A longitudinal method of teaching pediatric palliative care to interns: preliminary findings regarding changes in interns' comfort level
Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Questionnaires; Attitude to Death; Professional-Family Relations; Longitudinal Studies; Internship and Residency; Professional-Patient Relations; Professional Competence; Pediatrics/education; Palliative Care/methods; Curriculum/standards; Documentation/standards; Teaching/methods
OBJECTIVE: A longitudinal pediatric palliative care curriculum was introduced into the pediatric residency program at the University of California, Los Angeles. The present study explores the possible effects of this curriculum on the interns' self-assessed comfort levels regarding caring for children with life-threatening conditions. METHODS: A newly created assessment tool was administered to interns in order to rate their comfort regarding pediatric palliative care at the beginning and conclusion of their intern year. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 29 interns completed this survey. Baseline data indicated 55% of the interns had some experience with taking care of a dying pediatric patient during their medical school training, and 79% indicated that they had taken care of a dying adult. Only 7% of the interns felt adequately prepared to deal with death and dying, but all interns indicated interest in further learning about pediatric palliative care. Comparison of the overall comfort levels of the 22 responding residents before and after the first year of training in 20 different related tasks demonstrated a significant self-assessed improvement of comfort in seven areas. There was no increase in self-reported comfort in communication related to palliative care. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Residents indicated increased comfort in some areas of pediatric palliative care after the first year of their training. The underlying cause of this increased comfort is unclear at this time. The overall effect of longitudinal palliative care curricula on residents' level of comfort in caring for this population deserves further assessment.
2010
Yazdani S; Evan E; Roubinov D; Chung PJ; Zeltzer L
Palliative & Supportive Care
2010
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).
Journal Article
<a href="http://doi.org/10.1017/S147895150999068X" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">10.1017/S147895150999068X</a>
Treatment of chronic pain in children and adolescents
SUMMARY Chronic pain in children is a poorly recognized entity that is challenging to treat and leaves many families frustrated. Often, lack of an identifiable etiology along with the complex biopsychosocial nature of this condition leads to a lengthy diagnostic odyssey and delayed treatment that exacerbates the existing problem. Effective treatment of chronic pain requires a team approach in order to deal with the various aspects of this condition. Combinations of medication along with nonpharmacologic treatments, such as physical therapy, psychological interventions and complementary therapies, are often the most effective ways of treating chronic pain rather than medication alone. Further research is needed to understand the complex biobehavioral processes involved in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Development of targeted novel therapies as well as comparative studies of existing treatments will help to improve treatment for chronic pain in children.
2013-07
Yazdani S; Zeltzer L
Pain Management
2013
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).
Journal Article
<a href="http://doi.org/10.2217/pmt.13.25" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">10.2217/pmt.13.25</a>