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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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2
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Anagnostou A. Shared decision-making in food allergy: Navigating an exciting era. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024; 132:313-320. [PMID: 37742794 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Shared decision-making (SDM) is increasingly used in food allergy. We review its use in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, and management. DATA SOURCES PubMed and online SDM resources. STUDY SELECTIONS Studies and reviews relevant to SDM and areas in food allergy that decision-making may be applied were selected for discussion. RESULTS Food allergy represents an area with multiple opportunities for SDM. Patients, on one hand, need to obtain the necessary information and understanding of existing options from the allergist. The allergist, on the other hand, needs to understand "where the patient is coming from," their needs, preferences, and values, so that jointly they can reach a decision that is responsive to these. Benefits of SDM include a better understanding of disease by patients, improved compliance with medication, better health outcomes, decreased health care costs, and improved ability of patients to manage their disease and make informed choices. CONCLUSION In food allergy prevention, diagnosis, and management, multiple preference-sensitive options exist for patients where SDM may be used during allergy consultations, alongside decision aids. Decision aids are tools that assist and support patients during the SDM process, by supplementing the patient-physician interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aikaterini Anagnostou
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas; Division of Allergy, Immunology & Retrovirology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
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3
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Geurtzen R, Wilkinson DJC. Incorporating parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:225-235. [PMID: 38219752 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating parental values in complex medical decisions for young children is important but challenging. In this Review, we explore what it means to incorporate parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. We provide a narrative overview of the paediatric, ethics, and medical decision-making literature, focusing on value-based and ethically complex decisions for children who are too young to express their own preferences. We explain key concepts and definitions, discuss paediatric-specific features, reflect on challenges in learning and expressing values for both parents and health-care providers, and provide recommendations for clinical practice. Decisional values are informed by global and external values and could relate to the child, the parents, and the whole family. These values should inform preferences and assure value-congruent choices. Additionally, parents might hold various meta values on the process of decision making itself. Complex decisions for young children are emotionally taxing, ethically difficult, and often surrounded by uncertainty. These contextual factors make it more likely that values and preferences are initially absent or unstable and need to be constructed or stabilised. Health-care professionals and parents should work together to construct and clarify values and incorporate them into personalised decisions for the child. An open communication style, with unbiased and tailored information in a supportive environment, is helpful. Dedicated training in communication and shared decision making could help to improve the incorporation of parental values in complex decisions for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Geurtzen
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute of Healthcare Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Dominic J C Wilkinson
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
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4
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Morillo Palomo A, Esquerda Aresté M, Riverola de Veciana A, Cambra Lasaosa FJ. End-of-life decision-making in the neonatal intensive care unit. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1352485. [PMID: 38259598 PMCID: PMC10800896 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1352485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most paediatric deaths occur in the neonatal period, many of them in neonatal intensive care units after withdrawal of life support or the decision not to initiate new treatments. In these circumstances, discussions with families and decision-making are fundamental elements of the care and attention given to newborn babies. In this context, bioethical deliberation can help us to identify the values at stake, the different courses of action to be taken, and the means to ensure that family-shared decision-making is appropriate to the patient's situation and in accordance with the family's values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Morillo Palomo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Esquerda Aresté
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Francisco José Cambra Lasaosa
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Shared decision-making (SDM) with parents and adolescents is normative in pediatric practice in North America. In this article we discuss how it is applicable to the practice of pediatric palliative care (PPC). As PPC itself is exemplary of patient-and-family-centered care, it often uses a SDM approach in clarifying patient and family preferences, goals, and values. This often occurs in an iterative process and across care environments, wherein the patient and family narrative is elaborated. Decisions are then made incorporating both evidence-based medical practice and the unique attributes and considerations of the patient and family.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Stroh
- Division of Palliative Care, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas City School of Medicine, USA
| | - Brian S Carter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas City School of Medicine, USA; Department of Medical Humanities & Bioethics, University of Kansas City School of Medicine, USA; Bioethics Center, Children's Mercy-Kansas City, USA.
