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Mejia EJ, Xiao R, Walter JK, Feudtner C, Lin KY, DeWitt AG, Prasad Kerlin M. Programmatic Palliative Care Consultations in Pediatric Heart Transplant Evaluations. Pediatr Cardiol 2024; 45:1064-1071. [PMID: 38453700 PMCID: PMC11056287 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-024-03422-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Guidelines advocate for integrating palliative care into the management of heart failure (HF) and of children with life-limiting disease. The potential impact of palliative care integration into pediatric HF on patient-centered outcomes is poorly understood. The present study sought to assess the association of programmatic implementation of palliative care into the heart transplant evaluation process with hospital-free days (HFD) and end of life (EOL) treatment choices. The study included patients less than 19 years of age who underwent a heart transplant evaluation between February 2012 and April 2020 at a single center. Patients evaluated in the programmatic palliative care (PPC) era (January 2016-April 2020) were compared to patients evaluated in the pre-PPC era (February 2012-December 2015). The study included 188 patients, with 91 (48%) in the PPC era and 97 (52%) in the pre-PCC era. Children < 1 year of age at the time of the evaluation represented 32% of the cohort. 52% of patients had single ventricle physiology. PPC was not significantly associated with increased HFD (IRR 0.94 [95% CI 0.79-1.2]). PPC was however associated with intensity of EOL care with decreased mechanical ventilation (OR 0.12 [95% CI 0.02-0.789], p = 0.03) and decreased use of ionotropic support (OR 0.13 [95% CI 0.02-0.85], p =0.03). PPC in pediatric heart transplant evaluations may be associated with less invasive interventions at EOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Mejia
- Divisions of Cardiology and Palliative Care, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Rui Xiao
- Division of Biostatistics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer K Walter
- Division of General Pediatrics and the Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Division of General Pediatrics and the Justin Michael Ingerman Center for Palliative Care, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly Y Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, PA, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Aaron G DeWitt
- Division of Cardiac Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meeta Prasad Kerlin
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Gramszlo C, Girgis H, Hill D, Walter JK. Parent communication with care teams and preparation for family meetings in the paediatric cardiac ICU: a qualitative study. Cardiol Young 2024; 34:113-119. [PMID: 37226505 PMCID: PMC10674036 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951123001282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The paediatric cardiac ICU presents unique challenges to optimal communication practices, which may impact participation in medical decision-making and long-term psychosocial outcomes for families. This study characterised parent perceptions of (1) team practices that impeded or facilitated communication and (2) preparation for family meetings with interprofessional care teams during extended cardiac ICU admissions. METHODS A purposive sample of parents of children admitted to the cardiac ICU was selected to participate in interviews about their communication experiences. Data were analysed using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Twenty-three parents of 18 patients participated with an average length of stay of 55 days at the time of interview. Team practices that impeded communication included inaccurate/incomplete communication, inconsistent within team communication/coordination, and feeling overwhelmed by too many team members/questions. Team practices that facilitated communication included valuing parent preferences, provider continuity, explaining jargon, and eliciting questions. Preparation for family meetings included team practices, parental preferences, and experiences when learning about family meetings (including apprehension about meetings). Family meetings were described as valued opportunities to improve communication. CONCLUSION Communication with medical teams represents a modifiable determinant of long-term outcomes for families of children in the cardiac ICU. When parents are included as valued members of their child's care team, they are more likely to feel a sense of control over their child's outcomes, even in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Family meetings represent an important opportunity to repair fractures in trust between families and care teams and overcome barriers to communication between parties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Gramszlo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Douglas Hill
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer K Walter
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical Futures, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Valente IE, Fisher G, Wolf BJ, Tanious MK. Code Status Discussions in Pediatric Patients With Heart Disease During Terminal Admissions. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023063221. [PMID: 37936505 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Isabella E Valente
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Gabrielle Fisher
- Department of Anesthesiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Bethany J Wolf
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Broden EG, Mazzola E, DeCourcey DD, Blume ED, Wolfe J, Snaman JM. The roles of preparation, location, and palliative care involvement in parent-perceived child suffering at the end of life. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 72:e166-e173. [PMID: 37355461 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents' perceptions of their child's suffering affect their bereavement experience. Identifying factors that shape parental perceptions of suffering could help build effective supportive interventions for children and parents navigating EOL and grief. We aimed to compare parent-perceived child suffering between diagnostic groups and identify related factors. DESIGN AND METHODS We combined databases from 3 surveys of parents whose children who died following cancer, a complex chronic condition (CCC), or advanced heart disease. We built multivariable logistic regression models to identify relationships between parent-perceived child suffering and parent/child, illness experience, and care-related factors. RESULTS Among 277 parents, 41% rated their child's suffering as moderate or high. Fifty-seven percent of parents whose child died from cancer reported that their child suffered "a lot" or "a great deal" at EOL, compared to 33% whose child died from a CCC, and 17% whose child died from heart disease (P < 0.001). Preparation for EOL symptoms was associated with decreased parent-perceived child suffering in multivariable modeling, with parents who were prepared for EOL 68% less likely to rate their child's suffering as high compared to those who felt unprepared (AOR: 0.32, CI [0.13-0.77], P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Preparing families for their child's EOL may help mitigate lingering perceptions of suffering. Operationalizing preparation is crucial to optimizing family support during EOL care. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Preparation for symptoms, and access to resources, including medical/psychosocial interventions and staff, may help ease parental perception of EOL suffering. Clinicians should prioritize preparing families for what to expect during a child's dying process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Broden
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emanuele Mazzola
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Medical Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Cousino MK, Miller VA, Smith C, Lim HM, Yu S, Lowery R, Uzark K, Fredericks EM, Wolfe J, Blume ED, Schumacher KR. Medical and End-of-Life Decision-Making Preferences in Adolescents and Young Adults with Advanced Heart Disease and Their Parents. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2311957. [PMID: 37145598 PMCID: PMC10163392 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.11957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Despite high disease morbidity and mortality and complex treatment decisions, little is known about the medical and end-of-life decision-making preferences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with advanced heart disease. AYA decision-making involvement is associated with important outcomes in other chronic illness groups. Objective To characterize decision-making preferences of AYAs with advanced heart disease and their parents and determine factors associated with these preferences. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional survey between July 2018 and April 2021 at a single-center heart failure/transplant service at a Midwestern US children's hospital. Participants were AYAs aged 12 to 24 years with heart failure, listed for heart transplantation, or posttransplant with life-limiting complications and a parent/caregiver. Data were analyzed from May 2021 to June 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures Single-item measure of medical decision-making preferences, MyCHATT, and Lyon Family-Centered Advance Care Planning Survey. Results Fifty-six of 63 eligible patients enrolled in the study (88.9%) with 53 AYA-parent dyads. Median (IQR) patient age was 17.8 (15.8-19.0) years; 34 (64.2%) patients were male, and 40 patients (75.5%) identified as White and 13 patients (24.5%) identified as members of a racial or ethnic minority group or multiracial. The greatest proportion of AYA participants (24 of 53 participants [45.3%]) indicated a preference for active, patient-led decision-making specific to heart disease management, while the greatest proportion of parents (18 of 51 participants [35.3%]) preferred they and physician(s) make shared medical decisions on behalf of their AYA, representing AYA-parent decision-making discordance (χ2 = 11.7; P = .01). Most AYA participants stated a preference to discuss adverse effects or risks of treatment (46 of 53 participants [86.8%]), procedural and/or surgical details (45 of 53 participants [84.9%]), impact of condition on daily activities (48 of 53 participants [90.6%]), and their prognosis (42 of 53 participants [79.2%]). More than half of AYAs preferred to be involved in end-of-life decisions if very ill (30 of 53 participants [56.6%]). Longer time since cardiac diagnosis (r = 0.32; P = .02) and worse functional status (mean [SD] 4.3 [1.4] in New York Heart Association class III or IV vs 2.8 [1.8] in New York Heart Association class I or II; t-value = 2.7; P = .01) were associated with a preference for more active, patient-led decision-making. Conclusions and Relevance In this survey study, most AYAs with advanced heart disease favored active roles in medical decision-making. Interventions and educational efforts targeting clinicians, AYAs with heart disease, and their caregivers are needed to ensure they are meeting the decision-making and communication preferences of this patient population with complex disease and treatment courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Cousino
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Cynthia Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Heang M Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Sunkyung Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Ray Lowery
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | - Karen Uzark
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Variation in hospital costs and resource utilisation after congenital heart surgery. Cardiol Young 2023; 33:420-431. [PMID: 35373722 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951122001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children undergoing cardiac surgery have overall improving survival, though they consume substantial resources. Nationwide inpatient cost estimates and costs at longitudinal follow-up are lacking. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of children <19 years of age admitted to Pediatric Health Information System administrative database with an International Classification of Diseases diagnosis code undergoing cardiac surgery. Patients were grouped into neonates (≤30 days of age), infants (31-365 days of age), and children (>1 year) at index procedure. Primary and secondary outcomes included hospital stay and hospital costs at index surgical admission and 1- and 5-year follow-up. RESULTS Of the 99,670 cohort patients, neonates comprised 27% and had the highest total hospital costs, though daily hospital costs were lower. Mortality declined (5.6% in 2004 versus 2.5% in 2015, p < 0.0001) while inpatient costs rose (5% increase/year, p < 0.0001). Neonates had greater index diagnosis complexity, greater inpatient costs, required the greatest ICU resources, pharmacotherapy, and respiratory therapy. We found no relationship between hospital surgical volume, mortality, and hospital costs. Neonates had higher cumulative hospital costs at 1- and 5-year follow-up compared to infants and children. CONCLUSIONS Inpatient hospital costs rose during the study period, driven primarily by longer stay. Neonates had greater complexity index diagnosis, required greater hospital resources, and have higher hospital costs at 1 and 5 years compared to older children. Surgical volume and in-hospital mortality were not associated with costs. Further analyses comprising merged clinical and administrative data are necessary to identify longer stay and cost drivers after paediatric cardiac surgery.
