life. Goals of care discussions were coded as full interventions; considering withdrawal of interventions (palliation); planned transition to palliation; or actively transitioning/transitioned to palliation. RESULTS In total, 158 children had documented goals of care discussions before and within the last 72 hours of life, 18 had goals of care discussions only >72 hours before death, 54 only in the last 72 hours of life, and 42 had no documented goals of care. For children with goals of care, EOL care was goal-concordant for 82.2%, discordant in 7%, and unclear in 10.8%. Black children had a greater than 8-fold greater odds of discordant care compared with White children (OR 8.34, P = .007). Comparison of goals of care and code status before and within the last 72 hours of life revealed trends toward nonescalation of care. Specifically, rates of active palliation increased from 11.7% to 63.0%, and code status shifted from 32.6% do not resuscitate to 65.2% (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, a majority of children had documented goals of care discussions and received goal-concordant EOL care. However, Black children had greater odds of receiving goal-discordant care. Goals of care and code status shifted toward palliation during the last 72 hours of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Harmon
- Department of Pediatrics, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Megan Jordan
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jonathon Wilson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Kevin Keith
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Jane Pendergast
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - David Ming
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
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HarnEnz Z, Vermilion P, Foster-Barber A, Treat L. Pediatric neuropalliative care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:157-184. [PMID: 36599507 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care seeks to support quality of life for children and families affected by serious illness. Children with neurological disease are among the most frequent recipients of pediatric palliative care. Several important elements distinguish pediatric palliative care from adult practice, including a longer illness duration, longitudinal relationships over the span of years, diseases characterized by chronic fragility rather than progressive pathology, and the reliance on parents as proxy decision makers. This chapter will provide an overview of pediatric neuropalliative care, with emphasis on the types of disease trajectories, symptom management, and communication principles for supporting shared decision making with families. The role of neurology expertise is highlighted throughout, with special attention toward incorporating palliative care into pediatric neurology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe HarnEnz
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Paul Vermilion
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Audrey Foster-Barber
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren Treat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.
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30
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"We Absolutely Had the Impression That It Was Our Decision"-A Qualitative Study with Parents of Critically Ill Infants Who Participated in End-of-Life Decision Making. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010046. [PMID: 36670597 PMCID: PMC9856896 DOI: 10.3390/children10010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend shared decision making (SDM) between neonatologists and parents when a decision has to be made about the continuation of life-sustaining treatment (LST). In a previous study, we found that neonatologists and parents at a German Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit performed SDM to a variable but overall small extent. However, we do not know whether parents in Germany prefer an extent of more or sharing. METHODS We performed a qualitative interview study with parents who participated in our first study. We analyzed the semi-structured interviews with qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. RESULTS The participation in medical decision making (MDM) varied across cases. Overall, neonatologists and parents conducted SDM in most cases only to a small extent. All parents appreciated their experience independent of how much they were involved in MDM. The parents who experienced a small extent of sharing were glad that they were protected by neonatologists from having to decide, shielding them from a conflict of interest. The parents who experienced a large extent of sharing especially valued that they were able to fulfil their parental duties even if that meant partaking in a decision to forgo LST. DISCUSSION Other studies have also found a variety of possibilities for parents to partake in end-of-life decision making (EOL-DM). Our results suggest that parents do not have a uniform preference for one specific decision-making approach, but rather different parents appreciate their individual experience regardless of the model for DM. CONCLUSION SDM is apparently not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, neonatologists and parents have to adapt the decision-making process to the parents' individual needs and preferences for autonomy and protection. Therefore, SDM should not be prescribed as a uniform standard in medico-ethical guidelines, but rather as a flexible guidance for DM for critically ill patients in neonatology.
