The utilization of palliative care units by children with cancer: A nationwide survey

The utilization of palliative care units by children with cancer: A nationwide survey

Yotani N; Kizawa Y

Pediatric Blood and Cancer

2017

Japan; hematologic malignancy; palliative therapy; nurse; cancer patient; multicenter study; brain tumor; human; child; female; male; clinical article; questionnaire

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the availability and utilization of palliative care units among children with cancer in Japan. Methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey of 368 palliative care units. We sent a self-reported questionnaire to the chief nurse of each palliative care unit to assess their experience with pediatric cancer patients. Results: Out of 368 palliative care units, 267 responded (response rate 72.6%). There were 32 palliative care units (12%) which reported having pediatric cancer care, and 52 palliative care units (19.5%) which were prepared to provide care for children with cancer. The number of children who were hospitalized in the palliative care unit from April 2015 to March 2016 was 9, which consisted of 8 patients with solid cancer (4 of which were brain tumor) and 1 patient with blood cancer. Of all the children with cancer who died during that period in Japan, those who utilized the palliative care units was estimated to be 1.9%. Conclusion: The population of pediatric cancer patients who died in palliative care units in Japan is small.

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