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Hollander SA, Wujcik K, Schmidt J, Liu E, Lin A, Dykes J, Good J, Brown M, Rosenthal D. Home Milrinone in Pediatric Hospice Care of Children with Heart Failure. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:216-221. [PMID: 36417945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The symptom profile of children dying from cardiac disease, especially heart failure, differs from those with cancer and other non-cardiac conditions. Treatment with vasoactive infusions at home may be a superior therapy for symptom control for these patients, rather than traditional pain and anxiety management with morphine and benzodiazepines. OBJECTIVES We report our experience using outpatient milrinone in children receiving hospice care for end-stage heart failure. METHODS Retrospective review of a contemporary cohort of all patients at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford who were discharged on intravenous milrinone and hospice care between 2008 and 2021. Clinical data, including cardiac diagnosis, milrinone dose and route of administration, total milrinone days, symptoms reported, rehospitalization rates, concurrent therapies and complications were analyzed. RESULTS Among 8 patients, median duration of home milrinone infusion was 191 (33, 572) days with the longest support duration 1,054 days. All (100%) patients were also receiving diuretics at the time of death. Five (63%) were receiving no other pain control medications until the active phase of dying. From milrinone initiation to last outpatient assessment, a reduction in the number of patients reporting respiratory discomfort, abdominal pain, weight loss/lack of appetite, and fatigue was observed. Six (75%) died at home. CONCLUSION We used milrinone with oral diuretics effectively for symptom control in children with heart failure on palliative care. Our experience was that this combination can be used safely in the outpatient setting for long-term use without the addition of opiates, benzodiazepines, or supplemental oxygen in most cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - Kari Wujcik
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Julie Schmidt
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Esther Liu
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Aileen Lin
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - John Dykes
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Julie Good
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Michelle Brown
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology) (S.A.H., J.D., D.R.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Solid Organ Transplant Services (K.W., J.S.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Service (E.L.), Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Palo Alto, California, USA; Pulmonary Hypertension Service (A.L.), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Department of Anesthesiology (J.G.), Perioperative and Pain Medicine (and by courtesy, Pediatrics), Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA; Departments of Psychiatry & Palliative Care (M.B.), Stanford University/, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Blume ED, Kirsch R, Cousino MK, Walter JK, Steiner JM, Miller TA, Machado D, Peyton C, Bacha E, Morell E. Palliative Care Across the Life Span for Children With Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes 2023; 16:e000114. [PMID: 36633003 PMCID: PMC10472747 DOI: 10.1161/hcq.0000000000000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM This summary from the American Heart Association provides guidance for the provision of primary and subspecialty palliative care in pediatric congenital and acquired heart disease. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted from January 2010 to December 2021. Seminal articles published before January 2010 were also included in the review. Human subject studies and systematic reviews published in English in PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Collaboration were included. Structure: Although survival for pediatric congenital and acquired heart disease has tremendously improved in recent decades, morbidity and mortality risks remain for a subset of young people with heart disease, necessitating a role for palliative care. This scientific statement provides an evidence-based approach to the provision of primary and specialty palliative care for children with heart disease. Primary and specialty palliative care specific to pediatric heart disease is defined, and triggers for palliative care are outlined. Palliative care training in pediatric cardiology; diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations; and future research directions are discussed.
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Hollander SA, Pyke-Grimm KA, Shezad MF, Zafar F, Cousino MK, Feudtner C, Char DS. End-of-Life in Pediatric Patients Supported by Ventricular Assist Devices: A Network Database Cohort Study. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:41-50. [PMID: 36398973 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most pediatric patients on ventricular assist device (VAD) survive to transplantation. Approximately 15% will die on VAD support, and the circumstances at the end-of-life are not well understood. We, therefore, sought to characterize patient location and invasive interventions used at the time of death. DESIGN Retrospective database study of a cohort meeting inclusion criteria. SETTING Thirty-six centers participating in the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) Registry. PATIENTS Children who died on VAD therapy in the period March 2012 to September 2021. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of the 117 of 721 patients (16%) who died on VAD, the median (interquartile range) age was 5 years (1-16 yr) at 43 days (17-91 d) postimplant. Initial goals of therapy were bridge to consideration for candidacy for transplantation in 60 of 117 (51%), bridge to transplantation in 44 of 117 (38%), bridge to recovery 11 of 117 (9%), or destination therapy (i.e., VAD as the endpoint) in two of 117 (2%). The most common cause of death was multiple organ failure in 35 of 117 (30%), followed by infection in 12 of 117 (10%). Eighty-five of 92 (92%) died with a functioning device in place. Most patients were receiving invasive interventions (mechanical ventilation, vasoactive infusions, etc.) at the end of life. Twelve patients (10%) died at home. CONCLUSIONS One-in-six pediatric VAD patients die while receiving device support, with death occurring soon after implant and usually from noncardiac causes. Aggressive interventions are common at the end-of-life. The ACTION Registry data should inform future practices to promote informed patient/family and clinician decision-making to hopefully reduce suffering at the end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Kimberly A Pyke-Grimm
- Departments of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology), and Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Muhammad F Shezad
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Farhan Zafar
- The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Melissa K Cousino
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Department of Pediatrics (General Pediatrics), Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Danton S Char
- Department of Anesthesia (Pediatric Cardiac), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
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10
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Madrigal VN, Feltman DM, Leuthner SR, Kirsch R, Hamilton R, Dokken D, Needle J, Boss R, Lelkes E, Carter B, Macias E, Bhombal S. Bioethics for Neonatal Cardiac Care. Pediatrics 2022; 150:189885. [PMID: 36317974 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-056415n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinicians caring for neonates with congenital heart disease encounter challenges with ethical implications in daily practice and must have some basic fluency in ethical principles and practical applications. METHODS Good ethical practice begins with a thorough understanding of the details and narrative of each individual case, examination via classic principles of bioethics, and further framing of that translation into practice. RESULTS We explore some of these issues and expand awareness through the lens of a case presentation beginning with fetal considerations through end-of-life discussions. CONCLUSIONS We include specific sections that bring attention to shared decision-making, research ethics, and outcomes reporting. We review empirical evidence and highlight recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa N Madrigal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine and Pediatric Ethics Program, Children's National Hospital, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Dalia M Feltman
- NorthShore University HealthSystem Evanston Hospital, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Steven R Leuthner
- Departments of Pediatrics and Bioethics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Roxanne Kirsch
- Department of Critical Care, Division Cardiac Critical Care Medicine; Department of Bioethics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rekha Hamilton
- Mednax Inc. Cook Children's Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Deborah Dokken
- Family Leader and Staff Member, Institute for Patient and Family-Centered Care, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Needle
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Bioethics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Renee Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Efrat Lelkes
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Palliative Medicine, Bioethics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Brian Carter
- Departments of Humanities and Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children's Mercy Hospital, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Eduardo Macias
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology. University Hospital, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Shazia Bhombal
- Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Stanford, Palo Alto, California
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11
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Edwin F, Edwin AK, Palacios-Macedo A, Mamorare H, Yao NA. Management of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in Low-Resource Settings and the Ethics of Decision-Making. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg 2022; 13:609-614. [PMID: 36053092 DOI: 10.1177/21501351221103511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is possibly the most challenging congenital heart defect to confront in any setting. The highly specialized infrastructure and resources needed to treat HLHS is not available in many low-resource settings. However, low-resource settings must not be assumed to be synonymous with low- and middle-income countries as national income is not necessarily indicative of a country's prioritization of healthcare resources. Besides, a low-resource setting may be institution-specific as well as country-specific. We have stratified institutional capabilities for addressing the requirements of treatment for HLHS into five levels based on the capacity for diagnosis, intervention, and post-discharge monitoring. Depending on institutional capabilities, children born with HLHS in low-resource settings experience a spectrum of outcomes ranging from death without diagnosis to the hybrid or Norwood stage 1 palliation. The decision-making is ethically challenging when resources are scarce and economic efficiency must be considered in the context of distributive justice. Even in settings that would be classified as resource-rich where survival after surgery and quality of life afterward keep improving, not every parent would choose surgical intervention for their hypothetical child with HLHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Edwin
- Ho Cardiothoracic Centre, School of Medicine, University of Health & Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- National Cardiothoracic Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ama K Edwin
- Department of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Bioethics and Palliative Care, University of Ghana Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Alexis Palacios-Macedo
- Division de Cirugıa Cardiovasclar, 37759Instituto Nacional de Pediatria, Mexico City, Mexico
- Centro Pediatrico del Corazon ABC-Kardias, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Nana Akyaa Yao
- National Cardiothoracic Centre, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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12