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Barlet MH, Barks MC, Ubel PA, Davis JK, Pollak KI, Kaye EC, Weinfurt KP, Lemmon ME. Characterizing the Language Used to Discuss Death in Family Meetings for Critically Ill Infants. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2233722. [PMID: 36197666 PMCID: PMC9535532 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.33722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Communication during conversations about death is critical; however, little is known about the language clinicians and families use to discuss death. Objective To characterize (1) the way death is discussed in family meetings between parents of critically ill infants and the clinical team and (2) how discussion of death differs between clinicians and family members. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal qualitative study took place at a single academic hospital in the southeast US. Patients were enrolled from September 2018 to September 2020, and infants were followed up longitudinally throughout their hospitalization. Participants included families of infants with neurologic conditions who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit and had a planned family meeting to discuss neurologic prognosis or starting, not starting, or discontinuing life-sustaining treatment. Family meetings were recorded, transcribed, and deidentified before being screened for discussion of death. Main Outcomes and Measures The main outcome was the language used to reference death during family meetings between parents and clinicians. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze data. Results A total of 68 family meetings involving 36 parents of 24 infants were screened; 33 family meetings (49%) involving 20 parents (56%) and 13 infants (54%) included discussion of death. Most parents involved in discussion of death identified as the infant's mother (13 [65%]) and as Black (12 [60%]). Death was referenced 406 times throughout the family meetings (275 times by clinicians and 131 times by family members); the words die, death, dying, or stillborn were used 5% of the time by clinicians (13 of 275 references) and 15% of the time by family members (19 of 131 references). Four types of euphemisms used in place of die, death, dying, or stillborn were identified: (1) survival framing (eg, not live), (2) colloquialisms (eg, pass away), (3) medical jargon, including obscure technical terms (eg, code event) or talking around death with physiologic terms (eg, irrecoverable heart rate drop), and (4) pronouns without an antecedent (eg, it). The most common type of euphemism used by clinicians was medical jargon (118 of 275 references [43%]). The most common type of euphemism used by family members was colloquialism (44 of 131 references [34%]). Conclusions and Relevance In this qualitative study, the words die, death, dying, or stillborn were rarely used to refer to death in family meetings with clinicians. Families most often used colloquialisms to reference death, and clinicians most often used medical jargon. Future work should evaluate the effects of euphemisms on mutual understanding, shared decision-making, and clinician-family relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mary C. Barks
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Peter A. Ubel
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - J. Kelly Davis
- Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kathryn I. Pollak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Kevin P. Weinfurt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Monica E. Lemmon
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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32
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Broden EG, Hinds PS, Werner-Lin AV, Curley MAQ. "I Didn't Want My Baby to Pass, But I Didn't Want Him Suffering Either": Comparing Bereaved Parents' Narratives With Nursing End-of-Life Assessments in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2022; 24:271-280. [PMID: 35666188 PMCID: PMC9437116 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000884] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about how nursing care at the end of a child's life impacts long-term parental bereavement. We aimed to explain, contextualize, and examine comparisons between quantitative trends in children's end-of-life care and parents' qualitative perceptions. We used a mixed methods design, combining quantitative data from the RESTORE clinical trial with qualitative interviews with bereaved parents. Patients who died during RESTORE were included in quantitative analyses. A subset of their parents was interviewed 7 to 11 years later. The quantitative analyses included 104 children. Eight parents were interviewed; 4 had a child die after cancer, and 4 had a child die after a complex chronic illness. Quantitatively, patients' pain and sedation scores were generally comfortable. Children died with multiple invasive devices in place. Parents' descriptions of their child's comfort and critical care requirements differed by illness trajectory (cancer, complex chronic illness). Parents' memories of their child's suffering aligned with peaks in clinical scores, rather than averages. Invasive devices and equipment altered parents' ability to make meaningful final memories with the dying child. Pediatric intensive care clinicians may need to broaden how they attend to dying children's pain and corresponding parental distress, as parents' memories of their dying child's suffering persist for years.
