Factors associated with location of death of children with cancer in palliative care
Title
Factors associated with location of death of children with cancer in palliative care
Creator
Kurashima AY; Latorre MR; Teixeira SA; De Camargo B
Identifier
Publisher
Palliative & Supportive Care
Date
2005
Subject
Child; Female; Hospitalization; Humans; Male; Palliative Care; Terminal Care; Home Nursing; Adult; Logistic Models; Prospective Studies; Multivariate Analysis; Brazil; adolescent; Preschool; decision making; infant; Neoplasms; location of death
Description
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with location of death of patients receiving palliative care in a pediatric oncology unit. METHODS: A palliative care program was developed in the pediatric department in order to provide specialized attention to the patient and family in end-of-life. The program is coordinated by a nurse, delivering a simultaneous interdisciplinary team approach with focus on identification and training of a family care provider as well as local resources supplemented by support of a social worker and the community. All 87 patients in palliative care were followed by the team. The factors associated with the location of death (home or hospital) were evaluated for the 71 patients who died prior to analysis. RESULTS: Forty-two (59%) patients died at home. Factors significantly associated with dying at home were: male with an Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.80, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.26-11.76; public health insurance (OR) = 4.95, 95%[CI] = 1.03-26.75, low educational level of the caregiver (OR) = 11.11 95%[CI] = 1.65-94.66 and low educational level of the mother (OR) = 7.07 95%[CI] = 1.37-40.14. Gender was the only independent factor associated with location of death: a boy had a higher risk of dying at home, (OR) = 4.25, 95%[CI] = 1.37-13.21 when compared to a girl. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: In our society we are still not able to provide hospice care or home care for all children, although increasing emphasis has been placed on utilizing local resources. Even though we had increased the number of desired home deaths, it is still a challenge to meet patients and families' requests. A team approach, the recognition of the factors involved, and adequate health and community support have helped us to meet the child and family's needs.
2005
Rights
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Type
Journal Article
Citation List Month
Backlog
URL Address
Citation
Kurashima AY; Latorre MR; Teixeira SA; De Camargo B, “Factors associated with location of death of children with cancer in palliative care,” Pediatric Palliative Care Library, accessed February 9, 2025, https://pedpalascnetlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/13639.