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Bergsträsser E, Lukose S, Zimmermann K, Oxenius A. Palliative Care in Children With Advanced Heart Disease in a Tertiary Care Environment: A Mini Review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:863031. [PMID: 35463792 PMCID: PMC9023876 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.863031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Palliative care for children continues to evolve. More recently, this has also been true in the field of pediatric cardiology, particularly for children with advanced heart disease. In these children, similarly to children with cancer, treatment successes are offset by the risks of long-term morbidities, including premature death. This mini review aims to provide an overview of current knowledge on children suffering from advanced heart disease, their medical care during various phases of illness (including the palliative and end-of-life phase), symptom burden, experiences of parents, prognostic understanding of parents and physicians, and current status of the involvement of pediatric palliative care. In conclusion, the suffering of these children at the end of their young lives is pronounced and many parents feel prepared neither for medical problems nor for the child’s death. An effective and mutually trusting partnership between pediatric cardiology and pediatric palliative care would appear to be a prerequisite for the timely involvement of palliative care in further supporting these children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bergsträsser
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Medicine I, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Eva Bergsträsser,
| | - Saumya Lukose
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Medicine I, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Karin Zimmermann
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Medicine I, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department Public Health, Nursing Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angela Oxenius
- Pediatric Cardiology, Heart Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Moynihan KM, Ziniel SI, Johnston E, Morell E, Pituch K, Blume ED. A "Good Death" for Children with Cardiac Disease. Pediatr Cardiol 2022; 43:744-755. [PMID: 34854941 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-021-02781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Children with heart disease often experience symptoms and medically intense end-of-life care. Our study explored bereaved parents' perceptions of a "good death" via a mail survey to 128 parents of children with heart disease who died in two centers. Parental perceptions of end-of-life circumstances were assessed by closed-ended questions including level of agreement with the question: "would you say your child experienced a good death?" and open-ended comments were contributed. Medical therapies at end-of-life and mode of death were retrieved through chart review. Of 50 responding parents, 44 (response rate: 34%) responded to the "good death" question; 16 (36%) agreed strongly, 15 (34%) agreed somewhat, and 30% disagreed (somewhat: 7, 16%; strongly: 6, 14%). Half the children were on mechanical support and 84% intubated at death. Of children with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at end-of-life, 71% of parents disagreed with the "good death" question compared with 22% of parents whose child died following discontinuation of life-sustaining therapy or comfort measures (OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.3, 48.9, p < 0.01). Parent-reported circumstances associated with disagreement with the "good death" question included cure-oriented goals-of-care (OR 16.6, 95% CI 3.0, 87.8, p < 0.001), lack of advance care planning (ACP) (OR 12.4 95% CI 2.1, 65.3 p < 0.002), surprise regarding timing of death (OR 11.7, 95% CI 2.6, 53.4 p < 0.002), and experience of pain (OR 42.1, 95% CI 2.3, 773.7 p < 0.02). Despite high medical intensity, many bereaved parents of children with cardiac disease agree a "good death" was experienced. A "good death" was associated with greater preparedness, ACP, non-cure-oriented goals-of-care, pain control, and CPR avoidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Moynihan
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, MS BCH3215, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sonja I Ziniel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Emily Johnston
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Emily Morell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Pituch
- Department of Pediatrics, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, MS BCH3215, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Kirsch R. A Road less traveled by: End-of-life care in the pediatric heart transplant journey. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14216. [PMID: 34985186 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roxanne Kirsch
- Cardiac Intensivist, Division Cardiac Critical Care, Department Critical Care Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Bioethics Associate, Department of Bioethics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Associate Chief Equity, Diversity, Inclusiveness, Wellness, Department Perioperative Services, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Cousino MK, Yu S, Blume ED, Henderson H, Hollander SA, Khan S, Parent J, Schumacher KR. Circumstances surrounding end-of-life in pediatric patients pre- and post-heart transplant: a report from the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society. Pediatr Transplant 2022; 26:e14196. [PMID: 34820983 PMCID: PMC10466174 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mortality has decreased considerably in pediatric heart transplantation, waitlist and post-transplant death rates remain notable. End-of-life focused research in this population, however, is very limited. This Pediatric Heart Transplant Society study aimed to describe the circumstances surrounding death of pediatric heart transplant patients. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the multi-institutional, international, Pediatric Heart Transplant Society registry was conducted. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were performed to 1) describe end-of-life in pediatric pre- and post-heart transplant patients and 2) examine associations between location of death and technological interventions at end-of-life with demographic and disease factors. RESULTS Of 9217 patients (0-18 years) enrolled in the registry between 1993 and 2018, 2804 (30%) deaths occurred; 1310 while awaiting heart transplant and 1494 post-heart transplant. The majority of waitlist deaths (89%) occurred in the hospital, primarily in ICU (74%) with most receiving mechanical ventilation (77%). Fewer post-transplant deaths occurred in the hospital (22%). Out-of-hospital death was associated with older patient age (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS ICU deaths with high use of technological interventions at end-of-life were common, particularly in patients awaiting heart transplant. In this high mortality population, findings raise challenging considerations for clinicians, families, and policy makers on how to balance quality of life amidst high risk for hospital-based death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K. Cousino
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan Transplant Center, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Sunkyung Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Heather Henderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Seth A. Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Sairah Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - John Parent
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Kurt R. Schumacher
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center, Ann Arbor, MI
- University of Michigan Transplant Center, Ann Arbor, MI
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16
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Vemuri S, Butler AE, Brown K, Wray J, Bluebond-Langner M. Palliative care for children with complex cardiac conditions: survey results. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:282-287. [PMID: 34312164 PMCID: PMC8862095 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-320866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore perspectives of paediatric cardiac and palliative care professionals on providing palliative care to children with complex cardiac conditions. DESIGN A national survey including closed-ended and open-ended questions as well as clinical scenarios designed to capture referral practices, attitudes towards palliative care, confidence delivering key components of palliative care and perspectives on for whom to provide palliative care. Responses to closed-ended questions and scenarios were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses were analysed thematically. PARTICIPANTS Paediatric cardiac and palliative care professionals caring for children with complex cardiac conditions in the UK. RESULTS 177 professionals (91 cardiac care and 86 palliative care) responded. Aspects of advance care planning were the most common reasons for referral to palliative care. Palliative care professionals reported greater confidence than cardiac colleagues with such discussions. Clinicians agreed that children with no further surgical management options, comorbid genetic disorders, antenatal diagnosis of a single ventricle, ventricular device in situ, symptomatic heart failure and those awaiting heart transplantation would benefit from palliative care involvement. CONCLUSIONS Components of palliative care, such as advance care planning, can be provided by cardiac care professionals alongside the disease-directed care of children with complex cardiac conditions. Further research and training are needed to address confidence levels in cardiac care professionals in delivering components of palliative care as well as clarification of professional roles and parent preferences in delivery of family-centred care for children with complex cardiac conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Vemuri
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, London, UK
| | - Ashleigh E Butler
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, London, UK,Austin Health Clinical School, School of Nursing and Midwifery, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Brown
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK,Heart Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jo Wray
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK,Heart Lung Directorate, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,Outcomes and Experience Research in Children's Health, Illness and Disability, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, London, UK .,Rutgers University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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17
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State of the science and future research directions in palliative and end-of-life care in paediatric cardiology: a report from the Harvard Radcliffe Accelerator Workshop. Cardiol Young 2022; 32:431-436. [PMID: 34162454 PMCID: PMC8702572 DOI: 10.1017/s104795112100233x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Workshop proceedings, priorities, and recommendations from the "State of the Science and Future Directions in Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Pediatric Cardiology," a Harvard Radcliffe Accelerator Workshop, are detailed. Eight priorities for research were identified, including patient and family decision making, communication, patient and family experience, patient symptom measurement and management, training and curriculum development, teamwork, family hardships and bereavement, and ethical considerations. Barriers to research in this area were also identified: lack of outcome/measurement tools, lack of research funding, small population sizes, lack of effort/protected time for research, undervalued research topic by field and colleagues, and heterogeneous research participant diversity. Priorities and barriers were mostly consistent with those reported by the field of paediatric palliative care at large. These collective, consensus-based findings from diverse, multidisciplinary leaders in the field, as well as parent representatives, provide a catalyst for scientific advancement specific to paediatric and end-of-life care in paediatric cardiology.
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18
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When is enough, enough? Exploring ethical and team considerations in paediatric cardiac care dilemmas. Curr Opin Cardiol 2022; 37:109-114. [PMID: 34698666 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Therapies for paediatric congenital and acquired heart disease continue to evolve and the appropriateness of pursuing life sustaining interventions at margins of standard therapy is ethically challenging. RECENT FINDINGS With ongoing emphasis on shared decision making, recent literature explored physician and parental perspectives on communication with families and offering interventions for complex congenital heart disease and advanced heart failure. The inclusion of parental values and views in this process is now widely accepted. Identified outstanding challenges include difficulty with prognostication from the outset, adjusting long-term goals of care to changes in clinical parameters, need for consistency in communication including regular review meetings with family or surrogate decision-makers. Bioethics consultation and multidisciplinary team reviews may be helpful supports. Palliative care involvement in this population improves quality of life and alleviates parental distress but this collaboration is not optimized. SUMMARY Decision to offer, forgo, or discontinue life-sustaining therapies for children with heart disease has nuanced and context-specific considerations, and must integrate burdens of interventions with patient and family values. Thus, decision making remains complex and demands thoughtful review of not only risks and benefits, but views and values, clearly communicated to team and family.
