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Adistie F, Neilson S, Shaw KL, Bay B, Efstathiou N. The elements of end-of-life care provision in paediatric intensive care units: a systematic integrative review. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:184. [PMID: 39054465 PMCID: PMC11271050 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01512-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deaths in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are not uncommon. End-of-life care in PICUs is generally considered more challenging than other settings since it is framed within a context where care is focused on curative or life-sustaining treatments for children who are seriously ill. This review aimed to identify and synthesise literature related to the essential elements in the provision of end-of-life care in the PICU from the perspectives of both healthcare professionals (HCPs) and families. METHODS A systematic integrative review was conducted by searching EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Nursing and Allied Health Database, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Grey literature was searched via Electronic Theses Online Service (EthOS), OpenGrey, Grey literature report. Additionally, hand searches were performed by checking the reference lists of all included papers. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to screen retrieved papers by two reviewers independently. The findings were analysed using a constant comparative method. RESULTS Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Three elements in end-of-life care provision for children in the PICUs were identified: 1) Assessment of entering the end-of-life stage; 2) Discussion with parents and decision making; 3) End of life care processes, including care provided during the dying phase, care provided at the time of death, and care provided after death. CONCLUSION The focus of end-of-life care in PICUs varies depending on HCPs' and families' preferences, at different stages such as during the dying phase, at the time of death, and after the child died. Tailoring end-of-life care to families' beliefs and rituals was acknowledged as important by PICU HCPs. This review also emphasises the importance of HCPs collaborating to provide the optimum end-of-life care in the PICU and involving a palliative care team in end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Adistie
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.
| | - Susan Neilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karen L Shaw
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Betul Bay
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolaos Efstathiou
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Chatmon BN, Richoux D, Sweeney B. The Impact of End-of-Life Care Among Nurses Working in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am 2023; 35:275-286. [PMID: 37532381 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2023.04.002] [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: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Health care providers caring for patients at the end of life (EOL) are faced with a multitude of emotions such as guilt, anger, sadness, and helplessness. Because of the negative impact of initiating EOL care (EOLC) to the pediatric population, organizations must be proactive in instituting education and resources on EOLC. They must also provide advanced skills to nurses who take care of patients at their EOL. Understanding the consequences of providing EOL care to patients in the pediatric intensive care unit allows for better allocation of resources and support services for nurses. This improves patient outcomes and nurse retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benita N Chatmon
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans, School of Nursing, 1900 Gravier Street, Room 5B14, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Dianne Richoux
- Nicholls State University, School of Nursing, 906 East 1st Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA
| | - Brittany Sweeney
- Nicholls State University, School of Nursing, 906 East 1st Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301, USA
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Coats H, Doyon K, Isaacson MJ, Tay D, Rosa WE, Mayahara M, Kates J, Frechman E, Wright PM, Boyden JY, Broden EG, Hinds PS, James R, Keller S, Thrane SE, Mooney-Doyle K, Sullivan SS, Xu J, Tanner J, Natal M. The 2023-2026 Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association Research Agenda. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2023; 25:55-74. [PMID: 36843048 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hospice and Palliative Nursing Association established the triannual research agenda to ( a ) provide focus for researchers to conduct meaningful scientific and quality improvement initiatives and inform evidence-based practice, ( b ) guide organizational funding, and ( c ) illustrate to other stakeholders the importance of nursing research foci. HPNA Research Agendas are developed to give direction for future research to continue advancing expert care in serious illness and ensure equitable delivery of hospice and palliative care.
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Cuviello A, Pasli M, Hurley C, Bhatia S, Anghelescu DL, Baker JN. Compassionate de-escalation of life-sustaining treatments in pediatric oncology: An opportunity for palliative care and intensive care collaboration. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1017272. [PMID: 36313632 PMCID: PMC9606590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1017272] [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] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Approximately 40%-60% of deaths in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are in the context of de-escalation of life-sustaining treatments (LSTs), including compassionate extubation, withdrawal of vasopressors, or other LSTs. Suffering at the end of life (EOL) is often undertreated and underrecognized. Pain and poor quality of life are common concerns amongst parents and providers at a child’s EOL. Integration of palliative care (PC) may decrease suffering and improve symptom management in many clinical situations; however, few studies have described medical management and symptom burden in children with cancer in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) undergoing de-escalation of LSTs. Methods A retrospective chart review was completed for deceased pediatric oncology patients who experienced compassionate extubation and/or withdrawal of vasopressor support at EOL in the PICU. Demographics, EOL characteristics, and medication use for symptom management were abstracted. Descriptive analyses were applied. Results Charts of 43 patients treated over a 10-year period were reviewed. Most patients (69.8%) were white males who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and experienced compassionate extubation (67.4%) and/or withdrawal of vasopressor support (44.2%). The majority (88.3%) had a physician order for scope of treatment (POST – DNaR) in place an average of 13.9 days before death. PC was consulted for all but one patient; however, in 18.6% of cases, consultations occurred on the day of death. During EOL, many patients received medications to treat or prevent respiratory distress, pain, and agitation/anxiety. Sedative medications were utilized, specifically propofol (14%), dexmedetomidine (12%), or both (44%), often with opioids and benzodiazepines. Conclusions Pediatric oncology patients undergoing de-escalation of LSTs experience symptoms of pain, anxiety, and respiratory distress during EOL. Dexmedetomidine and propofol may help prevent and/or relieve suffering during compassionate de-escalation of LSTs. Further efforts to optimize institutional policies, education, and collaborations between pediatric intensivists and PC teams are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cuviello
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrea Cuviello,
| | - Melisa Pasli
- Pediatric Oncology Education Program, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Caitlin Hurley
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Departments of Pediatric Medicine and Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Shalini Bhatia
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Doralina L. Anghelescu
- Division of Anesthesiology, Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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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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Broden EG, Werner-Lin A, Curley MAQ, Hinds PS. Shifting and intersecting needs: Parents' experiences during and following the withdrawal of life sustaining treatments in the paediatric intensive care unit. Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2022; 70:103216. [PMID: 35219558 PMCID: PMC9128001 DOI: 10.1016/j.iccn.2022.103216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine parents' perceptions of nursing care needs; including specific concerns, preferences and supportive actions for themselves and their dying child during and following the withdrawal of life support in the paediatric intensive care unit. RESEARCH DESIGN Qualitative description with content analysis. SETTING Interviews with eight parents of eight children who died in the paediatric intensive care unit 7-11 years prior. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive categories of parents' perceptions of end-of-life needs. FINDINGS Parents identified four shifting and intersecting categories of needs: To be together, To make sense of the child's evolving clinical care, To manage institutional, situational, and structural factors, and To navigate an array of emotions in a sterile context. Being closely connected with the child was highly important, but often intersected with other domains, requiring nurses' support. Parents' memories demonstrated persistent uncertainty about their child's end-of-life care that influenced their long-term grief. CONCLUSIONS Intersections between parent-identified care needs suggest potential mechanisms to strengthen nurses' care for dying children. Equipped with the knowledge that the parent-child bond often shapes parents' priorities; nurses should aim to facilitate connections amidst paediatric intensive care unit processes. Ongoing uncertainty in parents' adaptation to loss suggests that attention to instances when needs intersect can have a lasting impact on parents' grief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Psychosocial Oncology & Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 375 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States; University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
| | - Allison Werner-Lin
- University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy and Practice, 3701 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, United States
| | - Martha A Q Curley
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States; Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, United States; George Washington University, 2121 I St NW, Washington, DC 20052, United States
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