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Francoeur C, Hornby L, Silva A, Scales NB, Weiss M, Dhanani S. Paediatric death after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies: a scoping review protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064918. [PMID: 36123110 PMCID: PMC9486282 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The physiology of dying after withdrawal of life-sustaining measures (WLSM) is not well described in children. This lack of knowledge makes predicting the duration of the dying process difficult. For families, not knowing this process's duration interferes with planning of rituals related to dying, travel for distant relatives and emotional strain during the wait for death. Time-to-death also impacts end-of-life care and determines whether a child will be eligible for donation after circulatory determination of death. This scoping review will summarise the current literature about what is known about the dying process in children after WLSM in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). METHODS AND ANALYSIS This review will use Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Databases searched will include Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials via EBM Reviews Ovid, Ovid PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science. Literature reporting on the physiology of dying process after WLSM, or tools that predict time of death in children after WLSM among children aged 0-18 years in PICUs worldwide will be considered. Literature describing the impact of prediction or timing of death after WLSM on families, healthcare workers and the organ donation process will also be included. Quantitative and qualitative studies will be evaluated. Two independent reviewers will screen references by title and abstract, and then by full text, and complete data extraction and analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The review uses published data and does not require ethics review. Review results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conall Francoeur
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura Hornby
- Canadian Blood Services, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amina Silva
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Matthew Weiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre de recherche du CHU de Quebec-Universite Laval, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
- Transplant Québec, Quebec, Québec, Canada
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sonny Dhanani
- Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Critical Care, CHEO, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Sawyer KE, Carpenter AT, Coleman RD, Tume SC, Crawford CA, Casas JA. Provider Perceptions for Withdrawing Life Sustaining Therapies at a Large Pediatric Hospital. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e115-e121. [PMID: 35613688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.05.009] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT More than 74% of pediatric deaths occur in an intensive care unit (ICU), with 40% occurring after withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WOLST). No needs assessment has described provider needs or suggestions for improving the WOLST process in pediatrics. OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe interdisciplinary provider self-reported confidence, needs, and suggestions for improving the WOLST process. METHODS A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. An online survey was distributed to providers involved in WOLSTs in a quaternary children's hospital between January and December 2018. The survey assessed providers' self-reported confidence in their role, in providing guidance to families about the WOLST, experiences with the WOLST process, areas for improvement, and symptom management. Kruskal-Wallis testing was used for quantitative data analysis with P values <0.05 considered significant. Analysis was performed with SPSS v27. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using Atlas.ti.8 and NVivo. RESULTS A total of 297 surveys were received (48% survey completion) that consisted of multiple choice, Likert-type, and yes/no questions with options for open-ended responses. Mean provider self-rated confidence was high and varied significantly between disciplines. Qualitative analysis identified four areas for refining communication: 1) between the primary team and family, 2) within the primary team, 3) between the primary team and consulting providers, and 4) logistical challenges. CONCLUSIONS While participants' self-rated confidence was high, it varied between disciplines. Participants identified opportunities for improved communication and planning before a WOLST. Future work includes development and implementation of a best practice guideline to address gaps and standardize care delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly E Sawyer
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (K.E.S.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Ryan D Coleman
- Baylor College of Medicine (R.D.C., S.C.T., J.A.C.), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sebastian C Tume
- Baylor College of Medicine (R.D.C., S.C.T., J.A.C.), Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Jessica A Casas
- Baylor College of Medicine (R.D.C., S.C.T., J.A.C.), Houston, Texas, USA.