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Thorvilson MJ, Carroll K, Kaemingk BD, Schaepe KS, Collura CA. The use of projected autonomy in antenatal shared decision-making for periviable neonates: a qualitative study. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2023; 9:15. [PMID: 38037157 PMCID: PMC10691151 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-023-00168-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we assessed the communication strategies used by neonatologists in antenatal consultations which may influence decision-making when determining whether to provide resuscitation or comfort measures only in the care of periviable neonates. METHODS This study employed a qualitative study design using inductive thematic discourse analysis of 'naturally occurring data' in the form of antenatal conversations around resuscitation decisions at the grey zone of viability. The study occurred between February 2017 and June 2018 on a labor and delivery unit within a large Midwestern tertiary care hospital. Participants included 25 mothers who were admitted to the study hospital with anticipated delivery in the grey zone of viability and practicing neonatologists or neonatology fellows who partnered in antenatal consultation. We used a two-stage inductive analytic process to focus on how neonatologists' discourses constructed SDM in antenatal consultations. First, we used a thematic discourse analysis to interpret the recurring patterns of meaning within the transcribed antenatal consultations, and second, we theorized the subsequent effects of these discourses on shaping the context of SDM in antenatal encounters. RESULTS In this qualitative study, that included discourse analysis of real-time audio conversations in 25 antenatal consults, neonatologists used language that creates projected autonomy through (i) descriptions of fetal physiology (ii) development of the fetus's presence, and (iii) fetal role in decision-making. CONCLUSION Discourse analysis of real-time audio conversations in antenatal consultations was revelatory of how various discursive patterns brought the fetus into decision-making, thus changing who is considered the key actor in SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Thorvilson
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905 (507)-255-0117, USA.
| | - Katherine Carroll
- School of Sociology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Bethany D Kaemingk
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905 (507)-255-0117, USA
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford Children's Hospital, Fargo, ND, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
| | - Karen S Schaepe
- Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Christopher A Collura
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905 (507)-255-0117, USA
- Division of Neonatal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Salter EK, Hester DM, Vinarcsik L, Matheny Antommaria AH, Bester J, Blustein J, Wright Clayton E, Diekema DS, Iltis AS, Kopelman LM, Malone JR, Mercurio MR, Navin MC, Paquette ET, Pope TM, Rhodes R, Ross LF. Pediatric Decision Making: Consensus Recommendations. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023061832. [PMID: 37555276 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-061832] [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] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite apparent disagreement in the scholarly literature on standards of pediatric decision making, a recognition that similar norms underpin many of the dominant frameworks motivated a June 2022 symposium "Best Interests and Beyond: Standards of Decision Making in Pediatrics" in St Louis, MO. Over the course of this 3-day symposium, 17 expert scholars (see author list) deliberated on the question "In the context of US pediatric care, what moral precepts ought to guide parents and clinicians in medical decision making for children?" The symposium and subsequent discussion generated 6 consensus recommendations for pediatric decision making, constructed with the primary goals of accessibility, teachability, and feasibility for practicing clinicians, parents, and legal guardians. In this article, we summarize these recommendations, including their justification, limitations, and remaining concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Micah Hester
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Department of Medical Humanities & Bioethics, Little Rock, Arkansas
- Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | | | - Armand H Matheny Antommaria
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | - Ellen Wright Clayton
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center & Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Ana S Iltis
- Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Loretta M Kopelman
- East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
- Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Mark C Navin
- Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
- Corwell Health East, Southfield, Michigan
| | - Erin Talati Paquette
- Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | | | - Lainie F Ross
- University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- University of Rochester, Rochester New York
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Taub S, Lanocha N. Shared Decision-making in Pediatrics: Toward a More Participatory Model. Pediatr Rev 2023; 44:50-52. [PMID: 36587016 DOI: 10.1542/pir.2021-004984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Taub
- Division of Palliative Care and Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | - Natalie Lanocha
- Division of Palliative Care and Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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Walter JK, Hill D, Drust WA, Lisanti A, DeWitt A, Seelhorst A, Hasiuk ML, Arnold R, Feudtner C. Intervention Codesign in the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit to Improve Family Meetings. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:8-16. [PMID: 35339610 PMCID: PMC9189043 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Family meetings are encouraged in the pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) with the expectation of supporting parental shared decision-making (SDM). However, they often fall short of this goal. Additionally, interprofessional team and family meetings are dominated by input from physicians, under-utilizing the skillset of the full clinical team. OBJECTIVES 1) To determine feasibility of a codesign process to optimize the preparation of the interprofessional team and parents for conducting SDM-oriented family meetings in the CICU, and 2) to describe the resulting elements of the intervention including new support documents for the team and family to prepare for the meeting, team member roles in the meeting, and optimization of communication skills. METHODS Experience-based codesign was used with CICU clinicians and parents of children hospitalized in the CICU to develop an intervention at a single institution. Sessions were audio recorded and transcribed and analyzed using modified grounded theory. Participants were surveyed about their engagement in the codesign process to assess feasibility. RESULTS Fifteen professionals and six parents enrolled in the codesign and endorsed engagement in the process and importance of the intervention elements. Participants identified the benefit of complementary parent and team preparation for family meetings noting five distinct types of meetings that occurred frequently. Documents, processes, and skills training were developed to improve interprofessional teamwork regarding shared decision making and support of parents in family meetings. CONCLUSION A codesign of an intervention with clinicians and parents in the CICU is a feasible and resulted in an intervention with broad support among clinicians in the CICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Walter
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team (J.K.W., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (J.K.W., D.H., W.A.D., A.L., C.F.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Douglas Hill
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (J.K.W., D.H., W.A.D., A.L., C.F.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William A Drust
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (J.K.W., D.H., W.A.D., A.L., C.F.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amy Lisanti
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (J.K.W., D.H., W.A.D., A.L., C.F.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Family and Community Health (A.L.), University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aaron DeWitt
- Division of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine (A.D., A.S.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda Seelhorst
- Division of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine (A.D., A.S.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ma Luisa Hasiuk
- Department of Patient and Family Services (M.L.H.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Arnold
- Section of Palliative Care (R.A.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Palliative and Supportive Institute UMPC Health System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team (J.K.W., C.F.), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute (J.K.W., D.H., W.A.D., A.L., C.F.), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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Tenney-Soeiro R, Sieplinga K. Teaching about children with medical complexity: A blueprint for curriculum design. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2021; 51:101129. [PMID: 35086780 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2021.101129] [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: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Children with medical complexity make up a small portion of the pediatric population but utilize a large percentage of health care time and spending. The medical needs of children with medical complexity are highly variable and the education of healthcare providers in the care of these children has taken on more significance. Designing curricula and educational innovations related to the care of children with medical complexity can be challenging. Familiarity with the sociocultural theory, the zone of proximal development, Kolb's experiential learning model, and the educational resources that already exist allow for more ease in developing a curriculum that fits the needs of learners who may have a wide range of exposure to children with medical complexity. Flipped classroom models, simulations, asynchronous modules, and home and community experiences are all useful learning modalities to provide a varied and important curriculum. Taking advantage of the knowledge and skills of the many different members of the multi-disciplinary team caring for children with medical complexity is an important educational strategy that provides benefits to the learners and can enhance interprofessional education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tenney-Soeiro
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Kira Sieplinga
- Assistant Professor Pediatrics, Program Director Pediatric Residency Spectrum Health, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
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Dalembert G, Samba I, Miller VA, Ford CA, Fiks AG. Perspectives of Urban Adolescent Black Males and Their Parents on Well Care. Acad Pediatr 2021; 21:336-343. [PMID: 32861804 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2020.08.018] [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: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Adolescents have fewer well-care visits than all other age groups. Males and ethnic minorities are seen least often. We elicited from Black adolescent males and their parents key drivers of teen well-care seeking. METHODS We conducted separate semistructured interviews with Black adolescent males and their parents. We recruited parent-teen dyads from West Philadelphia. Eligible teens were age 13 to 18, with no complex chronic health conditions. We purposively sampled teens who had not received preventive care in at least 2 years, some of whom had since returned to care and some not. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by 2 coders using the constant comparative method, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Interviews continued until thematic saturation. RESULTS We interviewed 23 Black adolescent males (mean age 15) and 22 parents (20 mothers). Participants understood that teens should routinely receive preventive care. Four themes emerged: receiving preventive care is important to knowing teens are mentally and physically well; remembering to schedule/attend visits is challenging - participants find appointment reminders helpful; mothers noted that males of all ages are generally disengaged from health care; teens and parents felt that a "good" parent ensures teens receive preventive care. CONCLUSIONS Black adolescent males and their parents value regular preventive care as an opportunity to ensure the teen is physically and mentally well, but competing priorities interfere with care receipt. Results support testing the impact of reminders on receipt of care in this population. These reminders may be most effective if directed at mothers and focused on "good parenting."