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19
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Cleveland RW, Snaman JM, DeCourcey DD. Factors Affecting Recruitment and Participation of Bereaved Parents in Research: A Brief Report. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:e213-e217. [PMID: 33845118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Inclusion of bereaved parents in survey-based research is essential to improving end-of-life care for children and their families. However, racial and ethnic minorities are vastly underrepresented in these studies. OBJECTIVES Examine which child demographic characteristics are associated with parental participation in survey-based research. METHODS Post-hoc secondary analysis of the Survey of Caring for Children with Complex Chronic Conditions. Demographic data were extracted from children's medical records for all eligible parents. Using logistic regression, associations were calculated between child demographics and level of parental study participation (enrolled and completed survey (full participation), enrolled but did not complete survey (incomplete participation), and declined participation). RESULTS Two hundred nine children's parents were eligible for analysis, 114 (55%) fully participated, 36 (17%) incompletely participated, and 59 (28%) declined participation. Compared to those who fully participated, parents of non-white children were more likely to incompletely participate (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.2-7.4), while those with public insurance only were more likely to decline participation (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.08-4.03). Parents of children who had a documented limitation to resuscitation order were more likely to fully participate in the study (reference group) than incompletely participate (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.2-0.91), while parents of children who had subspecialty palliative care involvement were less likely to decline participation in the study (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.26-0.97). CONCLUSIONS To ensure optimal end-of-life care for children, all parental voices should be heard. Recruitment of racial/ethnic minorities in bereaved parent survey-based studies can be improved by focusing on specific factors that are associated with parental survey completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross W Cleveland
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (R.W.C., J.M.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care (R.W.C., J.M.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatric Oncology (J.M.S.), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Division of Medicine Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics (D.D.D.), Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Wu ET, Wang CC, Huang SC, Chen CH, Jou ST, Chen YC, Wu MH, Lu FL. End-of-Life Care in Taiwan: Single-Center Retrospective Study of Modes of Death. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2021; 22:733-742. [PMID: 33767073 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000002715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medical advances and the National Health Insurance coverage in Taiwan mean that mortality in the PICU is low. This study describes change in modes of death and end-of-life care in a single center, 2011-2017. SETTING Multidisciplinary PICU in a tertiary referral Children's Hospital in Taiwan. PATIENTS There were 316 deaths in PICU patients. INTERVENTIONS Palliative care consultation in the PICU service occurred after the 2013 "Hospice Palliative Care Act" revision. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In the whole cohort, 22 of 316 patients (7%) were determined as "death by neurologic criteria". There were 94 of 316 patients (30%) who had an event needing cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 24 hours of death: 17 of these patients (17/94; 18%) died after failed cardiopulmonary resuscitation without a do-not-resuscitate order, and the other 77 of 94 patients (82%) had a do-not-resuscitate order after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Overall, there were 200 of 316 patients (63%) who had a do-not-resuscitate order and were entered into the palliative program: 169 of 200 (85%) died after life-sustaining treatment was limited, and the other 31 of 200 (15%) died after life-sustaining treatment was withdrawn. From 2011 to 2017, the time-trend in end-of-life care showed the following associations: 1) a decrease in PICU mortality utilization rate, from 22% to 7% (p < 0.001); 2) a decrease in use of catecholamine infusions after do-not-resuscitate consent, from 87% to 47% (p = 0.001), in patients having limitation in life-sustaining treatment; and 3) an increase in withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, from 4% to 31% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our practice in a single PICU-center in Taiwan, we have seen that the integration of a palliative care consultation service, developed after the revision of a national "Palliative Care Act," was associated with increased willingness to accept withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and a lowered PICU care intensity at the end-of-life.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Ting Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chien Huang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Ho Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shiann-Tarng Jou
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yih-Charng Chen
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hwan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frank Leigh Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Children's Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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21
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Deming RS, Wolfe J, DeCourcey DD. Weighing Distress and Benefit: Understanding the Research Participation Experiences of Bereaved Parents of Children With Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:39-47.e1. [PMID: 33279601 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Improving end-of-life care for children with complex chronic conditions (CCCs) requires parental perspectives. The vulnerability of bereaved parents has historically been a research barrier and studies describing their research participation experience are lacking. OBJECTIVES To examine the research participation experience of bereaved parents of children with CCCs and to identify factors associated with distress or benefit. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, parents of deceased children who received care at Boston Children's Hospital between 2006 and 2015 completed survey questions describing their research participation experience after completing the Survey About Caring for Children with CCCs. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with perceived distress or benefit with participation. Free responses were analyzed using qualitative techniques. RESULTS One hundred fourteen (54%) of 211 eligible parents completed the survey a median of 3.9 years (interquartile range, 2.1-6.5) after their child's death. Most parents felt comfortable (78%) and reported benefit (88%) from survey participation. Only 6% of parents reported "a great deal" of distress with participation, and of those, 67% still found it beneficial. Being at least moderately spiritual was associated with benefit (adjusted odds ratio 7.12 [95% CI: 1.58-32.1]), while parental decisional regret was associated with distress (adjusted odds ratio 3.41 [95% CI: 1.33-8.72]). Benefit was the most common domain identified, with parents expressing appreciation for the opportunity to help others and share their story. CONCLUSION A majority of parents responded to questions about their child's end-of-life care without significant distress. When present, distress was often accompanied by a perception that participation was beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Deming
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Danielle D DeCourcey
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Medical Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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22
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Redefining the Relationship: Palliative Care in Critical Perinatal and Neonatal Cardiac Patients. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8070548. [PMID: 34201973 PMCID: PMC8304963 DOI: 10.3390/children8070548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Patients with perinatal and neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) represent a unique population with higher morbidity and mortality compared to other neonatal patient groups. Despite an overall improvement in long-term survival, they often require chronic care of complex medical illnesses after hospital discharge, placing a high burden of responsibility on their families. Emerging literature reflects high levels of depression and anxiety which plague parents, starting as early as the time of prenatal diagnosis. In the current era of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the additive nature of significant stressors for both medical providers and families can have catastrophic consequences on communication and coping. Due to the high prognostic uncertainty of CHD, data suggests that early pediatric palliative care (PC) consultation may improve shared decision-making, communication, and coping, while minimizing unnecessary medical interventions. However, barriers to pediatric PC persist largely due to the perception that PC consultation is indicative of “giving up.” This review serves to highlight the evolving landscape of perinatal and neonatal CHD and the need for earlier and longitudinal integration of pediatric PC in order to provide high-quality, interdisciplinary care to patients and families.
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23
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Green DJ, Bennett E, Olson LM, Wawrzynski S, Bodily S, Moore D, Mansfield KJ, Wilkins V, Cook L, Delgado-Corcoran C. Timing of Pediatric Palliative Care Consults in Hospitalized Patients with Heart Disease. J Pediatr Intensive Care 2021; 12:63-70. [PMID: 36742256 PMCID: PMC9894702 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1730916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) provides an extra layer of support for families caring for a child with complex heart disease as these patients often experience lifelong morbidities with frequent hospitalizations and risk of early mortality. PPC referral at the time of heart disease diagnosis provides early involvement in the disease trajectory, allowing PPC teams to longitudinally support patients and families with symptom management, complex medical decision-making, and advanced care planning. We analyzed 113 hospitalized pediatric patients with a primary diagnosis of heart disease and a PPC consult to identify timing of first PPC consultation in relation to diagnosis, complex chronic conditions (CCC), and death. The median age of heart disease diagnosis was 0 days with a median of two CCCs while PPC consultation did not occur until a median age of 77 days with a median of four CCCs. Median time between PPC consult and death was 33 days (interquartile range: 7-128). Death often occurred in the intensive care unit ( n = 36, 67%), and the most common mode was withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies ( n = 31, 57%). PPC referral often occurred in the context of medical complexity and prolonged hospitalization. Referral close to the time of heart disease diagnosis would allow patients and families to fully utilize PPC benefits that exist outside of end-of-life care and may influence the mode and location of death. PPC consultation should be considered at the time of heart disease diagnosis, especially in neonates and infants with CCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J. Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States,Address for correspondence Danielle J. Green, MD Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical CarePO Box 581289, Salt Lake City, UT 84158United States
| | - Erin Bennett
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Lenora M. Olson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Sarah Wawrzynski
- University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States,Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Stephanie Bodily
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Dominic Moore
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Care Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Kelly J. Mansfield
- Pediatric Critical Care Services, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Victoria Wilkins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Inpatient Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Lawrence Cook
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
| | - Claudia Delgado-Corcoran
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Palliative Care Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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Baumann F, Hebert S, Rascher W, Woelfle J, Gravou-Apostolatou C. Clinical Characteristics of the End-of-Life Phase in Children with Life-Limiting Diseases: Retrospective Study from a Single Center for Pediatric Palliative Care. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060523. [PMID: 34205278 PMCID: PMC8235017 DOI: 10.3390/children8060523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Data on the end-of-life phase of children receiving palliative care are limited. The purpose of this study is to investigate the spectrum of symptoms of terminally ill children, adolescents, and young adults, depending on their underlying disease. Methods: Findings are based on a 4.5-year retrospective study of 89 children who received palliative care before they died, investigating the symptomatology of the last two weeks before death. Results: In this study, the most common clinical symptomatology present in children undergoing end-of-life care includes pain, shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, and constipation. Out of 89 patients included in this study, 47% suffered from an oncological disease. Oncological patients had a significantly higher symptom burden at the end of life (p < 0.05) compared to other groups, and the intensity of symptoms increased as the underlying disease progressed. The likelihood of experiencing pain and nausea/vomiting was also significantly higher in oncological patients (p = 0.016). Conclusions: We found that the underlying disease is associated with marked differences in the respective leading clinical symptom. Therefore, related to these differences, symptom management has to be adjusted according to the underlying disease, since the underlying disorder seems to exert an influence on the severity of symptoms and thereby on the modality and choice of treatment. This study is intended to aid underlying disease-specific symptom management at the end-of-life care for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a specific focus on end-of-life care in a home environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joachim Woelfle
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-33118 or +49-9131-85-33113
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25
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Moynihan KM, Heith CS, Snaman JM, Smith-Parrish M, Bakas A, Ge S, Cerqueira AV, Bailey V, Beke D, Wolfe J, Morell E, Gauvreau K, Blume ED. Palliative Care Referrals in Cardiac Disease. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-018580. [PMID: 33579811 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-018580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With evidence of benefits of pediatric palliative care (PPC) integration, we sought to characterize subspecialty PPC referral patterns and end of life (EOL) care in pediatric advanced heart disease (AHD). METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we compared inpatient pediatric (<21 years) deaths due to AHD in 2 separate 3-year epochs: 2007-2009 (early) and 2015-2018 (late). Demographics, disease burden, medical interventions, mode of death, and hospital charges were evaluated for temporal changes and PPC influence. RESULTS Of 3409 early-epoch admissions, there were 110 deaths; the late epoch had 99 deaths in 4032 admissions. In the early epoch, 45 patients (1.3% admissions, 17% deaths) were referred for PPC, compared with 146 late-epoch patients (3.6% admissions, 58% deaths). Most deaths (186 [89%]) occurred in the cardiac ICU after discontinuation of life-sustaining therapy (138 [66%]). Medical therapies included ventilation (189 [90%]), inotropes (184 [88%]), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (68 [33%]), or mechanical circulatory support (67 [32%]), with no temporal difference observed. PPC involvement was associated with decreased mechanical circulatory support, ventilation, inotropes, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation at EOL, and children were more likely to be awake and be receiving enteral feeds. PPC involvement increased advance care planning, with lower hospital charges on day of death and 7 days before (respective differences $5058 [P = .02] and $25 634 [P = .02]). CONCLUSIONS Pediatric AHD deaths are associated with high medical intensity; however, children with PPC consultation experienced substantially less invasive interventions at EOL. Further study is warranted to explore these findings and how palliative care principles can be better integrated into care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M Moynihan
- Departments of Cardiology and .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine S Heith
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa Smith-Parrish
- Departments of Cardiology and.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anna Bakas
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Valerie Bailey
- Cardiovascular and Critical Care Nursing Patient Services and
| | - Dorothy Beke
- Cardiovascular and Critical Care Nursing Patient Services and
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Emily Morell