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Moyer KM, Verbeck N, Barnett MD, Denney-Koelsch EM, Ajayi T, Humphrey LM, Malhotra S, Ragsdale L, Waldman ED, Gustin JL. A National Survey to Guide Pediatric Curricula for Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellows. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:e165-e171. [PMID: 35523388 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Moyer
- Hospice and Community Care (K.M.M.), Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Nicole Verbeck
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine (N.V.), Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael D Barnett
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (M.D.B.), Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | | | - Toluwalase Ajayi
- Scripps Health and Rady Children's Hospital (T.A.), San Diego, California, USA
| | - Lisa M Humphrey
- Nationwide Children's Hospital (L.M.H.), Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Sonia Malhotra
- Tulane University School of Medicine and Louisiana State University School of Medicine (S.M.), New Orleans, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Lindsay Ragsdale
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine (L.R.), Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Elisha D Waldman
- Northwestern University School of Medicine / Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (E.D.W.), Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jillian L Gustin
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (J.L.G.), Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Rees CA, Neuman MI, Monuteaux MC, Michelson KA, Duggan CP. Mortality During Readmission Among Children in United States Children's Hospitals. J Pediatr 2022; 246:161-169.e7. [PMID: 35364094 PMCID: PMC9233053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.03.040] [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: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify demographic, clinical, and hospital factors associated with mortality on readmission within 180 days following an inpatient hospitalization. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 33 US children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System from January 2010 to June 2020. Our primary outcome was death during readmission within 180 days of an index hospitalization among children aged 0-18 years. Illness severity during the index hospitalization was defined according to the All Patient-Refined Diagnosis-Related Group-categorized illness severity (ie, minor, moderate, or major/extreme). We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors during the index hospitalization associated with mortality during readmission. RESULTS Among 2 677 111 children discharged, 337 385 (12.6%) were readmitted within 180 days of the index hospitalization and 2913 (0.8%) died during readmission. More than one-quarter (26.2%) of deaths among children who were readmitted and died occurred within 10 days after discharge from the index hospitalization. Factors independently associated with mortality during readmission included multiple complex chronic conditions, index admissions lasting >7 days, moderate or severe/extreme illness during the index hospitalization, and public insurance. Children whose race was reported as Black had greater odds of mortality during readmission compared with children of other races. CONCLUSIONS Among hospitalized children, several demographic and clinical factors present during index hospitalizations were associated with mortality during readmission. Greater odds of mortality during readmission among children whose race was reported as Black likely reflects disparities in social determinants of health and clinical care. Interventions to reduce mortality during readmission may target high-risk populations in the period immediately following discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris A. Rees
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America,Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Mark I. Neuman
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Monuteaux
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Michelson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Duggan
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America,Center for Nutrition, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Rothschild CB, Chaiyachati BH, Finck KR, Atwood MA, Leuthner SR, Christian CW. A Venn diagram of vulnerability: The convergence of pediatric palliative care and child maltreatment a narrative review, and a focus on communication. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105605. [PMID: 35367899 PMCID: PMC11000825 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment and end-of-life care independently represent two of the most emotion-laden and uncomfortable aspects of pediatric patient care. Their overlap can be uniquely distressing. This review explores ethical and legal principles in such cases and provides practical advice for clinicians. The review focuses on three archetypal scenarios of overlap: life-limiting illness in a child for whom parental rights have been terminated; life-threatening injury under CPS investigation; and complex end-of-life care which may warrant CPS involvement. While each scenario presents unique challenges, one consistent theme is the centrality of effective communication. This includes empathic communication with families and thoughtful communication with providers and community stakeholders. In almost all cases, everyone genuinely wants to do what is in the best interest of the child in these unthinkable circumstances. Transparent and collaborative communication can ensure that broad perspectives are considered to ensure that each child gets the best possible care in a manner adherent with ethical and legal standards, as they apply to each case.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara H Chaiyachati
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kara R Finck
- Interdisciplinary Child Advocacy Clinic, University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melissa A Atwood
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Steven R Leuthner
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Cindy W Christian