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Affiliation(s)
- George Dalembert
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (G Dalembert, I Samba, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (G Dalembert, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa.
| | - Ima Samba
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (G Dalembert, I Samba, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (G Dalembert, I Samba, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (G Dalembert, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Carol A Ford
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (G Dalembert, I Samba, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (G Dalembert, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa
| | - Alexander G Fiks
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (G Dalembert, I Samba, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (G Dalembert, VA Miller, CA Ford, and AG Fiks), Philadelphia, Pa
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Lee KJ, Hill DL, Feudtner C. Decision-Making for Children with Medical Complexity: The Role of the Primary Care Pediatrician. Pediatr Ann 2020; 49:e473-e477. [PMID: 33170295 DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20201013-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Families of children with medical complexity (CMC) face many types of health-related decisions. These decisions vary in magnitude of consequences, degree of risk, time scale, degree of tradeoffs, degree of uncertainty, degree of linkage with other decisions, and reversibility. There are many influences on decision-making, including evidence, hopes, and values. Primary care pediatricians are in a unique position to assist families of CMC with decision-making. Pediatric clinicians have an opportunity to establish a trusting relationship with a family over time and to understand the family's values, beliefs, and preferences during periods of relative health and stability. This allows primary care pediatricians to support families in decision-making by helping to clarify their values and goals and apply those values to the decision at hand. [Pediatr Ann. 2020;49(11):e473-e477.].
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Gómez-Vírseda C, de Maeseneer Y, Gastmans C. Relational autonomy in end-of-life care ethics: a contextualized approach to real-life complexities. BMC Med Ethics 2020; 21:50. [PMID: 32605569 PMCID: PMC7325052 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-020-00495-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Respect for autonomy is a paramount principle in end-of-life ethics. Nevertheless, empirical studies show that decision-making, exclusively focused on the individual exercise of autonomy fails to align well with patients’ preferences at the end of life. The need for a more contextualized approach that meets real-life complexities experienced in end-of-life practices has been repeatedly advocated. In this regard, the notion of ‘relational autonomy’ may be a suitable alternative approach. Relational autonomy has even been advanced as a foundational notion of palliative care, shared decision-making, and advance-care planning. However, relational autonomy in end-of-life care is far from being clearly conceptualized or practically operationalized. Main body Here, we develop a relational account of autonomy in end-of-life care, one based on a dialogue between lived reality and conceptual thinking. We first show that the complexities of autonomy as experienced by patients and caregivers in end-of-life practices are inadequately acknowledged. Second, we critically reflect on how engaging a notion of relational autonomy can be an adequate answer to addressing these complexities. Our proposal brings into dialogue different ethical perspectives and incorporates multidimensional, socially embedded, scalar, and temporal aspects of relational theories of autonomy. We start our reflection with a case in end-of-life care, which we use as an illustration throughout our analysis. Conclusion This article develops a relational account of autonomy, which responds to major shortcomings uncovered in the mainstream interpretation of this principle and which can be applied to end-of-life care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gómez-Vírseda
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/3, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Yves de Maeseneer
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies (Theological and Comparative Ethics), KU Leuven, Sint-Michielsstraat 4 - box 3101, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 blok d - box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
The ethical dilemmas and predominant frameworks surrounding decision making for critically ill newborns have evolved substantially over the last 40 years. A shared decision-making approach is now favored, involving an exchange of information between parents and clinicians that emphasizes parental values and preferences, resulting in a personalized approach to decision making. In this review, we summarize the history of clinical decision making with a focus on the NICU, highlight different models of decision making, describe the advantages and current limitations of shared decision making, and discuss the ongoing and future challenges of decision making in the NICU amidst medical innovations and emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sullivan
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Christy Cummings
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Madrigal
- Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Ethics Program.
