A Methodologic Approach to Conducting a Statewide Community Needs Assessment of Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Resources

A Methodologic Approach to Conducting a Statewide Community Needs Assessment of Pediatric Palliative Care and Hospice Resources

Brock K E; Allen K E; Barton C; Shapiro R; Weintraub B; Wasilewski-Masker K; Escoffery C; Johnson K

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management

2020

community needs assessment (CNA); pediatric hospice; pediatric palliative care

CONTEXT: Prior studies have indicated that pediatric palliative care (PPC) resources vary across states and within regions in a state. Evaluating the current status of PPC and pediatric hospice care through a community needs assessment (CNA) can help address the gaps that exist in order to improve and increase access to PPC for children in need. OBJECTIVE(S): Using the state of Georgia as an example, the process, methods, lessons learned, and limitations in conducting a statewide PPC community needs assessment are described. METHOD(S): A mixed-method descriptive design with multiple stages incorporating different methodological approaches was utilized. These included: (1) literature review, (2) community profile, (3) survey and interview questionnaire development, (4) windshield survey, (5) identifying and interviewing key informants, and (6) quantitative survey of the state's hospice organizations. Key themes (Providing PPC, PPC Environment, Collaboration and Future of PPC) and subthemes emerged which were then triangulated across all existing data collection techniques to provide recommendations of varying feasibility and importance. RESULT(S): Are described in a subsequent manuscript. CONCLUSION(S): This approach can be utilized by other state organizations, coalitions, governments or national organizations looking to perform a CNA of palliative care, hospice resources, or could be applied to other geographical settings or types of care. Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.

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