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Linebarger JS, Johnson V, Boss RD, Linebarger JS, Collura CA, Humphrey LM, Miller EG, Williams CSP, Rholl E, Ajayi T, Lord B, McCarty CL. Guidance for Pediatric End-of-Life Care. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186860. [PMID: 35490287 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The final hours, days, and weeks in the life of a child or adolescent with serious illness are stressful for families, pediatricians, and other pediatric caregivers. This clinical report reviews essential elements of pediatric care for these patients and their families, establishing end-of-life care goals, anticipatory counseling about the dying process (expected signs or symptoms, code status, desired location of death), and engagement with palliative and hospice resources. This report also outlines postmortem tasks for the pediatric team, including staff debriefing and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Victoria Johnson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Renee D Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
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Lin M, Deming R, Wolfe J, Cummings C. Infant mode of death in the neonatal intensive care unit: A systematic scoping review. J Perinatol 2022; 42:551-568. [PMID: 35058594 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize literature that describes infant mode of death and to clarify how limitation of life-sustaining treatment (LST) is defined and rationalized. STUDY DESIGN Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, English-language, and included number of infant deaths by mode out of all infant deaths in the NICU and/or delivery room. RESULT 58 included studies were primarily published in the last two decades from North American and European centers. There was variation in rates of infant mode of death by study, with some showing an increase in deaths following limitation of LST over time. Limitation of LST was defined by the intervention withheld/withdrawn, the relationship between the two practices, and prior frameworks. Themes for limiting LST included diagnoses, low predicted survival and/or quality of life, futility, and suffering. CONCLUSION Limitation of LST is a common infant mode of death, although rates, study definitions, and clinical rationale for this practice are variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lin
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Rachel Deming
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Christy Cummings
- Boston Children's Hospital, Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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40
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Broden EG, Hinds PS, Werner-Lin A, Quinn R, Asaro LA, Curley MAQ. Nursing Care at End of Life in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation. Am J Crit Care 2022; 31:230-239. [PMID: 35466341 PMCID: PMC11289849 DOI: 10.4037/ajcc2022294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents' perceptions of critical care during the final days of their child's life shape their grief for decades. Little is known about nursing care needs of children actively dying in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). OBJECTIVES To examine associations between patient characteristics, circumstances of death, and nursing care requirements for children who died in the PICU. METHODS A secondary analysis of the data set from the Randomized Evaluation of Sedation Titration for Respiratory Failure trial was conducted. RESULTS This analysis included 104 children; 67 died after withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments; 21, after failed resuscitation; and 16, after brain death. Patients had a median age of 7.5 years, were cognitively appropriate, and were intubated for acute respiratory failure. Daily pain and sedation scores indicated patients' comfort was well managed (mean pain scores: modal, 0; peak, 2; mean sedation scores: modal, -2; peak, -1). Patients with longer PICU stays more often experienced pain and agitation on the day of death. Illness trajectory (acute, complex chronic condition, or cancer) was associated with pain scores (P = .04). Specifically, children with cancer had higher pain scores than children with acute illness trajectories (P = .01). Many patients (62%) had no change in critical care devices in their last days of life (median, 5 devices). Patterns of pain, sedation, comfort medications, and nursing care requirements did not differ by circumstances of death. CONCLUSION Children with cancer and longer PICU stays may need comprehensive comfort management. Invasive devices left in place during withdrawal of life support may have inhibited parents' ability to connect with their child. Future research should incorporate parents' perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Elizabeth G. Broden is a postdoctoral research fellow in psychosocial oncology and palliative care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, and a pediatric ICU/CICU nurse at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Pamela S. Hinds is the William and Joanne Conway Chair in Nursing Research and executive director of Nursing Science, Professional Practice, and Quality Outcomes, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, and a pediatrics professor, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Allison Werner-Lin
- Allison Werner-Lin is an associate professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a senior advisor, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ryan Quinn
- Ryan Quinn is a biostatistician, Biostatistics Evaluation Collaboration Consultation and Analysis Lab, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lisa A Asaro
- Lisa A. Asaro is a biostatistician, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Martha A Q Curley
- Martha A. Q. Curley is the Ruth M. Colket Endowed Chair in Pediatric Nursing, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; a professor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a professor, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
This article explores the ethical concept of "the equivalence thesis" (ET), or the idea that withdrawing and withholding life sustaining treatments are morally equivalent practices, within neonatology. We review the historical origins, theory, and clinical rationale behind ET, and provide an analysis of how ET relates to literature that describes neonatal mode of death and healthcare professional and parent attitudes towards end-of-life care. While ET may serve as an ethical tool to optimize resource allocation in theory, its clinical utility is limited given the complexity of end-of-life care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lin
