Aromatherapy improves nausea, pain, and mood for patients receiving pediatric palliative care symptom-based consults: A pilot design trial
pain; integrative therapy; Aromatherapy; complementary and alternative therapy; mood; nausea; pediatric palliative
OBJECTIVE: The role of aromatherapy in supportive symptom management for pediatric patients receiving palliative care has been underexplored. This pilot study aimed to measure the impact of aromatherapy using validated child-reported nausea, pain, and mood scales 5 minutes and 60 minutes after aromatherapy exposure. METHODS: The 3 intervention arms included use of a symptom-specific aromatherapy sachet scent involving deep breathing. The parallel default control arm (for those children with medical exclusion criteria to aromatherapy) included use of a visual imagery picture envelope and deep breathing. Symptom burden was sequentially assessed at 5 and 60 minutes using the Baxter Retching Faces scale for nausea, the Wong-Baker FACES scale for pain, and the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale (CAPS) for anxious mood. Ninety children or adolescents (mean age 9.4 years) at a free-standing children's hospital in the United States were included in each arm (total n = 180). RESULTS: At 5 minutes, there was a mean improvement of 3/10 (standard deviation [SD] 2.21) on the nausea scale; 2.6/10 (SD 1.83) on the pain scale; and 1.6/5 (SD 0.93) on the mood scale for the aromatherapy cohort (p < 0.0001). Symptom burden remained improved at 60 minutes post-intervention (<0.0001). Visual imagery with deep breathing improved self-reports of symptoms but was not as consistently sustained at 60 minutes. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Aromatherapy represents an implementable supportive care intervention for pediatric patients receiving palliative care consults for symptom burden. The high number of children disqualified from the aromatherapy arm because of pulmonary or allergy indications warrants further attention to outcomes for additional breathing-based integrative modalities.
Weaver M S; Robinson J; Wichman C
Palliative and Supportive Care
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1017/s1478951519000555" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1017/s1478951519000555</a>
Pediatric Resident Experience Caring for Children at the End of Life in a Children's Hospital
death; article; child; female; human; major clinical study; male; palliative therapy; retrospective study; controlled study; terminal care; resuscitation; education; medical record review; statistics; burnout; drug withdrawal; Burnout; End-of-Life Care; life sustaining treatment; Palliative Care; postgraduate student; resident; Resident Education
OBJECTIVES: Pediatric residents are expected to be competent in end of life (EOL) care. We aimed to quantify pediatric resident exposure to patient deaths, and the context of these exposures. METHOD(S): Retrospective chart review of all deceased patients at one children's hospital over three years collected patient demographics, time and location of death. Mode of death was determined after chart review. Each death was cross-referenced with pediatric resident call schedules to determine residents involved within 48 hours of death. Descriptive statistics are presented. RESULT(S): Of 579 patients who died during the study period, 46% had resident involvement. Most deaths occurred in the NICU (30% of all deaths) however, resident exposure to EOL care most commonly occurred in the PICU (52% of resident exposures) and were after withdrawals of life-sustaining therapy (41%), followed by non-escalation (31%) and failed resuscitation (15%). During their post-graduate year (PGY)-1, <1% of residents encountered a patient death. During PGY-2 and PGY-3, 96% and 78%, respectively, of residents encountered at least one death. During PGY-2, residents encountered a mean of 3.5 patient deaths (range 0-12); during PGY-3, residents encountered a mean of 1.4 deaths (range 0-5). Residents observed for their full 3-year residency encountered a mean of 5.6 deaths (range 2-10). CONCLUSION(S): Pediatric residents have limited but variable exposure to EOL care, with most exposures in the ICU after withdrawal of life-sustaining technology. Educators should consider how to optimize EOL education with limited clinical exposure, and design resident support and education with these variable exposures in mind. Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Trowbridge A; Bamat T; Griffis H; McConathey E; Feudtner C; Walter J K
Academic pediatrics.
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2019.07.008" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.acap.2019.07.008</a>
The impact of home-based physical rehabilitation program on parents' experience with children in palliative care: a qualitative study
adult; article; child; human; palliative therapy; genetic transcription; qualitative research; thematic analysis; home environment; pain; quality of life; education; young adult; semi structured interview; practice guideline; Spain
BACKGROUND: Pediatric palliative care programs aim to improve the quality of life of children with severe life-threatening illnesses, and that of their families. Although rehabilitation and physical therapy provides a valuable tool for the control of symptoms, it has been poorly researched to date. Since the family represents such a fundamental support in these cases, it is important to deepen our understanding regarding the value of implementing rehabilitation programs from the parents' perspective. AIM: The aim of this paper was to explore parents' experiences regarding the implementation of a physical rehabilitation program in pediatric palliative care. DESIGN: A qualitative methodology was chosen. SETTING: The unit of pediatric palliative care at the Hospital Nino Jesus (Madrid, Spain). POPULATION: The inclusion criteria were: 1) parents of children, irrespective of their diagnosis; 2) integrated within the program of palliative care at the time of study; 3) aged between 0-18 years; 4) must be receiving Home-Based Rehabilitation Program by the Pediatric Palliative Care team. Fourteen parents were included. METHOD(S): Purposeful sampling method was implemented. Data collection consisted of unstructured and semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was performed to interpret transcripts. Guidelines for conducting qualitative studies established by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed. RESULT(S): Three main themes were identified: 1) the meaning of physical rehabilitation to parents; 2) physical rehabilitation as an opportunity for patients to stay in their home environment; and 3) home-based physical rehabilitation as part of the families' social environment. CONCLUSION(S): The main needs of a home physical rehabilitation program are to decrease pain and suffering, together with improving family education and training. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The experience of rehabilitation programs at home is essential in order to improve both the quality of life and the quality of care of affected children and parents.
Rico-Mena P; Palacios-Cena D; Martino-Alba R; Chocarro-Gonzalez L; Gueita-Rodriguez J
European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.19.05474-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.23736/S1973-9087.19.05474-1</a>
Perinatal palliative care education: An integrative review
Education; Health care professionals; Integrative review; Perinatal palliative care; Training
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to analyze the effectiveness of teaching healthcare professionals in perinatal palliative care, methods of evaluating the teaching, and the teaching strategies used. DESIGN: An integrative review. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted for English language peer reviewed publications of any research design via SCOPUS, Medline/PubMed, EBSCOhost, Science Direct, ERIC, Web of Science, Wiley, Nursing Ovid, and ProQuest databases. Fourteen research papers published between 2002 and 2017 that met the selection criteria were included in the review. FINDINGS: All 14 studies considered perinatal bereavement education to be effective. Eight studies reported statistical improvements in knowledge, security/comfort in providing end-of-life care, or increased perceptions of the emotional care needs of bereaved families, after attending an educational program. Questionnaires or interviews were used to evaluate the educational programs. Innovative teaching strategies, in particular, were evaluated positively (e.g., simulation, discussion, and arts-based methods). CONCLUSION: Perinatal palliative care education is essential in pregradual education for midwives and neonatal nurses. Other research is vital for finding out the effectiveness of this education for pregraduate nursing students. Perinatal palliative care education programs need to be available in postgraduate education for professionals who encounter perinatal death and bereaved families in hospital and community care.