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kimberlee Gauvreau
- Departments of Cardiology and.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Departments of Cardiology and.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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26
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Morell E, Miller MK, Lu M, Friedman KG, Breitbart RE, Reichman JR, McDermott J, Sleeper LA, Blume ED. Parent and Physician Understanding of Prognosis in Hospitalized Children With Advanced Heart Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e018488. [PMID: 33442989 PMCID: PMC7955315 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.018488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Background The unpredictable trajectory of pediatric advanced heart disease makes prognostication difficult for physicians and informed decision‐making challenging for families. This study evaluated parent and physician understanding of disease burden and prognosis in hospitalized children with advanced heart disease. Methods and Results A longitudinal survey study of parents and physicians caring for patients with advanced heart disease age 30 days to 19 years admitted for ≥7 days was performed over a 1‐year period (n=160 pairs). Percentage agreement and weighted kappa statistics were used to assess agreement. Median patient age was 1 year (interquartile range, 1–5), 39% had single‐ventricle lesions, and 37% were in the cardiac intensive care unit. Although 92% of parents reported understanding their child's prognosis “extremely well” or “well,” 28% of physicians thought parents understood the prognosis only “a little,” “somewhat,” or “not at all.” Better parent‐reported prognostic understanding was associated with greater preparedness for their child's medical problems (odds ratio, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.4–21.7, P=0.02). There was poor parent–physician agreement in assessing functional class, symptom burden, and likelihood of limitations in physical activity and learning/behavior; on average, parents were more optimistic. Many parents (47%) but few physicians (6%) expected the child to have normal life expectancy. Conclusions Parents and physicians caring for children with advanced heart disease differed in their perspectives regarding prognosis and disease burden. Physicians tended to underestimate the degree of parent‐reported symptom burden. Parents were less likely to expect limitations in physical activity, learning/behavior, and life expectancy. Combined interventions involving patient‐reported outcomes, parent education, and physician communication tools may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Morell
- Division of Cardiology Department of Pediatrics Children's Hospital Los Angeles Los Angeles CA
| | | | - Minmin Lu
- Department of Cardiology Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA
| | | | | | | | - Julie McDermott
- Department of Cardiology Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA
| | - Lynn A Sleeper
- Department of Cardiology Boston Children's Hospital Boston MA
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27
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Zhu Y, Zhu X, Xu L, Deng M. Clinical Factors Influencing End-of-Life Care in a Chinese Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective, post-hoc Study. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:601782. [PMID: 33898354 PMCID: PMC8058173 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.601782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: End-of-life(EOL) care decision-making for infants and children is a painful experience. The study aimed to explore the clinical factors influencing the EOL care to withhold/withdraw life-sustaining treatment (WLST) in Chinese pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: A 14-year retrospective study (2006-2019) for pediatric patients who died in PICU was conducted. Based on the mode of death, patients were classified into WLST group (death after WLST) and fCPR group (death after full intervention, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Intergroup differences in the epidemiological and clinical factors were determined. Results: There were 715 patients enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 442 (61.8%) died after WLST and 273 (38.2%) died after fCPR. Patients with previous hospitalizations or those who had been transferred from other hospitals more frequently chose WLST than fCPR (both P < 0.01), and the mean PICU stay duration was significantly longer in the WLST group (P < 0.05). WLST patients were more frequently complicated with chronic underlying disease, especially tumor (P < 0.01). Sepsis, diarrhea, and cardiac attack (all P < 0.05) were more frequent causes of death in the fCPR group, whereas tumor as a direct cause of death was more frequently seen in the WLST group. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that previous hospitalization and underlying diseases diagnosed before admission were strongly associated with EOL care with WLST decision (OR: 1.6; P < 0.05 and OR: 1.6; P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: Pediatric patients with previous hospitalization and underlying diseases diagnosed before admission were associated with the EOL care to WLST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueniu Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Xu
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyan Deng
- Department of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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28
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Abstract
CHD remains one of the leading causes of mortality of children in the United States. There is limited research about the experience of parents from the diagnosis of their child with CHD through the death of their child. A prior study has shown that adults with heart failure go through a series of four transitions: 1) learning the diagnosis, 2) reframing the new normal, 3) taking control of the illness, and 4) understanding death is inevitable. In our qualitative study, we performed semi-structured interviews with parents who have a child die of CHD to determine whether the four transitions in adults apply to parents of children with CHD. We found that these four transitions were present in the parents we interviewed and that there were two novel transitions, one that proceeded the first Jones et al transition ("Prenatal diagnosis") and one that occurred after the final Jones et al transition ("Adjustment after death"). It is our hope that identification of these six transitions will help better support families of children with CHD.
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29
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Lee J, Kim GB, Song MK, Lee SY, Kim MS, Bae EJ. End-of-Life Care of Hospitalized Children with Advanced Heart Disease. J Korean Med Sci 2020; 35:e107. [PMID: 32329256 PMCID: PMC7183846 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2020.35.e107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improvements in palliative care for critically ill children, the characteristics of end-of-life care for pediatric patients with advanced heart disease are not well-known. We investigated these characteristics among hospitalized children with advanced heart disease in a tertiary referral center in Korea. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 136 patients with advanced heart disease who died in our pediatric department from January 2006 through December 2013. RESULTS The median age of patients at death was 10.0 months (range 1 day-28.3 years). The median duration of the final hospitalization was 16.5 days (range 1-690 days). Most patients (94.1%) died in the intensive care unit and had received mechanical ventilation (89.7%) and inotropic agents (91.2%) within 24 hours of death. The parents of 74 patients (54.4%) had an end-of-life care discussion with their physician, and the length of stay of these patients in the intensive care unit and in hospital was longer. Of the 90 patients who had been hospitalized for 7 days or more, the parents of 54 patients (60%) had a documented end-of-life care discussion. The time interval from the end-of-life care discussion to death was 3 days or less for 25 patients. CONCLUSION Children dying of advanced heart disease receive intensive treatment at the end of life. Discussions regarding end-of-life issues are often postponed until immediately prior to death. A pediatric palliative care program must be implemented to improve the quality of death in pediatric patients with heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joowon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Beom Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Mi Kyoung Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Yun Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Sun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jung Bae
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul National University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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30
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Cousino MK, Miller VA, Smith C, Uzark K, Lowery R, Rottach N, Blume ED, Schumacher KR. Medical and end-of-life decision making in adolescents' pre-heart transplant: A descriptive pilot study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:272-280. [PMID: 31647374 PMCID: PMC8063635 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319874689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents and young adults undergoing heart transplantation experience risks of morbidity and mortality both pre- and post-transplant. To improve end-of-life care for this population, it is necessary to understand their medical and end-of-life decision-making preferences. AIM (1) To examine adolescent/young adult decision-making involvement specific to heart transplant listing, and (2) to characterize their preferences specific to medical and end-of-life decision making. DESIGN This cross-sectional research study utilized survey methods. Data were collected from October 2016 to March 2018. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Twelve adolescent and young adult patients listed for heart transplant (ages = 12-19 years) and one parent for each were enrolled at a single-center, US children's hospital. RESULTS Consistent with their preferences, the majority of adolescent/young adult participants (82%) perceived a high level of involvement in the decision to be listed for transplant. Patient involvement in this decision was primarily by way of seeking advice or information from their parents and being asked to express their opinion from parents. Despite a preference among patients to discuss their prognosis and be involved in end-of-life decision making if seriously ill, only 42% of patients had discussed their end-of-life wishes with anyone. Few parents recounted having such discussions. Preferences regarding the timing and nature of end-of-life decision-making discussions varied. CONCLUSIONS Although young people are involved in the decision to pursue heart transplantation, little attention is paid to involving them in discussions regarding end-of-life decision making in a manner that is consistent with individual preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Cousino
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,University of Michigan Transplant Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Victoria A Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cynthia Smith
- Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karen Uzark
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ray Lowery
- Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nichole Rottach
- Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kurt R Schumacher
- Department of Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,University of Michigan Transplant Center, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Congenital Heart Center, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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31
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Deuitch N, Soo-Jin Lee S, Char D. Translating genomic testing results for pediatric critical care: Opportunities for genetic counselors. J Genet Couns 2019; 29:78-87. [PMID: 31701594 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genomic sequencing (GS), such as whole genome and exome sequencing, is rapidly being integrated into pediatric critical care settings. Results are being used to make high impact decisions including declarations of futility, withdrawal of care, and rationing of scarce resources. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to investigate their views on implementation of GS into clinical practice. Interviews were transcribed and inductively analyzed for major themes using grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged surrounding the use of genomic information in the high-stakes, time pressured decision making that characterizes clinical care of critically ill children with CHD: (a) that clinicians felt they did not have sufficient training to accurately assess genetic results despite pressure to incorporate results into clinical decisions; (b), that they desire knowledge support from genetic specialists, such as genetic counselors, who both understand the critical care context and are available within the time constraints of critical care clinical pressures; and (c), that clinicians feel a pressing need for increased genetics education to be able to safely and appropriately incorporate GS results into clinical decisions Our data suggest that genetics specialists may need a stronger presence in the pediatric critical care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Deuitch
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Soo-Jin Lee
- Division of Ethics, Department of Medical Humanities and Ethics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danton Char
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Management, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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32
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Morell E, Thompson J, Rajagopal S, Blume ED, May R. Congenital Cardiothoracic Surgeons and Palliative Care: A National Survey Study. J Palliat Care 2019; 36:17-21. [PMID: 31597507 DOI: 10.1177/0825859719874765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of children with advanced heart disease in the inpatient setting die in an intensive care unit under 1 year of age following multiple interventions. While pediatric cardiology and palliative care provider attitudes have been described, little is known about pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon attitudes toward palliative care in children with advanced heart disease. OBJECTIVE To describe perspectives of pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons regarding palliative care in pediatric heart disease. DESIGN Cross-sectional web-based national survey. RESULTS Of the 220 surgeons who were e-mailed the survey, 36 opened the survey and 5 did not meet inclusion criteria (n = 31). Median years of practice was 23.5 (range: 12-41 years), and 87.1% were male. Almost all (90%) reported that they had experience consulting palliative care. While 68% felt palliative care consultation was initiated at the appropriate time, 29% felt it occurred too late. When asked the appropriate timing for palliative care consultation in hypoplastic left heart syndrome, 45% selected "at time of prenatal diagnosis" and 30% selected "when surgical and transcatheter options have been exhausted." Common barriers to palliative care involvement included the perception of "giving up" (40%) and concern for undermining parental hope (36%). CONCLUSIONS While a majority of pediatric cardiothoracic surgeons are familiar with palliative care, there is variation in perception of appropriate timing of consultation. Significant barriers to consultation still exist, including concern that parents will think they are "giving" up, undermining parental hope, and influence of palliative care on the medical care team's approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Morell
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, 12224University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | - Jess Thompson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 194751University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, OK, USA
| | - Satish Rajagopal
- Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, 12224University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, CA, USA
| | | | - Rachna May
- Department of Pediatrics, 194751University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, OK, USA
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33
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Advanced heart failure in children is characterized by dynamic clinical trajectories, uncertainty of prognosis, and intermittent need for difficult decision-making, often related to novel therapeutic interventions with uncertain impact on quality of life. This review will examine the current role of palliative care to support this unique population. RECENT FINDINGS Pediatric heart failure patients commonly die in ICUs with high burden of invasive therapies together with end of life care needs. In addition, several studies advocate for integration of palliative care early in disease trajectory, not only focused on end of life care. Many advocate for the core tenets of palliative care (symptom management, communication of prognosis, and advanced care planning) to be provided by the primary cardiology team, with consultation by pediatric palliative care specialists. There is also a consensus that palliative care training should be incorporated into pediatric advanced heart disease training programs. SUMMARY Palliative care is an important component of pediatric heart failure care. Research and quality improvement efforts are needed to determine the most effective palliative care interventions for children with advanced heart disease. Provision of palliative care is an essential component of training for pediatric heart failure and transplant specialists.