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Christy L Cummings
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Palliative Care Utilization Following Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Pediatrics. Crit Care Explor 2022; 10:e0639. [PMID: 35211682 PMCID: PMC8860333 DOI: 10.1097/cce.0000000000000639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pediatric palliative care (PPC) services could provide an integral component of the comprehensive care necessary for these patients and their families. The main objectives of this study are to examine the utilization of PPC following OHCA and compare the differences in characteristics between children who received PPC with those who did not. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An urban, tertiary PICU. PATIENTS: Children less than 21 years old admitted from October 2009 to October 2019 with an admitting diagnosis of OHCA and minimum PICU length of stay (LOS) of 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 283 patient charts reviewed, 118 patient encounters met inclusion criteria. Of those, 34 patients (28.8%) received a PPC consultation during hospitalization. Patients who received PPC had a longer PICU LOS (14.5 vs 4.0 d), a greater number of ventilator days (12.5 vs 4.0 d), and a larger proportion of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) statuses (41% vs 19%). When comparing the disposition of survivors, a greater proportion was discharged to rehab or nursing facilities (47% vs 28%), with no difference in mortality rates (53% vs 50%). In the multivariate logistic regression model, older age, longer LOS, and code status (DNR) were all associated with higher likelihood of PPC utilization. Data were analyzed using descriptive, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher exact statistics. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates PPC services following OHCA are underutilized given the high degree of morbidity and mortality. The impact of automatic PPC consultation in all OHCA patients who survive beyond 48 hours should be explored further. Future studies are warranted to understand the benefits and barriers of PPC integration into standard postarrest care for patients and families.
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Caserío S, Arnaez J. Eligible neonatal donors after circulatory determination of death (Maastricht type III): A national survey of level III NICUs. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14129. [PMID: 34472170 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Organ donation continues to increase worldwide, but in general paediatric patients remain less likely to receive a transplant. The inclusion of neonates as donors after cDCD should be considered in an effort to increase donation rates. METHODS The survey for a cross-sectional national study of potential cDCD neonatal donors (Maastricht type III) was sent to all 90 level III Spanish neonatal units to explore: 1) protocols, education, and specific opinions on donation and 2) potential cDCD that could have been eligible over a 2-year period (2014-2015). RESULTS Forty-five centers (50%) completed the survey, and 38/45 gave information about potential eligible donors. In 16% of the centers specific protocols on neonatal donation exist. All hospitals demanded more specific training, and 65% noted that the donation process could be a problem in the family's dismissal of the child. During the study period 46 805 neonates were admitted in the 38 centers, and 625 neonates died. Ninety-five born at a gestational age ≥34 weeks and above 2000 gr died after an EoL decision, 38 (40%) and 13 (14%) of them due to neonatal encephalopathy and multiple congenital anomalies, respectively. There were 31 (33%) elegible infants who died in less than 120 min due to pathologies that did not contraindicate donation. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal cDCD could help to reduce the gap between the supply of and demand for organs according to the potentially eligible patients emerging from this study. Training in EoL and donation processes should be provided to healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Caserío
- Neonatology, Hospital Universitario Rio Hortega de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.,NeNe Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Arnaez
- NeNe Foundation, Madrid, Spain.,Neonatology, Complejo Universitario de Burgos, Burgos, Spain
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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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45
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Greer
- From the Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center - both in Boston
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46
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Traynor MD, Antiel RM, Camazine MN, Blinman TA, Nance ML, Eghtesady P, Lam SK, Hall M, Feudtner C. Surgical Interventions During End-of-Life Hospitalizations in Children's Hospitals. Pediatrics 2021; 148:183483. [PMID: 34850192 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-047464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterize patterns of surgery among pediatric patients during terminal hospitalizations in children's hospitals. METHODS We reviewed patients ≤20 years of age who died among 4 424 886 hospitalizations from January 2013-December 2019 within 49 US children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System database. Surgical procedures, identified by International Classification of Diseases procedure codes, were classified by type and purpose. Descriptive statistics characterized procedures, and hypothesis testing determined if undergoing surgery varied by patient age, race and ethnicity, or the presence of chronic complex conditions (CCCs). RESULTS Among 33 693 terminal hospitalizations, the majority (n = 30 440, 90.3%) of children were admitted for nontraumatic causes. Of these children, 15 142 (49.7%) underwent surgery during the hospitalization, with the percentage declining over time (P < .001). When surgical procedures were classified according to likely purpose, the most common were to insert or address hardware or catheters (31%), explore or aid in diagnosis (14%), attempt to rescue patient from mortality (13%), or obtain a biopsy (13%). Specific CCC types were associated with undergoing surgery. Surgery during terminal hospitalization was less likely among Hispanic children (47.8%; P < .001), increasingly less likely as patient age increased, and more so for Black, Asian American, and Hispanic patients compared with white patients (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of children undergo surgery during their terminal hospitalization, and accordingly, pediatric surgical care is an important aspect of end-of-life care in hospital settings. Differences observed across race and ethnicity categories of patients may reflect different preferences for and access to nonhospital-based palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan M Antiel