Ratislavova K; Buzgova R; Vejvodova J
Nurse Education Today
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2019.08.003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.nedt.2019.08.003</a>
Juggling amidst complexity' – Hospice staff's experience of providing palliative care for infants referred from a neonatal unit
Human; Qualitative Studies; Infant; England; Attitude of Health Personnel -- Evaluation; Focus Groups; Hospice Care -- In Infancy and Childhood; Hospital Units; Infant Care; Neonatal Nursing; Palliative Care -- In Infancy and Childhood; Referral and Consultation; Thematic Analysis; Work Experiences
Hospice has been pivotal to children's palliative care provision in the United Kingdom (UK) for more than 3 decades. Some hospices have recently expanded to include care of infants transferred from neonatal units as well as antenatal referrals. Despite developments evidence suggests hospice care is often not offered to parents in neonatal units (NNU). This study examines perspectives of 17 staff from 3 children's hospices regarding the challenges and opportunities caring for infants in hospice. Data was collected from 3 focus groups and analysed using a thematic approach. Findings suggest that hospice staff juggle many complex issues when caring for infants at the end-of-life. Such issues centre round the referral process from hospital services borne from an apparent reluctance of hospital staff to let go, through involving hospice. Education, partnership working, planning for all possible outcomes seems crucial in further developing quality palliative care for infants and their families.
Price J E; Mendizabal-Espinosa R M
Journal of Neonatal Nursing
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2019.03.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.jnn.2019.03.001</a>
Efficacy of the Paediatrics Palliative Care Team of Murcia according to the experience of the parents
death; article; child; female; human; male; palliative therapy; retrospective study; controlled study; human experiment; pediatrics; terminal care; shared decision making; satisfaction; Palliative care; newborn; questionnaire; pediatrician; bereavement support; End-of-life care; Improvements; observational study; Paediatric; Parental perspectives; Questionnaire; Survey
Introduction: The care at the end of children's lives must be sensitive to the needs of the child and their family. An understanding of the illness is required from the perspective of parents faced with the death of their child, in order to improve quality and guide the development of end-of-life care in Paediatrics. Method(s): A retrospective observational study was conducted between June 2014 and June 2017 using a questionnaire, to assess the needs, experiences, and satisfaction with the care received, from a sample of parents who lost a child due to a foreseeable cause. Three different study groups were formed based on the team responsible for end-of-life care, and an analysis was carried out on the differences between the group treated by the paediatric palliative care team, the group attended by non-palliative paediatricians, and the neonatal group. Result(s): Of the 80 eligible families, 64 could be contacted, and 28 (43.8%) finally completed the questionnaire. Our study shows positive experiences and high satisfaction of parents with the care received at the end of their child's life. The highest scores in experiences and satisfaction were given by the parents of the children served by the paediatric palliative care team, with statistically significant differences in family support, communication, shared decision making, and bereavement support (P < .05). Conclusion(s): Parents are satisfied with the care received at the end of their children's lives, but the intervention of a specific paediatric palliative care team improves the quality of care at the end of life in paediatrics. Copyright © 2019
Plaza Fornieles M; Garcia-Marcos B P; Galera Minarro A M; Barbieri G; Bellavia N; Bermudez Cortes M D M; Navarro M A
Anales de Pediatria.
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.anpedi.2019.07.001" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.anpedi.2019.07.001</a>
The Role of Child Life Specialists in Providing Culturally Responsive Palliative Care to the Mexican Origin Community
human; palliative therapy; pediatric patient; coping behavior; terminal care; bereavement; grief; medical specialist; health care system; bereavement support; breathing exercise; child life specialist; communication skill; cultural anthropology; family centered care; guided imagery; health care delivery; health personnel attitude; letter; medical procedures; Mexican; relaxation training; religion; scope of practice
Petkus J M
Journal of Palliative Medicine
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2019.0203" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1089/jpm.2019.0203</a>
Integration of Pediatric Palliative Care Into Cardiac Intensive Care: A Champion-Based Model
article; child; human; palliative therapy; skill; coronary care unit; multicenter study; staff; patient referral; clinician; hospitalization; total quality management; mortality; comorbidity; conceptual framework; consensus; feasibility study; heart disease; morbidity; rotation
Integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into management of children with serious illness and their families is endorsed as the standard of care. Despite this, timely referral to and integration of PPC into the traditionally cure-oriented cardiac ICU (CICU) remains variable. Despite dramatic declines in mortality in pediatric cardiac disease, key challenges confront the CICU community. Given increasing comorbidities, technological dependence, lengthy recurrent hospitalizations, and interventions risking significant morbidity, many patients in the CICU would benefit from PPC involvement across the illness trajectory. Current PPC delivery models have inherent disadvantages, insufficiently address the unique aspects of the CICU setting, place significant burden on subspecialty PPC teams, and fail to use CICU clinician skill sets. We therefore propose a novel conceptual framework for PPC-CICU integration based on literature review and expert interdisciplinary, multi-institutional consensus-building. This model uses interdisciplinary CICU-based champions who receive additional PPC training through courses and subspecialty rotations. PPC champions strengthen CICU PPC provision by (1) leading PPC-specific educational training of CICU staff; (2) liaising between CICU and PPC, improving use of support staff and encouraging earlier subspecialty PPC involvement in complex patients' management; and (3) developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives and CICU-specific PPC protocols. Our PPC-CICU integration model is designed for adaptability within institutional, cultural, financial, and logistic constraints, with potential applications in other pediatric settings, including ICUs. Although the PPC champion framework offers several unique advantages, barriers to implementation are anticipated and additional research is needed to investigate the model's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Copyright © 2019 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Moynihan K M; Snaman J M; Kaye E C; Morrison W E; DeWitt A G; Sacks L D; Thompson J L; Hwang J M; Bailey V; Lafond D A; Wolfe J; Blume E D
Pediatrics
2019
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<a href="http://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-0160" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1542/peds.2019-0160</a>
Impact of Specialized Pediatric Palliative Care: A Systematic Review
Medline; child; cohort analysis; female; human; male; palliative therapy; controlled study; pediatrics; outcome assessment; quality of life; systematic review; Palliative care; data extraction; Embase; review; synthesis; Web of Science; PsycINFO; risk assessment; consensus; clinical assessment; Cochrane Library; end of life; global health; patient reported outcome; patient-reported outcomes; randomized controlled trial (topic); selection bias