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34
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Moynihan KM, Snaman JM, Kaye EC, Morrison WE, DeWitt AG, Sacks LD, Thompson JL, Hwang JM, Bailey V, Lafond DA, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Integration of Pediatric Palliative Care Into Cardiac Intensive Care: A Champion-Based Model. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0160. [PMID: 31366685 PMCID: PMC6855829 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into management of children with serious illness and their families is endorsed as the standard of care. Despite this, timely referral to and integration of PPC into the traditionally cure-oriented cardiac ICU (CICU) remains variable. Despite dramatic declines in mortality in pediatric cardiac disease, key challenges confront the CICU community. Given increasing comorbidities, technological dependence, lengthy recurrent hospitalizations, and interventions risking significant morbidity, many patients in the CICU would benefit from PPC involvement across the illness trajectory. Current PPC delivery models have inherent disadvantages, insufficiently address the unique aspects of the CICU setting, place significant burden on subspecialty PPC teams, and fail to use CICU clinician skill sets. We therefore propose a novel conceptual framework for PPC-CICU integration based on literature review and expert interdisciplinary, multi-institutional consensus-building. This model uses interdisciplinary CICU-based champions who receive additional PPC training through courses and subspecialty rotations. PPC champions strengthen CICU PPC provision by (1) leading PPC-specific educational training of CICU staff; (2) liaising between CICU and PPC, improving use of support staff and encouraging earlier subspecialty PPC involvement in complex patients' management; and (3) developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives and CICU-specific PPC protocols. Our PPC-CICU integration model is designed for adaptability within institutional, cultural, financial, and logistic constraints, with potential applications in other pediatric settings, including ICUs. Although the PPC champion framework offers several unique advantages, barriers to implementation are anticipated and additional research is needed to investigate the model's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Moynihan
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wynne E. Morrison
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Aaron G. DeWitt
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Loren D. Sacks
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jess L. Thompson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children’s Heart Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
| | - Jennifer M. Hwang
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Bailey
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A. Lafond
- PANDA Palliative Care Team, Children’s National and School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D. Blume
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Harmoney K, Mobley EM, Gilbertson-White S, Brogden NK, Benson RJ. Differences in Advance Care Planning and Circumstances of Death for Pediatric Patients Who Do and Do Not Receive Palliative Care Consults: A Single-Center Retrospective Review of All Pediatric Deaths from 2012 to 2016. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1506-1514. [PMID: 31233350 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Growing evidence suggests that pediatric palliative care (PPC) teams influence the care received by children and young adults with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. Little is known about how PPC involvement affects advance care planning (ACP) and circumstances of death in pediatric populations with a wide range of diagnoses. Objective: To determine the relationship between PPC involvement, ACP, and circumstances of death for pediatric patients. Design: A retrospective chart review of 558 pediatric patients who died between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016 was conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. A multivariable logistic regression was used to obtain associations between PPC involvement and ACP. Setting: Large, multidisciplinary tertiary care center in a rural state. Measurements: Data abstracted for each patient included the following: demographic information, diagnosis, location of primary unit, hospice involvement, goals of care (GOC), code status, Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) completion, and location of death. Results: Patients with PPC involvement were more likely to have had ACP addressed before death. After adjusting for covariates in the model, patients with PPC were more likely to have their GOC documented (odds ratio [OR] = 96.93), completion of POLST (OR = 24.06), do-not-resuscitate code status (OR = 7.71), and hospice involvement at the time of death (OR = 11.70) compared with those who did not receive PPC. Conclusions: Pediatric patients are more likely to have ACP addressed if they have PPC involvement. Patients with chronic complex conditions are most likely to receive palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Harmoney
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Erin M Mobley
- Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Nicole K Brogden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rebecca J Benson
- Stead Family Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Healthcare, Iowa City, Iowa
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Morell E, Moynihan K, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Palliative care and paediatric cardiology: current evidence and future directions. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:502-510. [PMID: 31126897 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(19)30121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although outcomes for children with heart disease have improved substantially over the past several decades, heart disease remains one of the leading causes of paediatric mortality. For children who progress to advanced heart disease, disease morbidity is high, with many children requiring multiple surgical interventions and long-term intensive care hospitalisations. Care for children with advanced heart disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, and opportunities for earlier integration of palliative care are being explored. This Viewpoint summarises the relevant literature over the past decade. We also identify gaps in parent and provider understanding of prognosis and communication, propose indications for palliative care consultation in paediatric advanced heart disease, and summarise attitudes and perceived barriers to palliative care consultation. Areas for additional research that we identify include paediatric cardiologist education, parental distress, socioeconomic disparities, and patient-reported outcomes. Interdisciplinary clinical and research efforts are required to further advance the field and improve integration of palliative care in the care of children with heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Morell
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katie Moynihan
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Kaufman BD, Hollander SA, Zhang Y, Chen S, Bernstein D, Rosenthal DN, Almond CS, Murray JM, Burgart AM, Cohen HJ, Kirkpatrick JN, Blume ED. Compassionate deactivation of ventricular assist devices in children: A survey of pediatric ventricular assist device clinicians' perspectives and practices. Pediatr Transplant 2019; 23:e13359. [PMID: 30734422 DOI: 10.1111/petr.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study's objective was to investigate compassionate ventricular assist device deactivation (VADdeact) in children from the perspective of the pediatric heart failure provider. BACKGROUND Pediatric VAD use is a standard therapy for advanced heart failure. Serious adverse events may affect relative benefit of continued support, leading to consideration of VADdeact. Perspectives and practices regarding VADdeact have been studied in adults but not in children. METHODS A web-based anonymous survey of clinicians for pediatric VAD patients (<18 years) was sent to list-serves for the ISHLT Pediatric Council, the International Consortium of Circulatory Assist Clinicians Pediatric Taskforce, and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensivist Society. RESULTS A total of 106 respondents met inclusion criteria of caring for pediatric VAD patients. Annual VAD volume per clinician ranged from <4 (33%) to >9 (20%). Seventy percent of respondents had performed VADdeact of a child. Response varied to VADdeact requests by parent or patient and was influenced by professional degree and region of practice. Except for the scenario of intractable suffering, no consensus on VADdeact appropriateness was reported. Age of child thought capable of making informed requests for VADdeact varied by subspecialty. The majority of respondents (62%) do not feel fully informed of relevant legal issues; 84% reported that professional society supported guidelines for VADdeact in children had utility. CONCLUSION There is limited consensus regarding indications for VADdeact in children reported by pediatric VAD provider survey respondents. Knowledge gaps related to legal issues are evident; therefore, professional guidelines and educational resources related to pediatric VADdeact are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth D Kaufman
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Sharon Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Daniel Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David N Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Christopher S Almond
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jenna M Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Alyssa M Burgart
- Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Harvey J Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - James N Kirkpatrick
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Bioethics and Humanities, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Communication and decision-making regarding children with critical cardiac disease: a systematic review of family preferences. Cardiol Young 2018; 28:1088-1092. [PMID: 30062980 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951118001233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Critical heart disease in the pediatric population is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Research around the most effective communication and decision-making strategies is lacking. This systematic review aims to summarise what is known about parent preference for communication and decision-making in children with critical heart disease. Database searches included key words such as family, pediatric heart disease, communication, and decision-making. A total of 10 studies fit our inclusion criteria: nine were qualitative studies with parent interviews and one study was quantitative with a parent survey. We found three main themes regarding physician-parent communication and decision-making in the context of paediatric heart disease: (1) amount, timing, and content of information provided to parents; (2) helpful physician characteristics and communication styles; and (3) reinforcing the support circle for families.