Children’s National Health System, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jennifer K Walter
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team and Department of Medical
Ethics. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United
States
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16
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Joong A, Derrington SF, Patel A, Thrush PT, Allen KY, Marino BS. Providing Compassionate End of Life Care in the Setting of Mechanical Circulatory Support. CURRENT PEDIATRICS REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40124-019-00206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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17
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Relational autonomy: what does it mean and how is it used in end-of-life care? A systematic review of argument-based ethics literature. BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:76. [PMID: 31655573 PMCID: PMC6815421 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respect for autonomy is a key concept in contemporary bioethics and end-of-life ethics in particular. Despite this status, an individualistic interpretation of autonomy is being challenged from the perspective of different theoretical traditions. Many authors claim that the principle of respect for autonomy needs to be reconceptualised starting from a relational viewpoint. Along these lines, the notion of relational autonomy is attracting increasing attention in medical ethics. Yet, others argue that relational autonomy needs further clarification in order to be adequately operationalised for medical practice. To this end, we examined the meaning, foundations, and uses of relational autonomy in the specific literature of end-of-life care ethics. METHODS Using PRESS and PRISMA procedures, we conducted a systematic review of argument-based ethics publications in 8 major databases of biomedical, philosophy, and theology literature that focused on relational autonomy in end-of-life care. Full articles were screened. All included articles were critically appraised, and a synthesis was produced. RESULTS Fifty publications met our inclusion criteria. Twenty-eight articles were published in the last 5 years; publications were originating from 18 different countries. Results are organized according to: (a) an individualistic interpretation of autonomy; (b) critiques of this individualistic interpretation of autonomy; (c) relational autonomy as theoretically conceptualised; (d) relational autonomy as applied to clinical practice and moral judgment in end-of-life situations. CONCLUSIONS Three main conclusions were reached. First, literature on relational autonomy tends to be more a 'reaction against' an individualistic interpretation of autonomy rather than be a positive concept itself. Dichotomic thinking can be overcome by a deeper development of the philosophical foundations of autonomy. Second, relational autonomy is a rich and complex concept, formulated in complementary ways from different philosophical sources. New dialogue among traditionally divergent standpoints will clarify the meaning. Third, our analysis stresses the need for dialogical developments in decision making in end-of-life situations. Integration of these three elements will likely lead to a clearer conceptualisation of relational autonomy in end-of-life care ethics. This should in turn lead to better decision-making in real-life situations.
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Adams RC, Levy SE. Shared Decision-Making and Children With Disabilities: Pathways to Consensus. Pediatrics 2017; 139:peds.2017-0956. [PMID: 28562298 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-0956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Shared decision-making (SDM) promotes family and clinician collaboration, with ultimate goals of improved health and satisfaction. This clinical report provides a basis for a systematic approach to the implementation of SDM by clinicians for children with disabilities. Often in the discussion of treatment plans, there are gaps between the child's/family's values, priorities, and understanding of perceived "best choices" and those of the clinician. When conducted well, SDM affords an appropriate balance incorporating voices of all stakeholders, ultimately supporting both the child/family and clinician. With increasing knowledge of and functional use of SDM skills, the clinician will become an effective partner in the decision-making process with families, providing family-centered care. The outcome of the process will support the beneficence of the physician, the authority of the family, and the autonomy and well-being of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Adams
- aUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas
| | - Susan E. Levy
- bCenter for Autism Research, Division Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- cPerelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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