CONTEXT: Specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) is increasingly involved in the care of seriously ill children, yet the evidence on its impact has not been comprehensively reviewed. OBJECTIVE(S): To assess the effects of providing SPPC to seriously ill children on patient-, caregiver-, and systems-level outcomes. METHOD(S): We performed a Systematic Review following Cochrane methods. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, LILACS, and Web of Science were searched from January 1996 to June 2018. STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: We included randomized controlled, cohort, case-control, and before-after studies in which exposure to SPPC services was the intervention of interest. All outcomes reported in these studies were included. Two investigators independently selected articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias of included studies using standardized criteria. RESULT(S): Twenty-four studies were included in qualitative synthesis: one non-randomized controlled trial, 16 cohort studies, and seven before-after studies. Evidence certainty was low. Twenty-one studies had >=1 area with high risk of bias, most commonly selection bias, low group comparability, risk for confounding, and inadequate statistical reporting. Studies analyzed 46 domains, operationalized as 136 distinct outcomes. SPPC was associated with better child quality of life (QOL) scores in all four studies that assessed this outcome. No other outcome showed this consistency. CONCLUSION(S): Receiving SPPC was associated with better child QOL. However, the paucity and low certainty of the evidence precluded any firm recommendations about SPPC practice. Larger collaborative networks and greater consensus regarding SPPC research standards are needed. Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Marcus K L; Santos G; Ciapponi A; Comande D; Bilodeau M; Wolfe J; Dussel V
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.005" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.005</a>
Attempting to Define Clinical Productivity Metrics among Pediatric Palliative Care Services at Academic Children's Hospitals
United States; article; child; female; human; male; palliative therapy; pediatric palliative care; clinical article; human tissue; program development; billing and coding; burnout; clinical productivity; convenience sample; leadership; productivity; sustainability; workload
Introduction: Pediatric palliative care (PPC) programs have grown in size and number at academic children's hospitals in the United States for the past 20 years. Little is known about the relationships between program workforce staffing, billing and coding practices, clinical service requirements for billing providers, and sustainability of program models for billing providers. Method(s): The authors contacted a convenience sample of 10 PPC program leaders at academic children's hospitals in the United States. Program leaders were asked to provide information about billing provider full-time equivalent (FTE) staffing, billing and coding practices, and productivity metrics for a three-month period, from January 1 to March 31, 2017. Result(s): Ten programs participated in the convenience sample survey, and seven provided information about billing and coding practices. For the seven programs that provided evaluation and management data, calculated estimate of mean work Relative Value Unit (wRVU) production per 1.0 FTE per year was 1626. Calculated estimate of consultations per 1.0 FTE per month was 15. Calculated estimate of total clinical encounters per 1.0 FTE per month was 70. Conclusion(s): The relationships between PPC billing provider productivity and clinical workload are complex and vary widely among a convenience sample of academic PPC programs. Given the high burnout rates in the field, efforts should be made to more clearly define these relationships to promote sustainability of both billing and nonbilling PPC providers.
Mahoney D P; Brook I; Fossa M; Kang T
Journal of Palliative Medicine
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2019.0164" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1089/jpm.2019.0164</a>
End-of-life communication: a nationwide study of bereaved parents' perceptions
children; palliative care; parents; bereavement; communication
OBJECTIVE: To investigate bereaved parents' perception of end-of-life communication with healthcare professionals after losing a child due to life-limiting diagnoses. METHODS: A national register identified the causes of death of 951 children aged 0-18 years during the period 2012-2014. A previously described classification of life-limiting diagnoses identified 402 children. A modified version of the self-administered questionnaire 'To Lose a Child' was distributed to the parents of these 402 children, capturing their perceptions of communication with the healthcare professionals throughout the child's disease trajectory and imminent death. RESULTS: A total of 193 bereaved parents, representing 38% of the identified children, participated in the study. Overall, 98% of the parents expressed the view that physicians should immediately disclose when curatively intended treatment options were exhausted. Some 79% of parents reported that information about their child's incurable illness was given in an appropriate manner; however, 42% said that information about the child's imminent death was given too late. Finally, 31% felt deprived of the option to say goodbye to their child in their preferred manner, and 56% said that their child's death was "a shock". CONCLUSIONS: Parents request accurate and timely information. However, a substantial number of the parents surveyed reported that healthcare professionals communicated too late about palliative care and end-of-life issues. Even though healthcare professionals strive to communicate effectively with dying children and their parents, barriers were identified that may hinder even the best of intentions. National guidelines addressing communication issues and improved education of healthcare professionals should form part of any future agenda.
Lykke C; Ekholm O; Schmiegelow K; Olsen M; Sjogren P
BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001709" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1136/bmjspcare-2018-001709</a>
The experiences of bereaved family caregivers with advance care planning for children with medical complexity
death; child; female; human; male; genetic transcription; clinical article; health care personnel; advance care planning; conference abstract; caregiver; human tissue; consultation; perception; semi structured interview; content analysis; conversation; informed consent; personal experience
BACKGROUND: Medical technologies and technological advances have resulted in a growing number of children with medical complexity (CMC), many of whom would not have survived previously. Despite these advances CMC are still at high risk of morbidity and mortality during childhood. Advance Care Planning (ACP) is defined by the Canadian Paediatric Society as "the process of discussing life-sustaining treatments and establishing long-term care goals." Currently the pediatric literature regarding ACP has been largely limited to the intensive care setting and the oncology population. There is a dearth of information focussing on ACP for CMC and that includes bereaved family caregiver's views. Bereaved caregivers have the unique ability to reflect upon ACP through their child's whole disease course and end of life experience. OBJECTIVE(S): To explore the ACP experiences of bereaved family caregivers of CMC who have experienced the entire illness trajectory, including their child's death. DESIGN/METHODS: A qualitative approach was applied, allowing for in-depth data collection through semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling was used to recruit bereaved caregivers of CMC until thematic saturation was reached. The interview guide was developed through expert consultation and was refined iteratively throughout the interviews. Questions assessed caregivers' experiences with ACP discussions, their feelings about those conversations and their perceptions about whether ACP affected the end of life experience. Each participant provided written, informed consent and interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three research team members used content analysis to independently code the interviews. RESULT(S): 13 bereaved caregivers of CMC completed 12 interviews ranging from 40-80 minutes in length. All caregivers of CMC had participated in ACP discussions and sometimes found them to be overwhelming and frustrating in the moment. However, all caregivers reported that they now understand and appreciate the importance of the discussions. Four major themes emerged from the data describing caregiver's feelings and experiences regarding Advance Care Planning: 1) influencers of the ACP experience, 2) positive experiences, 3) negative experiences and 4) the influence of ACP on end of life. CONCLUSION(S): Bereaved caregivers provided a unique perspective, highlighting the importance and the benefits of ACP discussions. They also revealed various ways in which ACP conversations could be improved. These insights will be helpful in guiding educational tools for health care providers working with CMC in the future.
