Harnessing the power of telemedicine in palliative care from childhood to adulthood: The why and how

Harnessing the power of telemedicine in palliative care from childhood to adulthood: The why and how

Ajayi T; Doshi A; Thienprayoon R; Bower K; Tate M; Short R

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

2018

acute disease

Objectives *Explain the rationale for incorporating telemedicine into the care of palliative care patients and its associated benefits. *Describe common challenges, proven strategies, and best practice recommendations for successful and sustainable integration of a telemedicine program into palliative medicine programs. *Appreciate the ease of telemedicine and discuss patient-centered benefits of implementing telemedicine into palliative care practice. Although Pediatric Palliative Care (PC) Programs are increasing in number across the country, "deserts" still exist in which access to PC interdisciplinary teams is challenged. Many families elect home-based PC, and the expectation of travel to a clinic or hospital for appointments is not universally appropriate, practical or patient-centered. Many children who receive PC are medically fragile and dependent on technology. Transporting these patients can increase stress, adversely impact quality of life, and increase caregiver burden and the risk of infectious exposure. The result is poor adherence with follow-up and, at times, delays in seeking care during acute illness. In this presentation we will propose a concise, evidence-based, and patient-tailored approach to overcoming these obstacles through the utilization of telemedicine (TM) encounters. Common challenges in the development and implementation of PC TM programs will be shared. Two pediatric institutions will compare and contrast the evolution of their TM programs, describe strategies employed to overcome challenges, and share outcomes. Through a casebased approach we will address billing, technological aspects, privacy and security of data, team engagement and program sustainability. We will demonstrate the ease of a TM encounter live during the session, and explore the perspective of a young adult PC patient in how TM has enhanced his care. A panel discussion will focus on successful and collaborative solutions to optimize care for children at home through TM and invite questions, success stories and challenges in the use of TM from attendees. Audience members will gain insight and appreciation for how TM can broaden and improve patient care, and will obtain concrete ideas for overcoming challenges in developing PC TM programs in their home institutions.

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).

May 2018 List