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Mariani GL, Contrera PJ, Virasoro MDLA, Portela MC, Urquizu Handal MI, Ávila AS, Fernández AL, Fernandez Riera P, Cardigni G, Vain NE. End-of-Life Care for Newborn Infants: A Multicenter Real-Life Prospective Study. Neonatology 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38801819 DOI: 10.1159/000538814] [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] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most neonatal deaths in industrialized countries follow a process of redirection of care. The objectives of this study were to describe how neonates die in a middle-income country, whether there was redirection of care, and the reason for this decision. METHODS This was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Neonates who died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit in 97 hospitals over a 6-month period were included. After each neonatal death, one investigator interviewed a member of the healthcare team who had been involved in the end-of-life care process. Perinatal data, conditions that led to death, whether there was redirection of care, and details of the end-of-life process were recorded. RESULTS Data from 697 neonatal deaths were analyzed, which represent 80% of the total deaths occurring in Argentina in that period. The main causes of death were complications of prematurity (47%) and congenital anomalies (27%). Overall, 32% of neonates died after a process of redirection of care, and this was less frequent in the neonatal intensive care unit (28%) than in the delivery room (70%, p < 0.001). The reasons for withholding/withdrawing care were inevitable death (75%) and severe compromise of expected quality of life (25%). Redirection of care consisted in withholding therapies in 66% and withdrawal in 34%. A diagnosis of a major congenital anomaly increased the odds of redirection of care (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 3.59-8.27). CONCLUSION Most neonates who die in Argentina do so while receiving full support. Redirection of care mainly follows a condition of inevitable death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Luis Mariani
- Servicio de Neonatología Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto Universitario Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pamela Judith Contrera
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad San Isidro, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - María Constanza Portela
- Servicio de Neonatología Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), sede Saavedra, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Ines Urquizu Handal
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad San Isidro, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Ramos Mejía, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aldana Soledad Ávila
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Ramos Mejía, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Dirección de Salud Perinatal y Niñez, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Patricia Fernandez Riera
- Dirección de Salud Perinatal y Niñez, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Británico, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Cardigni
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Néstor Eduardo Vain
- Servicio de Neonatología, Sanatorio de la Trinidad Palermo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Medicina Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Kim AJH, Marshall M, Gievers L, Tate T, Taub S, Dukhovny S, Ronai C, Madriago EJ. Structured Framework for Multidisciplinary Parent Counseling and Medical Interventions for Fetuses and Infants with Trisomy 13 or Trisomy 18. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2666-e2673. [PMID: 37619598 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1772748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trisomy 13 (T13) and 18 (T18) are aneuploidies associated with multiple structural congenital anomalies and high rates of fetal demise and neonatal mortality. Historically, patients with either one of these diagnoses have been treated similarly with exclusive comfort care rather than invasive interventions or intensive care, despite a wide phenotypic variation and substantial variations in survival length. However, surgical interventions have been on the rise in this population in recent years without clearly elucidated selection criterion. Our objective was to create a standardized approach to counseling expectant persons and parents of newborns with T13/T18 in order to provide collaborative and consistent counseling and thoughtful approach to interventions such as surgery. STUDY DESIGN This article describes our process and presents our resulting clinical care guideline. RESULTS We formed a multi- and interdisciplinary committee. We used published literature when available and otherwise expert opinion to develop an approach to care featuring individualized assessment of the patient to estimate qualitative mortality risk and potential to benefit from intensive care and/or surgeries centered within an ethical framework. CONCLUSION Through multidisciplinary collaboration, we successfully created a patient-centered approach for counseling families facing a diagnosis of T13/T18. Other institutions may use our approach as a model for developing their own standardized approach. KEY POINTS · Trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 are associated with high but variable morbidity and mortality.. · Research on which patients are most likely to benefit from surgery is lacking.. · We present our institution's framework to counsel families with fetal/neonatal T13/T18..