Lord S; Moore C; Netten K; Amin R; Rappaport A; Hellman J; Cohen E; Orkin J
Paediatrics and Child Health (Canada)
2019
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Visualizing social support in home pediatric palliative care using network maps
pediatrics; parents; Palliative care; family; network maps; psychosocial support systems
BACKGROUND: Home care of children with life-limiting diseases is extremely challenging for parents/family caregivers and their social environment. In order to gain new insights into the perspective of family caregivers, we employed digital Network Maps for the first time in the field of pediatric palliative care. AIM: To examine whether the use of Network Maps helps to identify and visualize significant members of the social support system and the quality of the relationship, as well as the main areas of life that are experienced as being supportive by each individual. DESIGN: The design was an integrated mixed methods study. Creation of Network Maps was assessed in conjunction with qualitative interviews. In addition, participants gave an oral feedback on the Network Maps themselves. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Parents of patients supported by a Specialized Home Pediatric Palliative Care team were eligible for inclusion. Forty-five parents were enrolled in the study. RESULTS: All mothers and fathers were able to generate their individual Network Map without problems. The composition of the support systems differed greatly, even between members of the same family. Parents named on average 11 supporting actors, mainly family members and health care professionals. Some relationships were perceived as helpful and stressful at the same time. CONCLUSION: Network Maps appear to be an appropriate tool for the collection, reconstruction, and assessment of the current support situation of parents of dying children. Further studies should examine the usefulness of Network Maps for the understanding of the caregivers' support needs and for the development of psychosocial interventional strategies by pediatric palliative care teams.
Lindemann D; Borasio G D; Fuhrer M; Wasner M
Palliative Medicine
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/0269216319870673" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1177/0269216319870673</a>
Hospital inpatient use in mainland Portugal by children with complex chronic conditions (2011 - 2015). [Portuguese]
death; Child; adolescent; article; child; female; human; male; palliative therapy; pediatric patient; retrospective study; controlled study; Hospitalization; national health service; length of stay; Palliative care; newborn; hospitalization; nonparametric test; mortality; cancer radiotherapy; developed country; hospital patient; needs assessment; Needs assessment; outpatient; Portugal; radiotherapy
Introduction: Due to epidemiological change, interest in complex chronic conditions has been increasing within the pediatric health system. As such, we aim to evaluate hospital inpatient care in the National Health Service (mainland Portugal) by pediatric patients (0 - 17 years) with complex chronic conditions. Material(s) and Method(s): Observational longitudinal retrospective epidemiological study using anonymized administrative data. We selected hospitalizations within the pediatric age limit, 2011 - 2015; healthy newborns and radiotherapy outpatients were excluded. A descriptive analysis of the admissions with complex chronic conditions was analysed by number of complex chronic conditions categories and by complex chronic conditions categories. Non-parametric tests were applied to length of stay, expense, and mortality. Result(s): Out of 419 927 admissions, 64 918 (15.5%) contained at least one complex chronic conditions code. These admissions due to complex chronic conditions represented 29.8% of hospital days, 39.4% of expense and 87.2% of deaths. Compared to those without complex chronic conditions, expense was double (median 1467 vs 745) and mortality 40 times higher (2.4% vs 0.06%). Of these, 46% were planned (no complex chronic conditions 23.2%); 64.8% occurred in group III - IV hospitals (no complex chronic conditions 27.1%). Malignant was the most frequent category (23.0%); neonatal had the highest median length of stay (12 days, 6 - 41), median expense (3568,929 - 24 602), and number of deaths (43.5% of total). Discussion(s): As in other developed countries where the number of pediatric admissions is decreasing, in mainland Portugal we found an increase in the proportion of complex chronic conditions admissions, which are longer, costlier and deadlier (trends intensified in the presence of two or more complex chronic conditions categories). Conclusion(s): Complex chronic conditions are relevant in the activity and costs regarding pediatric hospitalizations in mainland Portugal. Recognizing this and integrating pediatric palliative care from the moment of diagnosis are essential to promote appropriate hospital use, through the development of effective and sustainable alternatives that meet the needs of children, families, and healthcare professionals. Copyright © 2019, CELOM. All rights reserved.
Lacerda A F; Oliveira G; Cancelinha C; Lopes S
Acta Medica Portuguesa
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.20344/amp.10437" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.20344/amp.10437</a>
Use of time in people with a life-limiting illness: A longitudinal cohort feasibility pilot study
adult; article; child; cohort analysis; female; human; male; palliative therapy; controlled study; clinical article; palliative care; quality of life; caregiver; feasibility study; outpatient; accelerometry; acceptability; Australia; burden; cohort study; European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions Questionnaire; Feasibility; Karnofsky Performance Status; multimedia; numeric rating scale; pilot study; recall; time-use
Background: To date, time-use studies in palliative care have been limited to exploration of time commitments of caregivers. Understanding time-use in people with a life-limiting illness might provide insight into disease progression, symptom management and quality of life. Aim(s): To determine the feasibility of a repeated-measures, time-use study in people with a life-limiting illness, and their primary caregivers, and to explore associations between time-use and perceived quality of life. Design(s): An observational repeated-measures feasibility pilot study. A priori criteria were established for study uptake (70%), retention (80%) and study value/burden (7 Numerical Rating Scale 0-10). Burden and value of the study, use of time (Multimedia Activity Recall for Children and Adults with adjunctive accelerometry) and quality of life data (EuroQol-5 Dimension-5-Level Health Questionnaire and Australia-modified Karnofsky Performance Status scale) were assessed at time-points across five consecutive months. Setting/participants: People living with a life-limiting illness and caregivers recruited from Southern Adelaide Palliative Services outpatient clinics. Result(s): A total of 10 participants (2 caregivers and 8 people with a life-limiting illness) enrolled in the study. All but one of the criteria thresholds was met: 66% of participants who consented to be screened were enrolled in the study, 80% of enrolled participants (n = 8) completed all assessments (two participants died during the study) and mean Numerical Rating Scale scores for acceptable burden and value of the study exceeded the criteria thresholds at every time-point. Conclusion(s): A repeated-measures time-use study design is feasible and was not unduly burdensome for caregivers and people living with a life-limiting illness. Copyright © The Author(s) 2019.