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A randomised trial of early palliative care for maternal stress in infants prenatally diagnosed with single-ventricle heart disease. Cardiol Young 2018; 28:561-570. [PMID: 29316996 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951117002761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Children with single-ventricle disease experience high mortality and complex care. In other life-limiting childhood illnesses, paediatric palliative care may mitigate maternal stress. We hypothesised that early palliative care in the single-ventricle population may have the same benefit for mothers. In this pilot randomised trial of early palliative care, mothers of infants with prenatal single-ventricle diagnoses completed surveys measuring depression, anxiety, coping, and quality of life at a prenatal visit and neonatal discharge. Infants were randomised to receive early palliative care - structured evaluation, psychosocial/spiritual, and communication support before surgery - or standard care. Among 56 eligible mothers, 40 enrolled and completed baseline surveys; 38 neonates were randomised, 18 early palliative care and 20 standard care; and 34 postnatal surveys were completed. Baseline Beck Depression Inventory-II and State-Trait Anxiety Index scores exceeded normal pregnant sample scores (mean 13.76±8.46 versus 7.0±5.0 and 46.34±12.59 versus 29.8±6.35, respectively; p=0.0001); there were no significant differences between study groups. The early palliative care group had a decrease in prenatal to postnatal State-Trait Anxiety Index scores (-7.6 versus 0.3 in standard care, p=0.02), higher postnatal Brief Cope Inventory positive reframing scores (p=0.03), and a positive change in PedsQL Family Impact Module communication and family relationships scores (effect size 0.46 and 0.41, respectively). In conclusion, these data show that mothers of infants with single-ventricle disease experience significant depression and anxiety prenatally. Early palliative care resulted in decreased maternal anxiety, improved maternal positive reframing, and improved communication and family relationships.
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Anticipating uncertainty and irrevocable decisions: provider perspectives on implementing whole-genome sequencing in critically ill children with heart disease. Genet Med 2018; 20:1455-1461. [PMID: 29493583 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2018.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the potential impacts of whole-genome sequencing (WGS) in the pediatric critical-care context, we examined how clinicians caring for critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD) anticipate and perceive the impact of WGS on their decision-making process and treatment recommendations. METHODS We conducted semistructured in-person and telephone interviews of clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children with CHD at a high-volume pediatric heart center. We qualitatively analyzed the transcribed interviews. RESULTS In total, 34 clinicians were interviewed. Three themes emerged: (i) uncertainty about the accuracy of WGS testing and adequacy of testing validation; (ii) the use of WGS to facilitate life-limiting decisions such as futility, rationing, and selective prenatal termination; and (iii) moral distress over using WGS with a lack of decision support. CONCLUSION Despite uncertainty about WGS testing, the interviewed clinicians were using, and anticipated expanding the use of, WGS results to justify declarations of futility, withdrawal of care, and rationing in critically ill children with CHD. This situation is causing moral distress in providers who have to make high-stakes decisions involving WGS results, with only partial understanding of them. Decision support for clinicians, and discussion with families of the risks of using WGS for rationing or withdrawal, is needed.
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Zimmermann K, Cignacco E, Engberg S, Ramelet AS, von der Weid N, Eskola K, Bergstraesser E, Ansari M, Aebi C, Baer R, Popovic MB, Bernet V, Brazzola P, Bucher HU, Buder R, Cagnazzo S, Dinten B, Dorsaz A, Elmer F, Enriquez R, Fahrni-Nater P, Finkbeiner G, Frey B, Frey U, Greiner J, Hassink RI, Keller S, Kretschmar O, Kroell J, Laubscher B, Leibundgut K, Malaer R, Meyer A, Stuessi C, Nelle M, Neuhaus T, Niggli F, Perrenoud G, Pfammatter JP, Plecko B, Rupf D, Sennhauser F, Stade C, Steinlin M, Stoffel L, Thomas K, Vonarburg C, von Vigier R, Wagner B, Wieland J, Wernz B. Patterns of paediatric end-of-life care: a chart review across different care settings in Switzerland. BMC Pediatr 2018; 18:67. [PMID: 29452600 PMCID: PMC5816353 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-018-1021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric end-of-life care is challenging and requires a high level of professional expertise. It is important that healthcare teams have a thorough understanding of paediatric subspecialties and related knowledge of disease-specific aspects of paediatric end-of-life care. The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe, explore and compare current practices in paediatric end-of-life care in four distinct diagnostic groups across healthcare settings including all relevant levels of healthcare providers in Switzerland. METHODS In this nationwide retrospective chart review study, data from paediatric patients who died in the years 2011 or 2012 due to a cardiac, neurological or oncological condition, or during the neonatal period were collected in 13 hospitals, two long-term institutions and 10 community-based healthcare service providers throughout Switzerland. RESULTS Ninety-three (62%) of the 149 reviewed patients died in intensive care units, 78 (84%) of them following withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. Reliance on invasive medical interventions was prevalent, and the use of medication was high, with a median count of 12 different drugs during the last week of life. Patients experienced an average number of 6.42 symptoms. The prevalence of various types of symptoms differed significantly among the four diagnostic groups. Overall, our study patients stayed in the hospital for a median of six days during their last four weeks of life. Seventy-two patients (48%) stayed at home for at least one day and only half of those received community-based healthcare. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a wide-ranging overview of current end-of-life care practices in a real-life setting of different healthcare providers. The inclusion of patients with all major diagnoses leading to disease- and prematurity-related childhood deaths, as well as comparisons across the diagnostic groups, provides additional insight and understanding for healthcare professionals. The provision of specialised palliative and end-of-life care services in Switzerland, including the capacity of community healthcare services, need to be expanded to meet the specific needs of seriously ill children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zimmermann
- Department Public Health (DPH), Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland. .,Paediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Children's Research Center CRC, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Eva Cignacco
- Department Public Health (DPH), Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Health Division, University of Applied Sciences Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Engberg
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA
| | - Anne-Sylvie Ramelet
- Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare - IUFRS, University of Lausanne, Route de la Corniche 10, 1010, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Nurse Research Consultant, Department of Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas von der Weid
- Paediatric Haematology-Oncology, University Children's Hospital UKBB, Spitalstrasse 33, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katri Eskola
- Department Public Health (DPH), Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.,Triemli Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Bergstraesser
- Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Balkin EM, Sleeper LA, Kirkpatrick JN, Swetz KM, Coggins MK, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Physician Perspectives on Palliative Care for Children with Advanced Heart Disease: A Comparison between Pediatric Cardiology and Palliative Care Physicians. J Palliat Med 2018; 21:773-779. [PMID: 29412772 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2017.0612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the importance of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with life-threatening illness is increasingly recognized, little is known about physicians' attitudes toward palliative care for children with heart disease. OBJECTIVE To compare the perspectives of PPC physicians and pediatric cardiologists regarding palliative care in pediatric heart disease. DESIGN Cross-sectional web-based surveys. RESULTS Responses from 183 pediatric cardiologists were compared to those of 49 PPC physicians (response rates 31% [183/589] and 28% [49/175], respectively). Forty-eight percent of PPC physicians and 63% of pediatric cardiologists agreed that availability of PPC is adequate (p = 0.028). The majority of both groups indicated that PPC consultation occurs "too late." Compared with pediatric cardiologists, PPC physicians reported greater competence in all areas of advance care planning, communication, and symptom management. PPC physicians more often described obstacles to PPC consultation as "many" or "numerous" (42% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). PPC physicians overestimated how much pediatric cardiologists worry about PPC introducing inconsistency in approach (60% vs. 11%, p < 0.001), perceive lack of added value from PPC (30% vs. 7%, p < 0.001), believe that PPC involvement will undermine parental hope (65% vs. 44%, p = 0.003), and perceive that PPC is poorly accepted by parents (53% vs. 27%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS There are significant differences between pediatric cardiologists and PPC physicians in perception of palliative care involvement and perceived barriers to PPC consultation. An intervention that targets communication and exchange of expertise between PPC and pediatric cardiology could improve care for children with heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Morell Balkin
- 1 Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, California
| | - Lynn A Sleeper
- 2 Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Keith M Swetz
- 4 Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, University of Alabama-Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Joanne Wolfe
- 5 Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- 2 Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts
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Patterns of Care at the End of Life for Children and Young Adults with Life-Threatening Complex Chronic Conditions. J Pediatr 2018; 193:196-203.e2. [PMID: 29174080 PMCID: PMC5794525 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.09.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize patterns of care at the end of life for children and young adults with life-threatening complex chronic conditions (LT-CCCs) and to compare them by LT-CCC type. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of bereaved parents (n = 114; response rate of 54%) of children with noncancer, noncardiac LT-CCCs who received care at a quaternary care children's hospital and medical record abstraction. RESULTS The majority of children with LT-CCCs died in the hospital (62.7%) with more than one-half (53.3%) dying in the intensive care unit. Those with static encephalopathy (AOR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.98), congenital and chromosomal disorders (AOR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09-0.91), and pulmonary disorders (AOR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01-0.77) were significantly less likely to die at home compared with those with progressive central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Almost 50% of patients died after withdrawal or withholding of life-sustaining therapies, 17.5% died during active resuscitation, and 36% died while receiving comfort care only. The mode of death varied widely across LT-CCCs, with no patients with pulmonary disorders dying receiving comfort care only compared with 66.7% of those with CNS progressive disorders. A majority of patients had palliative care involvement (79.3%); however, in multivariable analyses, there was distinct variation in receipt of palliative care across LT-CCCs, with patients having CNS static encephalopathy (AOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-0.68) and pulmonary disorders (AOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.01-.09) significantly less likely to have palliative care involvement than those with CNS progressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences in patterns of care at the end of life exist depending on LT-CCC type. Attention to these patterns is important to ensure equal access to palliative care and targeted improvements in end-of-life care for these populations.