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J H Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Mayme Marshall
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ladawna Gievers
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Tyler Tate
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sara Taub
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Stephanie Dukhovny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christina Ronai
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Erin J Madriago
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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Kim BH, Krick J, Schneider S, Montes A, Anani UE, Murray PD, Arnolds M, Feltman DM. How do Clinicians View the Process of Shared Decision-Making with Parents Facing Extremely Early Deliveries? Results from an Online Survey. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:713-721. [PMID: 35016247 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1742186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to better understand how neonatology (Neo) and maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) physicians approach the process of shared decision-making (SDM) with parents facing extremely premature (<25 weeks estimated gestational age) delivery during antenatal counseling. STUDY DESIGN Attending physicians at U.S. centers with both Neo and MFM fellowships were invited to answer an original online survey about antenatal counseling for extremely early newborns. Preferences for conveying information are reported elsewhere. Here, we report clinicians' self-assessments of their ability to engage in deliberations and decision-making and perceptions of what is important to parents in the SDM process. Multivariable logistic regression analyzed respondents' views with respect to individual characteristics, such as specialty, gender, and years of clinical experience. RESULTS In total, 74 MFMs and 167 Neos representing 94% of the 81 centers surveyed responded. Neos versus MFMs reported repeat visits with parents less often (<0.001) and agreed that parents were more likely to have made delivery room decisions before they counseled them less often (p < 0.001). Respondents reported regularly achieving most goals of SDM, with the exception of providing spiritual support. Most respondents reported that spiritual and religious views, risk to an infant's survival, and the infant's quality of life were important to parental decision-making, while a physician's own personal choice and family political views were reported as less important. While many barriers to SDM exist, respondents rated language barriers and family views that differ from those of a provider as the most difficult barriers to overcome. CONCLUSION This study provides insights into how consultants from different specialties and demographic groups facilitate SDM, thereby informing future efforts for improving counseling and engaging in SDM with parents facing extremely early deliveries and supporting evidence-based training for these complex communication skills. KEY POINTS · Perceptions differed by specialty and demographics.. · Parents' spiritual needs were infrequently met.. · Barriers to shared decision-making exist..
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan Hodgson Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jeanne Krick
- Department of Pediatrics, San Antonio Military Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Simone Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Andres Montes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph's/Candler Health System, Savannah, Georgia
| | - Uchenna E Anani
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Peter D Murray
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Marin Arnolds
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Dalia M Feltman
- Evanston Hospital, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Geurtzen R, Wilkinson DJC. Incorporating parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2024; 8:225-235. [PMID: 38219752 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(23)00267-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Incorporating parental values in complex medical decisions for young children is important but challenging. In this Review, we explore what it means to incorporate parental values in complex paediatric and perinatal decisions. We provide a narrative overview of the paediatric, ethics, and medical decision-making literature, focusing on value-based and ethically complex decisions for children who are too young to express their own preferences. We explain key concepts and definitions, discuss paediatric-specific features, reflect on challenges in learning and expressing values for both parents and health-care providers, and provide recommendations for clinical practice. Decisional values are informed by global and external values and could relate to the child, the parents, and the whole family. These values should inform preferences and assure value-congruent choices. Additionally, parents might hold various meta values on the process of decision making itself. Complex decisions for young children are emotionally taxing, ethically difficult, and often surrounded by uncertainty. These contextual factors make it more likely that values and preferences are initially absent or unstable and need to be constructed or stabilised. Health-care professionals and parents should work together to construct and clarify values and incorporate them into personalised decisions for the child. An open communication style, with unbiased and tailored information in a supportive environment, is helpful. Dedicated training in communication and shared decision making could help to improve the incorporation of parental values in complex decisions for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Geurtzen
- Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud Institute of Healthcare Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Dominic J C Wilkinson
- Oxford Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Newborn Care Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Biomedical Ethics, National University of Singapore Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
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Forth FA, Hammerle F, König J, Urschitz MS, Neuweiler P, Mildenberger E, Kidszun A. Optimistic vs Pessimistic Message Framing in Communicating Prognosis to Parents of Very Preterm Infants: The COPE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e240105. [PMID: 38393728 PMCID: PMC10891472 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance In the neonatal intensive care unit, there is a lack of understanding about how best to communicate the prognosis of a serious complication to parents. Objective To examine parental preferences and the effects of optimistic vs pessimistic message framing when providing prognostic information about a serious complication. Design, Setting, and Participants This crossover randomized clinical trial was conducted at a single German university medical center between June and October 2021. Eligible participants were parents of surviving preterm infants with a birth weight under 1500 g. Data were analyzed between October 2021 and August 2022. Interventions Alternating exposure to 2 scripted video vignettes showing a standardized conversation between a neonatologist and parents, portrayed by professional actors, about the prognosis of a hypothetical very preterm infant with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. The video vignettes differed in the framing of identical numerical outcome estimates as either probability of survival and probability of nonimpairment (optimistic framing) or a risk of death and impaired survival (pessimistic framing). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was preference odds (ratio of preference for optimistic vs pessimistic framing). Secondary outcomes included state anxiety, perceptions of communication, and recall of numerical estimates. Results Of 220 enrolled parents (142 [64.5%] mothers; mean [SD] age: mothers, 39.1 [5.6] years; fathers, 42.7 [6.9] years), 196 (89.1%) preferred optimistic and 24 (10.1%) preferred pessimistic framing (preference odds, 11.0; 95% CI, 6.28-19.10; P < .001). Preference for optimistic framing was more pronounced when presented second than when presented first (preference odds, 5.41; 95% CI, 1.77-16.48; P = .003). State anxiety scores were similar in both groups at baseline (mean difference, -0.34; -1.18 to 0.49; P = .42) and increased equally after the first video (mean difference, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.79 to 0.69; P = .39). After the second video, state anxiety scores decreased when optimistic framing followed pessimistic framing but remained unchanged when pessimistic framing followed optimistic framing (mean difference, 2.15; 95% CI, 0.91 to 3.39; P < .001). With optimistic framing, participants recalled numerical estimates more accurately for survival (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.64-9.79; P = .002) but not for impairment (odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.85-2.63; P = .16). Conclusions and Relevance When given prognostic information about a serious complication, parents of very preterm infants may prefer optimistic framing. Optimistic framing may lead to more realistic expectations for survival, but not for impairment. Trial Registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00024466.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A. Forth
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Hammerle
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jochem König
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael S. Urschitz
- Division of Pediatric Epidemiology, Institute for Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp Neuweiler
- Journalistisches Seminar, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva Mildenberger
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - André Kidszun
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Morillo Palomo A, Esquerda Aresté M, Riverola de Veciana A, Cambra Lasaosa FJ. End-of-life decision-making in the neonatal intensive care unit. Front Pediatr 2024; 11:1352485. [PMID: 38259598 PMCID: PMC10800896 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1352485] [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] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most paediatric deaths occur in the neonatal period, many of them in neonatal intensive care units after withdrawal of life support or the decision not to initiate new treatments. In these circumstances, discussions with families and decision-making are fundamental elements of the care and attention given to newborn babies. In this context, bioethical deliberation can help us to identify the values at stake, the different courses of action to be taken, and the means to ensure that family-shared decision-making is appropriate to the patient's situation and in accordance with the family's values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Morillo Palomo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montse Esquerda Aresté
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- School of Medicine, University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Francisco José Cambra Lasaosa
- Institut Borja de Bioètica, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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Schneider K, Roll S, Tissen-Diabaté T, Bührer C, Garten L. Public Attitudes Toward Ethics and Practices in End-of-Life Decision-Making for Neonates. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2353264. [PMID: 38270948 PMCID: PMC10811557 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.53264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Attitudes toward end-of-life decision-making in neonatology have been studied in physicians and other health care professionals and are mostly shaped by their clinical education and work experiences. In contrast, attitudes among the general public have not yet been investigated. Objective To assess (1) attitudes in the general public toward euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment in neonates with severe life-limiting conditions, (2) knowledge of current German recommendations, and (3) values in the German society regarding ethical issues and proxy decisions at the beginning of life. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study was performed in Germany and used an exploratory design to analyze responses to an interview conducted by an independent, established commissioned polling institute in March and April 2022. Participants were 16 years or older, with German language fluency and comprehension and living in Germany. Main Outcomes and Measures Knowledge about recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment as well as personal attitudes toward (1) euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment and (2) surrogate end-of-life decision-making for newborn infants were assessed. Results The study included 2116 participants (1077 females [50.9%]; mean [SD] age 52.1 [18.7] years). Of the participants, 16.8% (311 of 1851) reported knowing the German recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment for neonates. Euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment were supported by 64.7% (1369 of 2116) and 77.9% (1649 of 2116) of respondents, respectively. Shared decision-making between parents and physicians for neonates in end-of-life situations was supported by 65.6% of participants (1388). In situations where shared decision-making was not possible, 73.4% of respondents (1019 of 1388) put the ultimate decision to the parents. The magnitude of the associations was low between sociodemographic factors and views on ethical issues and customary practices involved in end-of-life decisions for neonates. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this cross-sectional study suggested that most respondents were not aware of the national German recommendations for euthanasia and withdrawal of life-prolonging treatment for sick and extremely preterm newborns. When counseling parents of periviable newborns, clinicians may need to exert more effort in explaining the legal and ethical framework; a highly individualized approach is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Schneider
- Department of Neonatology, Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft der Franziskanerinnen zu Olpe, Marien-Hospital, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Neonatology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roll
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tatjana Tissen-Diabaté
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Garten
- Department of Neonatology, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Marquis MA, Payot A. Pediatric palliative care in Canada. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101453. [PMID: 37945388 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101453] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) emerged during the late 20th century in Canada. It has steadily expanded and there are now programs in every province. Programs adhere to recognized standards of practice at both federal and provincial levels. PPC is recognized by government regulatory bodies and professional associations, including the Canadian Paediatric Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc-Antoine Marquis
- Assistant clinical professor, Pediatric Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Antoine Payot
- Full professor, Neonatologist, Director of Clinical Ethics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, 3175 ch. De la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada.