Jones T A; Olds T S; Currow D C; Williams M T
Palliative Medicine
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1177/0269216319867214" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1177/0269216319867214</a>
Core outcome set for children with neurological impairment and tube feeding
gastrostomy; Pediatrics; neurological impairment; tube feeding; gastrojejunostomy; core outcome set
AIM: To develop a core outcome set (COS) for evaluating gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube impact in children with neurological impairment. METHOD: Healthcare providers/researchers and caregivers rated the importance of candidate outcomes on a 5-point Likert scale. Outcomes rated 'somewhat important' or 'very important' by most (>/=85%) respondents were voted on during a consensus meeting. Outcomes that reached consensus for inclusion were ratified and assigned to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology filter core areas. The COS was validated in a separate group of caregivers. RESULTS: Twelve outcomes were selected from 120 candidate outcomes to form the COS. These included five 'Life Impact' outcomes, three 'Pathophysiological Manifestations' outcomes, two 'Resource Use' outcomes, one 'Growth and Development' outcome, and one 'Death' outcome. INTERPRETATION: We developed an evidence-informed and consensus-based COS for use in studies of gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy tube feeding in children with neurological impairment. Implementation of this COS will help reduce heterogeneity between studies and facilitate evidence-based decision-making. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Caregivers, healthcare providers, and researchers ranked the importance of 120 outcomes. Twelve core outcomes were identified as essential to measure in future clinical research studies.
Joachim K C; Farid-Kapadia M; Butcher N J; Chee-a-tow A; Monsour A; Cohen E; Mahant S; Guttmann A; Offringa M
Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.14326" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1111/dmcn.14326</a>
Multiple and multidimensional life transitions in the context of life-limiting health conditions: longitudinal study focussing on perspectives of young adults, families and professionals
Female; Male; Young Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Cost of Illness; Perception; Quality of Life/px [Psychology]; Family/px [Psychology]; Health Personnel/px [Psychology]; Interviews as Topic/mt [Methods]; Qualitative Research; Transitional Care
BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of literature that investigates life transitions of young adults (YAs) with life-limiting conditions, families and professionals. The scant literature that is available has methodological limitations, including not listening to the voice of YAs, collecting data retrospectively, at one time point, from one group's perspective and single case studies. The aim of this study was to address the gaps found in our literature review and provide a clearer understanding of the multiple and multi-dimensional life transitions experienced by YAs and significant others, over a period of time. METHODS: This qualitative study used a longitudinal design and data were collected using semi-structured interviews over a 6-month period at 3 time points. Participants included 12 YAs with life-limiting conditions and their nominated significant others (10 family members and 11 professionals). Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Life transitions of YA and significant others are complex; they experience multiple and multi-dimensional transitions across several domains. The findings challenge the notion that all life transitions are triggered by health transitions of YAs, and has highlighted environmental factors (attitudinal and systemic) that can be changed to facilitate smoother transitions in various aspects of their lives. CONCLUSIONS: This study makes a unique and significant contribution to literature. It provides evidence and rich narratives for policy makers and service providers to change policies and practices that are in line with the needs of YAs with life-limiting conditions as they transition to adulthood. Families and professionals have specific training needs that have not yet been met fully.
Jindal-Snape D; Johnston B; Pringle J; Kelly T B; Scott R; Gold L; Dempsey R
BMC Palliative Care
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-019-0414-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1186/s12904-019-0414-9</a>
Challenges and Priorities for Pediatric Palliative Care Research in the United States and Similar Practice Settings: Report from a Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network Workshop
palliative care; decision-making; funding; pediatric; family; infrastructure; methodology; research; symptoms; training
CONTEXT: In order to dramatically advance the evidence base for pediatric palliative care (PPC) interventions, practices, and programs in the United States and similar practice settings, the field needs to better understand the challenges and opportunities for rigorous scholarship. OBJECTIVES: The Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network conducted a workshop to clarify challenges and identify key priorities. METHODS: The workshop focused on PPC research topics and methods, including: outcomes measurement, qualitative inquiry, analyses of "big data," prospective collection of research data, case series and cohort studies, and intervention trials, with synthesizing summary and follow-up discussions. All attendees reviewed and approved the final report. RESULTS: Five common challenges were identified: patient diversity and small population size; interdependencies and dynamic interactions between child, family members, and disease processes over time; outcomes and measurement; workforce and infrastructure limitations; and presumed burden of PPC research upon participants. Seven priorities emerged: bolster training and development of PPC investigators; develop core resources; advance symptom measurement (and measurements of other exposures and outcomes); improve symptom management and quality of life interventions; improve communication, elicitation of goals of care, and decision-making; understand family impact and facilitate or improve family adaptation and coping; and analyze and improve systems of care, policy, and education. CONCLUSION: These challenges and priorities identify key research areas that can guide individual investigators and research funders to advance the field.
Feudtner C; Rosenberg A R; Boss R D; Wiener L; Lyon M E; Hinds P S; Bluebond-Langner M; Wolfe J
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.08.011</a>
Decisions for long-term ventilation for children: perspectives of family members
child; decision-making; respiration; artificial
RATIONALE: The decision of whether to initiate or forgo long-term ventilation for children can be difficult and impactful. However, little has been published on the information and decisional needs of families facing this decision. OBJECTIVES: To assess what families with children with chronic respiratory failure and life-limiting conditions need and want for informed decision-making. METHODS: English- and Spanish-speaking parents who were facing (contemporaneous decision-makers) or previously faced (former decision-makers) a decision regarding invasive or noninvasive long-term ventilation for their child were recruited using convenience sampling. Patients who were older and cognitively-capable also were invited to participate. We performed semi-structured interviews using an open-ended interview guide developed de novo to assess parents' decisional needs and experiences. Qualitative data analysis used a thematic approach based on framework analysis, and thematic saturation was a goal. RESULTS: A sample of 44 parents and 2 patients from 43 families was interviewed. All contemporaneous decision-makers (n=28) favored or felt that they would choose long-term ventilation. Fifteen of 16 former decision-makers chose long-term ventilation. Thematic saturation was achieved from the perspective of parents who favored or chose long-term ventilation. Four domains were identified: parents' emotional and psychological experience with decision-making, parents' informational needs, parents' communication and decision-support needs, and parents' views on the option not to initiate long-term ventilation. For most parents, making a decision regarding long-term ventilation was stressful, even though they articulated goals and values that could/did guide their decision-making. In general, parents wanted comprehensive information, including what life would be like at home for the child and the family. They wanted their medical providers to be honest, tactful, patient, and supportive. Parents reported that they felt being presented with the option to not initiate was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified specific informational and decision-making needs regarding long-term ventilation that parents facing decisions feel important. These data suggest that providers should present families with comprehensive, balanced information on the impact of long-term ventilation and, when the child has a profoundly serious and life-limiting condition, explore the option not to initiate long-term ventilation.