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Maraya N Camazine
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.,School of Medicine, University of Missouri in Columbia, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Thane A Blinman
- Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael L Nance
- Department of Surgery, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pirooz Eghtesady
- Division of Pediatric Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Sandi K Lam
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Ann and Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Department of Neurosurgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matt Hall
- Children's Hospital Association, Lenexa, Kansas
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Department of Medical Ethics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical Ethics and Health Policy, The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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47
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Porter AS, Weaver MS, Snaman JM, Li C, Lu Z, Baker JN, Kaye EC. "Still Caring for the Family": Condolence Expression Training for Pediatric Residents. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:1188-1197. [PMID: 34062219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Insufficient communication from the medical team following a child's death may compound parental grief. Pediatric residents care for children who die, yet the landscape of condolence expression education within residency programs has not been studied. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric residents' levels of experience and comfort with condolence expression and to assess their needs and desires for training in condolence expression. METHODS A cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was developed by palliative care clinicians in collaboration with bereaved parents. In 2020, following pilot testing, an electronic survey measuring resident experience with, comfort with, and training on condolence expression was distributed to 202 third-year pediatric residents across 17 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited programs representing varying sizes and geographic regions. RESULTS Ten percent of pediatric residents surveyed reported having training on condolence expression. Almost all residents considered condolence expression to be beneficial for bereaved families and most for clinicians, too, yet very very few had formally expressed condolences in their roles as physicians: 83.1% had never written a condolence letter; 85% had never made a condolence phone call; and 90.5% had never attended a memorial event. Commonly reported barriers to condolence expression included lack of experience and training, as well as concern about upsetting families. CONCLUSIONS Pediatric residents lack comfort with and training in condolence expression and desire education to address these gaps. These findings should inform development and investigation of educational resources and training opportunities for residents to learn and practice compassionate provision of condolences to grieving families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Porter
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Meaghann S Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center (M.S.W.), Omaha, Nebraska, USA; National Center for Ethics in Healthcare (M.S.W.), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (J.M.S.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital (J.M.S.), Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chen Li
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Erica C Kaye
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (A.S.P., C.L., Z.L., J.N.B., E.C.K.), Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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48
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Nicoll J, Dryden-Palmer K, Frndova H, Gottesman R, Gray M, Hunt EA, Hutchison JS, Joffe AR, Lacroix J, Middaugh K, Nadkarni V, Szadkowski L, Tomlinson GA, Wensley D, Parshuram CS, Farrell C. Death and Dying in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Multicenter, Multinational Study. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:227-233. [PMID: 34847737 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: For hospitalized children admitted outside of a critical care unit, the location, mode of death, "do-not-resuscitate" order (DNR) use, and involvement of palliative care teams have not been described across high-income countries. Objective: To describe location of death, patient and terminal care plan characteristics of pediatric inpatient deaths inside and outside the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Design: Secondary analysis of inpatient deaths in the Evaluating Processes of Care and Outcomes of Children in Hospital (EPOCH) randomized controlled trial. Setting/Subjects: Twenty-one centers from Canada, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Measurement: Descriptive statistics were used to compare patient and terminal care plan characteristics. A multivariable generalized estimating equation examined if palliative care consult during hospital admission was associated with location of death. Results: A total of 365 of 144,539 patients enrolled in EPOCH died; 219 (60%) died in PICU and 143 (40%) died on another inpatient unit. Compared with other inpatient wards, patients who died in PICU were less likely to be expected to die, have a DNR or palliative care consult. Hospital palliative care consultation was more common in older children and independently associated with a lower adjusted odds (95% confidence interval) of dying in PICU [0.59 (0.52-0.68)]. Conclusion: Most pediatric inpatient deaths occur in PICU where patients were less likely to have a DNR or palliative care consult. Palliative care consultation could be better integrated into end-of-life care for younger children and those dying in PICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Nicoll