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Marcus KL, Balkin EM, Al-Sayegh H, Guslits E, Blume ED, Ma C, Wolfe J. Patterns and Outcomes of Care in Children With Advanced Heart Disease Receiving Palliative Care Consultation. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:351-358. [PMID: 28887267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although access to subspecialty pediatric palliative care (PPC) is increasing, little is known about the role of PPC for children with advanced heart disease (AHD). OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to examine features of subspecialty PPC involvement for children with AHD. METHODS This is a retrospective single-institution medical record review of patients with a primary diagnosis of AHD for whom the PPC team was initially consulted between 2011 and 2016. RESULTS Among 201 patients, 87% had congenital/structural heart disease, the remainder having acquired/nonstructural heart disease. Median age at initial PPC consultation was 7.7 months (range 1 day-28.8 years). Of the 92 patients who were alive at data collection, 73% had received initial consultation over one year before. Most common indications for consultation were goals of care (80%) and psychosocial support (54%). At initial consultation, most families (67%) expressed that their primary goal was for their child to live as long and as comfortably as possible. Among deceased patients (n = 109), median time from initial consultation to death was 33 days (range 1 day-3.6 years), and children whose families expressed that their primary goal was for their child to live as comfortably as possible were less likely to die in the intensive care unit (P = 0.03) and more likely to die in the setting of comfort care or withdrawal of life-sustaining interventions (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION PPC involvement for children with AHD focuses on goals of care and psychosocial support. Findings suggest that PPC involvement at end of life supports goal-concordant care. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of PPC on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Marcus
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Emily M Balkin
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Hasan Al-Sayegh
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elyssa Guslits
- Department of Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth D Blume
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clement Ma
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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The 2017 Seventh World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery: Week in Review: heart failure, transplantation, and pulmonary hypertension. Cardiol Young 2017; 27:2018-2022. [PMID: 29286265 DOI: 10.1017/s1047951117002207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The heart failure, heart transplantation, and pulmonary hypertension workgroups of the Scientific Committee were honoured to be asked to plan a full slate of sessions at the 2017 World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. In all there were 35 oral platform presentations, a further 14 oral platform presentations in "Bridging Together" sessions with other workgroups/specialties, a terrific debate about transplant listing in adult CHD patients, and a further 23 oral abstract presentations. The speakers were clear and concise, the research presented was ground-breaking, and the global representation was evident.
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Pediatric Cardiology Provider Attitudes About Palliative Care: A Multicenter Survey Study. Pediatr Cardiol 2017; 38:1324-1331. [PMID: 28664445 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-017-1663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While availability of palliative care consultation for children with advanced heart disease increases, little is known about cardiologist attitudes towards palliative care. We sought to describe perspectives of cardiologists regarding palliative care and to characterize their perceived competence in palliative care concepts. A cross-sectional survey of pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons from 19 pediatric medical centers was performed. Overall response rate was 31% (183/589). Respondents had a median of 18 years of experience since medical school (range 2-49) and most practiced at academic centers (91%). Sixty-percent of respondents felt that palliative care consultations occur "too late" and the majority (85%) agreed that palliative care consultations are helpful. Barriers to requesting palliative care consultation were most frequently described as "referring to palliative care services too early will undermine parents' hope" (45%) and "concern that parents will think I am giving up on their child" (56%). Only 33% of cardiologists reported feeling "very" or "moderately" competent in prognosticating life expectancy while over 60% felt competent caring for children with heart disease around end of life, and nearly 80% felt competent discussing goals of care and code status. Greater perceived competence was associated with subspecialty (heart failure/intensivist vs. other) (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.6-8.1, p = 0.003) and didactic training (OR 6.27, 95% CI 1.8-21.8, p = 0.004). These results underscore the need for further training in palliative care skills for pediatric cardiologists. Enhancing palliative care skills among cardiologists and facilitating partnership with subspecialty palliative care teams may improve overall care of children with advanced heart disease.
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Hollander SA, Dykes JC, Chen S, Barkoff L, Sourkes B, Cohen H, Rosenthal DN, Bernstein D, Kaufman BD. The End-of-Life Experience of Pediatric Heart Transplant Recipients. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 53:927-931. [PMID: 28063864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2016.12.334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Despite advances in therapies, many pediatric heart transplant (Htx) recipients will die prematurely. We characterized the circumstances surrounding death in this cohort, including location of death and interventions performed in the final 24 hours. METHODS We reviewed all patients who underwent Htx at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, survived hospital discharge, and subsequently died between July 19, 2007 and September 13, 2015. The primary outcome studied was location of death, characterized as inpatient, outpatient, or emergency department. Circumstances of death (withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, death during resuscitation, or death without resuscitation with/without do not resuscitate) and interventions performed in the last 24 hours of life were also analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-three patients met the entry criteria. The median age at death was 12 (range 2-20) years, and the median time between transplant and death was 2.8 (range 0.8-11) years. Four (17%) died at home, and three (13%) died in the emergency department. Sixteen (70%) patients died in the hospital, 14 of 16 (88%) of whom died in an intensive care unit. Five of 23 (22%) patients experienced attempted resuscitation. Interventions performed in the last 24 hours of life included intubation (74%), mechanical support (30%), and dialysis (22%). Most patients had a recent outpatient clinical encounter with normal graft function within 60 days of dying. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED Death in children after Htx often occurs in the inpatient setting, particularly the intensive care unit. Medical interventions, including attempted resuscitation, are common at the end of life. Given the difficulty in anticipating life-threatening events, earlier discussions with patients regarding end-of-life wishes are appropriate, even in those with normal graft function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - John C Dykes
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sharon Chen
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Lynsey Barkoff
- Solid Organ Transplant Services, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Barbara Sourkes
- Department of Pediatrics (Palliative Care Services), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Harvey Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics (Palliative Care Services), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David N Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Daniel Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Beth D Kaufman
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Pediatric Heart Failure, Lagging, and Sagging of Care in Low Income Settings: A Hospital Based Review of Cases in Ethiopia. Cardiol Res Pract 2016; 2016:7147234. [PMID: 27974990 PMCID: PMC5128707 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7147234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Causes of acute heart failure in children range from simple myocarditis complicating chest infection to complex structural heart diseases. Objective. To describe patterns, predictors of mortality, and management outcomes of acute heart failure in children. Methods. In retrospective review, between February 2012 and October 2015 at a tertiary center, 106 admitted cases were selected consecutively from discharge records. Data were extracted from patients chart and analyzed using SPSS software package. t-test and statistical significance at P value < 0.05 with 95% CI were used. Result. Acute heart failure accounted for 2.9% of the total pediatric admissions. The age ranged from 2 months up to 14 years with mean age of 8 years. Male to female ratio is 1 : 2.1. Rheumatic heart disease accounted for 53.7%; pneumonia, anemia, infective endocarditis, and recurrence of acute rheumatic fever were the main precipitating causes. Death occurred in 19% of cases. Younger age at presentation, low hemoglobin concentration, and undernutrition were associated with death with P value of 0.00, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. Conclusions and Recommendation. Pediatric heart failure in our settings is diagnosed mainly in older age groups and mostly precipitated due to preventable causes. Significant mortality is observed in relation to factors that can be preventable in children with underlying structural heart disease. Early suspicion and diagnosis of cases may reduce the observed high mortality.
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Bertaud S, Llovd DFA, Laddie J, Razavi R. The importance of early involvement of paediatric palliative care for patients with severe congenital heart disease. Arch Dis Child 2016; 101:984-7. [PMID: 27102758 PMCID: PMC7611378 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-309789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Growing numbers of patients with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) are surviving into late childhood and beyond. This increasingly complex patient group may experience multiple formidable and precarious interventions, lifelong morbidity and the very real risk of premature death on many occasions throughout their childhood. In this paper, we discuss the advantages of a fully integrated palliative care ethos in patients with CHD, offering the potential for improved symptom control, more informed decision-making and enhanced support for patients and their families throughout their disease trajectory. These core principles may be delivered alongside expert cardiac care via non-specialists within pre-existing networks or via specialists in paediatric palliative care when appropriate. By broaching these complex issues early-even from the point of diagnosis-an individualised set of values can be established around not just end-of-life but also quality-of-life decisions, with clear benefits for patients and their families regardless of outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Bertaud
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, The Rayne Institute, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK
| | - David F A Llovd
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, The Rayne Institute, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK,Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Joanna Laddie
- Department of Paediatric Palliative Care, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Reza Razavi
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, The Rayne Institute, St. Thomas’ Hospital, London, UK,Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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50
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Hollander SA, Axelrod DM, Bernstein D, Cohen HJ, Sourkes B, Reddy S, Magnus D, Rosenthal DN, Kaufman BD. Compassionate deactivation of ventricular assist devices in pediatric patients. J Heart Lung Transplant 2016; 35:564-7. [PMID: 27197773 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2016.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite greatly improved survival in pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure through the use of ventricular assist devices (VADs), heart failure ultimately remains a life-threatening disease with a significant symptom burden. With increased demand for donor organs, liberalizing the boundaries of case complexity, and the introduction of destination therapy in children, more children can be expected to die while on mechanical support. Despite this trend, guidelines on the ethical and pragmatic issues of compassionate deactivation of VAD support in children are strikingly absent. As VAD support for pediatric patients increases in frequency, the pediatric heart failure and palliative care communities must work toward establishing guidelines to clarify the complex issues surrounding compassionate deactivation. Patient, family and clinician attitudes must be ascertained and education regarding the psychological, legal and ethical issues should be provided. Furthermore, pediatric-specific planning documents for use before VAD implantation as well as deactivation checklists should be developed to assist with decision-making at critical points during the illness trajectory. Herein we review the relevant literature regarding compassionate deactivation with a specific focus on issues related to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth A Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.
| | - David M Axelrod
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Daniel Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Harvey J Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics (Palliative Care Services), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Barbara Sourkes
- Department of Pediatrics (Palliative Care Services), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sushma Reddy
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David Magnus
- Center for Biomedical Ethics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - David N Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Beth D Kaufman
- Department of Pediatrics (Cardiology), Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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