Edwards J D; Panitch H B; Nelson J E; Miller R L; Morris M C
Annals of the American Thoracic Society
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201903-271OC" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1513/AnnalsATS.201903-271OC</a>
The agony of the child with complexity: Exploring the psychological impact on parents caring for children with complex healthcare needs
Medline; child; female; human; male; qualitative research; conference abstract; caregiver; systematic review; meta analysis; publication; social support; depression; sample size; disease exacerbation; North America; health care need; Ireland; medical leave; mental stress; parental stress; prevention; psychological well-being; social isolation
Aims: Medical advances and improved neonatal care have led to increased survival of children with complex healthcare needs. The aim of this literature review was to explore what is known about the psychological impact on parents of caring for children with complex healthcare needs across North America and Europe, and more specifically within Ireland. Method(s): A comprehensive search of the literature published within the last ten years was performed using PubMed and PyschINFO databases. Ten papers, consisting of qualitative studies and meta-analyses, which varied in sample size and methodology, were selected for detailed review. Result(s): Recent publications emphasise that caring for a child with complex care needs has a significant negative impact on the psychological wellbeing of parents. Several qualitative studies have shown that caregivers of children with life-limiting illness are up to twice as likely to report higher levels of parenting stress and depressive symptoms than parents of healthy children. The literature suggests that women experience greater parenting stress in caring for severely ill children than men, with one study noting an increase in maternal sick leave for psychological distress. However, women were more likely to report being the predominant caregiver, which could account for this discrepancy. Social isolation was a recurring factor contributing to the perceived burden of stress experienced by caregivers. Similar themes were evident across North America and Europe publications. We noted a paucity of research in the Irish context. Conclusion(s): Further research is needed to evaluate the psychological impact of caring for a child with complex healthcare needs and to guide management and prevention of parental stress and psychological illness, particularly in Ireland. Additional studies are needed to determine if increased social support reduces psychological stress and to investigate the effects of parental stress on disease progression in children with complex heathcare needs.
Crothers E; Bradbury M; Lewis S; O'Gorman C; Murphy A M
Archives of Disease in Childhood
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Pediatric Palliative Care in Practice: Perspectives between Acute and Long-term Healthcare Teams
Pediatric palliative care; clinical ethics; continuity of care; quality of care
AIM: To explore and compare acute and long-term care professionals' perspectives about pediatric palliative care. METHODS: Focus group interviews were conducted in 2016-2017 with professionals from acute (Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit) and long-term care (Complex Care Service, Palliative Care) teams. RESULTS: Fifty-eight participants were enrolled. Palliative care definitions were similar throughout groups: to provide active care early in the illness, focusing on the child as a whole and supporting families. Each group perceived a different role in the patient's illness trajectory, reflecting their own culture of care. They demonstrated important differences in their approach to palliative care. Disagreements regarding when or how to discuss goals of care were expressed. Acute care professionals reported discomfort when having to introduce these discussions for the first time, while long-term care professionals perceived negative judgments about their patients' quality of life by acute care teams during health events. Personalized care, communication with families and continuity of care were thought to be key elements to improve care. CONCLUSION: Pediatric palliative care is well recognized throughout specialties, yet continuity of care is challenged by groups' roles and interventions in a patient's illness. A reflective and mutual clinical approach is needed to improve quality of care and professionals' satisfaction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Cote A J; Payot A; Gaucher N
Acta Paediatrica
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1111/apa.14969" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1111/apa.14969</a>
Who should discuss goals of care during acute deteriorations in patients with life threatening illnesses? A survey of clinicians from diverse pediatric specialties
child; female; human; major clinical study; male; palliative therapy; controlled study; emergency ward; cancer patient; respiratory distress; conference abstract; decision making; human tissue; perception; clinician; spinal muscular atrophy; data analysis software; advanced cancer; brain disease; cancer resistance; deterioration; disease exacerbation; e-mail; hypoplastic left heart syndrome; leukemia; Likert scale; nonparametric test; pediatrician; vignette
BACKGROUND: Discomfort exists discussing goals of care (GOC) with families of children with advanced life-threatening illnesses. There also exists important variability in the management of these patients. OBJECTIVE(S): This study seeks to explore the perceptions of pediatric specialists involved in the care of children with life-threatening illnesses with regards to GOC discussions and management during acute unexpected clinical deteriorations. DESIGN/METHODS: This single center survey study used 4 scenarios of children with advanced life-threatening illnesses, presenting to the emergency department (ED) with respiratory distress. Scenarios included patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), static encephalopathy, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), refractory leukemia. Questions following each vignette were identical. Physicians from the specialties most involved in these scenarios completed the survey by email or in person. Data analysis used SPSS v.20 (IBM Inc.). Related samples non-parametric tests compared participants' Likert scale answers to the different scenarios. RESULT(S): Between May 2015 and May 2016, 60 participants completed the study; 14 were excluded (>60% missing answers). Most (80.4%) participants reported an interest in pediatric palliative care; 71.7% had 0-3 formal trainings. Participants believed GOC were best discussed before an acute deterioration (Table 1). Acute deteriorations were not seen as an opportune moment to initiate discussions about GOC. However, validating GOC was necessary, given that not discussing GOC was unacceptable. Pediatric specialists were seen as the most suitable teams to initiate these discussions, while the ED's role was unclear. Several management options were less acceptable for the patient with static encephalopathy. CONCLUSION(S): Discussing GOC in the ED during exacerbations is complex, involving many stakeholders, who may not always be available to help in decision making processes. Advanced care planning with these families is essential to prepare them for acute heath events. (Table Presented).