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Janeway Children's Health and Rehabilitation Centre, Discipline of Pediatrics, Memorial University, St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.,Centre for Safety Research, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Dryden-Palmer
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helena Frndova
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald Gottesman
- Department of Critical Care, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Gray
- Pediatric Intensive Care, St. George's Hospital, Tooting, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Hunt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - James S Hutchison
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ari R Joffe
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Stollery Children's Hospital, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacques Lacroix
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kristen Middaugh
- Centre for Safety Research, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vinay Nadkarni
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Leah Szadkowski
- Centre for Safety Research, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George A Tomlinson
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Wensley
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Chris S Parshuram
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Safety Research, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine Farrell
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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49
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Goldberg JM, Duplechain AC, Fraser CE, Boles JC. An Interdisciplinary Hospital-Based Committee to Improve Pediatric Bereavement Care. Hosp Pediatr 2021; 11:1287-1294. [PMID: 34599017 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2021-005964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although frequently overshadowed by adult mortality rates and bereavement care needs, the death of a child can significantly jeopardize the physical, psychosocial, and emotional health of surviving parents, caregivers, and family members. Unfortunately, researchers have only recently begun to explore the trajectory of pediatric bereavement care needs. As an ongoing public health concern, health care institutions and related organizations must partner with interdisciplinary care providers and bereaved families to design effective and sustainable bereavement supports in their communities. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to describe the development and accomplishments of an interdisciplinary bereavement committee at a children's hospital within an academic medical center. By relying on available empirical evidence and close collaboration with bereaved parent members, this effort has generated sizeable practice improvements and new service offerings within the organization, local community, and the individual patients and families the institution serves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Goldberg
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Anne C Duplechain
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Camille E Fraser
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jessika C Boles
- Patient- and Family-Centered Care, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee .,Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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50
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Arora G, Caliboso M, Baird J, Rusch R, Greenman J, Obregon D, Serwint JR. Educational Priorities for Providing End-of-Life Care: Parent Perspectives. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2021-051379. [PMID: 34518315 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-051379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Partnership with parents is a tenet of pediatric medicine; however, initiatives to include parents in education and research have been limited. Through focus groups, we included parents at the beginning of curriculum development by asking them to identify the priorities, existing supports, and opportunities for improvement in their child's end-of-life (EOL) care. METHODS English and Spanish-speaking bereaved parents whose child had been cared for by the palliative care team and had died >18 months before the study initiation were invited to participate. In-person focus groups and a follow-up phone call were used to elicit opinions and capture a diversity of viewpoints. Themes were identified and clustered through an iterative analytic process. RESULTS Twenty-seven parents of 17 children participated, with the total sample size determined by thematic saturation. Four themes were identified as important to parents in their child's EOL care: (1) honoring the role of the parent, (2) having confidence in the care team, (3) receiving gestures of love and caring, and (4) navigating logistic challenges. CONCLUSIONS We asked parents to be partners in guiding priorities for health care education and professional development to improve pediatric EOL care. In addition to strengthening skills in communication, confidence in the team, and compassion, parents in this study identified a need for hospital staff to anticipate financial and social stressors and provide supportive resources more readily. Additionally, parents described clinical and nonclinical staff as providing support, suggesting that a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary curriculum be developed to improve pediatric EOL care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitanjli Arora
- Division of Comfort and Palliative Care .,Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Obregon
- Diversity Services, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Janet R Serwint
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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