Cote A J; Gaucher N; Payot A
Paediatrics and Child Health (Canada)
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Gabapentin for the treatment of pain manifestations in children with severe neurological impairment: A single-centre retrospective review
child; human; retrospective study; clinical article; palliative care; pain; priority journal; review; alopecia/si [Side Effect]; disease severity; drug efficacy; drug substitution; drug withdrawal; gabapentin/ae [Adverse Drug Reaction]; gabapentin/dt [Drug Therapy]; gabapentin/pv [Special Situation for Pharmacovigilance]; gastroenterology; general paediatrics; hypertransaminasemia/si [Side Effect]; irritability; lethargy/si [Side Effect]; muscle twitch; neurodisability; neurologic disease; pain/dt [Drug Therapy]; pregabalin/dt [Drug Therapy]; pregabalin/pv [Special Situation for Pharmacovigilance]; treatment duration; treatment response; vomiting/dt [Drug Therapy]; vomiting/si [Side Effect]
Pain, irritability and feeding intolerance are common symptoms affecting quality of life in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI). We performed a retrospective study to explore the use of gabapentinoid medications for symptom control in children with SNI. Patients attending the palliative care or gastroenterology department being treated with gabapentin for irritability, vomiting or pain of unknown origin were included. Information was gathered retrospectively from medical documentation. Irritability was reduced in 30 of the 42 patients included. Gabapentin was discontinued in 15 children, 12 of whom then received pregabalin. Three children had a good response to pregabalin, six a minimal improvement and three no improvement. These results support the use of gabapentinoids in this patient cohort. Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019.
Collins A; Mannion R; Broderick A; Hussey S; Devins M; Bourke B
BMJ Paediatrics Open
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000467" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1136/bmjpo-2019-000467</a>
Providing cost-effective and coordinated care for children with medical complexity
adolescent; child; female; home care; human; major clinical study; male; controlled study; nurse; multicenter study; conference abstract; caregiver; gastrostomy; cerebral palsy; pediatrician; outpatient; administrative personnel; artificial ventilation; congenital heart disease; diagnosis; fatigue; limited mobility; machine; medical technology; multidisciplinary team; neuromuscular disease; salary; stress; tracheostomy; ventilator; working time
Introduction: Many paediatric hospitals are treating increasing numbers of children with medical complexity (CMC), diagnosed with chronic life-limiting illnesses and requiring life-sustaining home medical technology. These medically fragile children and families are at risk of fragmented care, sub-optimal continuity and high healthcare resource utilization due to their multiple medical issues and care needs. Consequently, the Children's Complex and Home Care Services (CCHS) was established in our institution in April 2016 with the primary aims of providing coordinated, cost-effective and patient- and family-centered care to CMC and their families. This service is run by a multi-disciplinary team of pediatricians, nurses, allied health and administrative staff. CMC in our context have a chronic life-limiting condition that involves at least three body systems and are often technologically dependent with limited mobility. In view of the numerous healthcare professionals involved in their care, multiple medical appointments are often scheduled which result in significant caregiver stress and fatigue. One of the key service implementations was multidisciplinary clinics whereby children are seen over the course of 1-3 hours by multiple clinical, nursing and allied health specialists. The purpose of this study is to describe CCHS service implementations, characterize CCHS patient characteristics and evaluate how multidisciplinary clinics have reduced their healthcare resource utilization. Method(s): 55 patients who were enrolled in the CCHS between April 2016 and October 2018 were studied. Result(s): Patient ages ranged from 2 months to 14.3 years old at time of enrolment. The majority of patients had underlying primary genetic diagnoses (47.2%), and other patients had either the primary diagnosis of cerebral palsy (20%), congenital cardiac disease (5.4%), neuromuscular disease (3.6%) or another or undiagnosed underlying condition (23.6%). Medical technology required at time of enrolment included enteral devices such as nasogastric/nasojejunal tubes or gastrostomies (94.5%), suctioning machines (54.5%), ventilator support (34.5%) and tracheostomies (16.4%). CCHS multidisciplinary clinics managed to reduce the number of outpatient attendances by 6.8 visits per patient-year for CMC enrolled into the service. This saves caregivers from an equivalent number of workdays of lost salary, and translates to C 450 of savings per patient per year on just transportation costs alone. Conclusion(s): CMC are heterogeneous in conditions but similar in care needs, and reducing outpatient attendances and healthcare costs is possible with coordinated multi-disciplinary clinics.
Chow C; Shahdadpuri R
Archives of Disease in Childhood
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Medical assistance in dying and minors-views of the Canadian pediatrician
child; female; human; major clinical study; male; controlled study; terminal care; conference abstract; disability; pediatrician; health care system; conversation; intractable pain; medical care; mental disease; terminal disease
BACKGROUND: Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) has been a heavily debated topic in Canada over the last decade. Since the royal assent of Bill C-14 in 2016, MAID has been available to Canadians 18 years of age or older meeting specific eligibility criteria. As part of this Act, an independent review was initiated to evaluate requests made by mature minors for MAID and ultimately possible inclusion in further iterations of the Act. OBJECTIVE(S): Limited Canadian data is available on the role of MAID in mature minors or the views of health care practitioners on this topic. This study aims to assess the attitudes of Canadian health care practitioners surrounding MAID in minors and their willingness to participate in this process. DESIGN/METHODS: A survey was disseminated to members of the Canadian Paediatric Society, collecting information on attitudes surrounding MAID as it applies to minors, specifically mature minors, those with intolerable disability and mental illness. The survey also assessed the demographics of respondents, including type of practice and patient population. The results were analyzed using logistical regression to determine if there were correlations between practice variables and opinions surrounding MAID. RESULT(S): A 29% response rate was achieved (574/1979), with 487 participants completing all questions. Of the respondents, 46% were in favour that MAID should be eligible for mature minors experiencing progressive or terminal illness or intractable pain; 29% felt patients with intolerable disability should be eligible, while only 8% favoured extension in cases of intolerable mental illness. Lastly, 33% felt that MAID should never be extended to minors. There was no significant correlation between attitudes towards MAID and the respondent's type of practice, or if they work with minors suffering from life-threatening illness. Practitioners who felt their spiritual beliefs guide their opinions surrounding MAID were more likely to oppose eligibility for children (p<0.00001). Practitioners who had the experience of discussing MAID with parents or children were more likely to support extending MAID to mature minors (p=0.046). CONCLUSION(S): There exists a great variability in viewpoints amongst pediatric healthcare practitioners as it relates to extension of MAID to minors. As opinions vary based on factors including spiritual beliefs and conversations pertaining to end of life care, more time and research is warranted to further explore this topic in the context of the Canadian health care system.
Catena G; Davies D
Paediatrics and Child Health (Canada)
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
Parental decision-making following a prenatal diagnosis that is lethal, life-limiting, or has long term implications for the future child and family: a meta-synthesis of qualitative literature
Abortion; Birth; Continuation; Disorder; Life-limiting; Pregnancy; Termination
BACKGROUND: Information on the factors influencing parents' decision-making process following a lethal, life-limiting or severely debilitating prenatal diagnosis remains deficient. A comprehensive systematic review and meta-synthesis was conducted to explore the influencing factors for parents considering termination or continuation of pregnancy following identification of lethal, life-limiting or severely debilitating fetal abnormalities. METHODS: Electronic searches of 13 databases were conducted. These searches were supplemented by hand-searching Google Scholar and bibliographies and citation tracing. Thomas and Harden's (2008) thematic synthesis method was used to synthesise data from identified studies. RESULTS: Twenty-four papers were identified and reviewed, but two papers were removed following quality assessment. Three main themes were identified through systematic synthesis. Theme 1, entitled 'all life is precious', described parents' perception of the importance of the fetus' life, a fatalistic view of their situation alongside moral implications as well as the implications decisions would have on their own life, in consideration of previous life experiences. Theme 2 ('hope for a positive outcome') contained two sub-themes which considered the parent's own imagined future and the influence of other people's experiences. Finally, Theme 3 ('a life worth living') presented three sub-themes which may influence their parental decision-making: These described parental consideration of the quality of life for their unborn child, the possibility of waiting to try for another pregnancy, and their own responsibilities and commitments. CONCLUSION: The first review to fully explore parental decision-making process following lethal, life-limiting, or severely debilitating prenatal diagnosis provided novel findings and insight into which factors influenced parents' decision-making process. This comprehensive and systematic review provides greater understanding of the factors influential on decision-making, such as hope, morality and potential implications on their own and other's quality of life, will enable professionals to facilitate supported decision-making, including greater knowledge of the variables likely to influence parental choices.
Blakeley C; Smith D M; Johnstone E D; Wittkowski A
BMC Medical Ethics
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-019-0393-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1186/s12910-019-0393-7</a>
Alone in a Crowd? Parents of Children with Rare Diseases’ Experiences of Navigating the Healthcare System
Family caregiving; Healthcare system; Navigation; Patient experience; Qualitative; Rare disease
A disorder is considered a rare disease if it affects 1 in 2000, hence, while independently unique, collectively, these conditions are quite common. Many rare diseases are diagnosed during childhood, and therefore parents become primary caregivers in addition to their parental role. Despite the prevalence of rare diseases among children, there has been little research focused on parents’ experiences of navigating the healthcare system, a gap we begin to address in this study. Guided by an interpretive description methodology, participants were recruited through online listservs and posting flyers at a pediatric hospital in Western Canada. Sixteen parents (15 mothers and 1 father) participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews between April 2013 and March 2014. Data were analyzed inductively, generating the main study themes. Findings illuminated the challenges parents’ experienced on their child’s diagnostic journey—from seeking, to receiving, to adjusting to the rare disease diagnosis. Following diagnosis, gaps, and barriers to services resulted in parents pursuing services that could support their child’s unique care needs, which often resulted in out-of-pocket payments and changes to employment. Parents found peer support, both online and in person, to be an effective resource. This study illustrates the common challenges experienced by parents of children with rare diseases as they navigate the healthcare system. Parents’ role as “expert caregiver” was rarely acknowledged by healthcare providers, pointing to the need to foster more egalitarian relationships. As well, parents were burdened with the additional role of care coordinator, a role that could be filled formally by a healthcare provider. Lastly, peer support was a key resource in terms of information and emotional support for parents who often begin their journey feeling isolated and alone. Policies and programs are needed that validate the invisible care work of parents and ensure adequate formal supports are in place to mitigate potential sources of inequity for these families. Furthermore, genetic counselors can play a key role in ensuring parents’ informational needs are addressed at the time of diagnosis and in connecting families who share common experiences regardless of the rare disease diagnosis.
Baumbusch J; Mayer S; Sloan-Yip I
Journal of Genetic Counseling
2018
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-018-0294-9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10.1007/s10897-018-0294-9</a>
Challenges experienced by paediatricians providing palliative care to children; A thematic analysis
death; child; female; human; major clinical study; male; palliative therapy; controlled study; thematic analysis; human experiment; learning; pediatrics; conference abstract; questionnaire; e-mail; pediatrician; health care system; needs assessment; Australia; expectation; holistic care; social welfare; specialist registrar
Background: and aim Palliative Care for Children is defined as 'an active and total approach to care, from the point of diagnosis or recognition throughout the child's life, death and beyond'. It is recognised that the prevalence of children with life-limiting conditions (LLC) is increasing. In Ireland the majority of children with LLC are cared for by paediatricians working in hospitals with no direct access to specialist paediatric palliative care(PPC) services. This study was part of a learning needs assessment of paediatrician's training and experience in PPC. Method(s): Consultants and Specialist Registrars in Paediatrics were approached by email and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their learning needs in PPC. The Quality of Care Collaborative for Australia in PPC Project Research Study Group Learning Needs Assessment template was used with permission. The questionnaire included both multiple choice and free-text questions. Quantitative data from the study has been reported elsewhere. Thematic analysis based on the approach of Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to analyse data provided in the free-text answers. Result(s): 114 paediatricians responded to the survey, 72 respondents (63%) provided free-text answers to the question 'Reflecting on your most recent clinical interactions with children requiring palliative care support. What were the challenges?' On analysis, three overarching themes emerged, 'Best interests of the child', 'Inadequate training and confidence' and 'Co-ordinating care'. 'Best interests of the child' referred to the challenges experienced in ensuring that best interests of the child remain at the core of all decisions made when providing palliative care. This overarching theme included two sub-themes 'Complex communication' which referred to the challenges in managing parental expectations in increasingly technologically advanced healthcare systems and 'First do no harm' referring to the frequent ethical dilemmas that arise in PPC. 'Inadequate adequate training and confidence' referred to lack of specific education in complex symptom management and also to lack of familiarity with community based healthcare services. The theme of 'coordinating care' encompassed the need to liaise with community services but also the need to provide holistic care to the whole family which may be unfamiliar paediatricians working in an acute hospital setting. Conclusion(s): This study explores the challenges experienced by paediatricians providing palliative care to children with LLCs. The themes provide insight into those experiences and provides valuable direction to support the development of future educational programmes in this important and rapidly evolving paediatric sub-speciality.
Balfe J; Whitla L; Devins M; Molloy E; Twomey M; O'Reilly M
Archives of Disease in Childhood
2019
Article information provided for research and reference use only. PedPalASCNET does not hold any rights over the resource listed here. All rights are retained by the journal listed under publisher and/or the creator(s).