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De Proost L, de Boer A, Reiss IKM, Steegers EAP, Verhagen AAE, Hogeveen M, Geurtzen R, Verweij EJJ. Adults born prematurely prefer a periviability guideline that considers multiple prognostic factors beyond gestational age. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:1926-1935. [PMID: 37272253 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16866] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of adults born prematurely on guidelines for management at extreme premature birth and personalisation at the limit of viability. METHODS We conducted four 2-h online focus group interviews in the Netherlands. RESULTS Twenty-three participants born prematurely were included in this study, ranging in age from 19 to 56 years and representing a variety of health outcomes. Participants shared their perspectives on different types of guidelines for managing extremely premature birth. They agreed that a guideline was necessary to prevent arbitrary treatment decisions and to avoid physician bias. All participants favoured a guideline that is based upon multiple prognostic factors beyond gestational age. They emphasised the importance of discretion, regardless of the type of guideline used. Discussions centred mainly on the heterogeneity of value judgements about outcomes after extreme premature birth. Participants defined personalisation as 'not just looking at numbers and statistics'. They associated personalisation mainly with information provision and decision-making. Participants stressed the importance of involving families in decision-making and taking their care needs seriously. CONCLUSION Adults born prematurely prefer a periviability guideline that considers multiple prognostic factors and allows for discretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L De Proost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neonatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics, Leids University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - A de Boer
- Department of Obstetrics, Leids University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud UMC, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - I K M Reiss
- Department of Neonatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A A E Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - M Hogeveen
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud UMC, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud UMC, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E J Joanne Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics, Leids University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Schuyler AQ, Carlo WA. Preterm Prenatal Education-A Novel Approach. JAMA Pediatr 2023:2807914. [PMID: 37523169 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.2569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Waldemar A Carlo
- Division of Neonatology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
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11
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Laventhal N. Negative Studies and the Future of Prenatal Counseling at the Margin of Gestational Viability. J Pediatr 2023; 258:113440. [PMID: 37088184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2023.113440] [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] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Laventhal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
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12
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Haward MF, Lorenz JM, Janvier A, Fischhoff B. Antenatal consultation and deliberation: adapting to parental preferences. J Perinatol 2023; 43:895-902. [PMID: 36725985 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01605-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze and compare perspectives on antenatal consultation and decision-making from participants with varying degrees of prematurity experience and clinician-experts. STUDY DESIGN Open-ended interviews structured around topics previously identified by recognized clinician-experts were conducted with participants having different levels of prematurity experience. Analysis used mixed methods (thematic and mental models analysis). Secondary sub-group comparisons were performed, based on degree of experience. RESULTS Non-clinician participants' (n = 80) perspectives differed regarding: amount and content of information desired, decision-making strategies, and who - parent or clinician - should direct consultations. Most wanted to retain decisional authority, all recognized their emotional limitations and many advocated for deliberation support. Participants worried parents' would regret choosing palliative care contrary to clinicians. Bereaved parents often saw issues differently. CONCLUSIONS Parents approach risk and decision-making for extremely premature infants in a personal fashion. They need personalized support tailored to their unique circumstances, decision-making preferences, and emotions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyse F Haward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - John M Lorenz
- Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children Hospital of New York and Columbia University, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annie Janvier
- Department of Pediatrics, Bureau de l'Éthique Clinique, Université de Montréal and Division of Neonatology, Research Center, Clinical Ethics Unit, Palliative Care Unit, Unité de recherche en éthique clinique et partenariat famille, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Baruch Fischhoff
- Institute for Politics and Strategy, and Department of Engineering and Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Dahan M, Rotteau L, Higazi S, Kwayke O, Lai G, Moulsdale W, Sampson L, Stannard J, Church PT, O'Brien K. Understanding the Family Context: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Parent and NICU Clinician Experiences and Perspectives. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050896. [PMID: 37238444 DOI: 10.3390/children10050896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Enabling individualized decision-making for patients requires an understanding of the family context (FC) by healthcare providers. The FC is everything that makes the family unique, from their names, preferred pronouns, family structure, cultural or religious beliefs, and family values. While there is an array of approaches for individual clinicians to incorporate the FC into practice, there is a paucity of literature guiding the process of collecting and integrating the FC into clinical care by multidisciplinary interprofessional teams. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experience of families and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinicians with information sharing around the FC. Our findings illustrate that there are parallel and overlapping experiences of sharing the FC for families and clinicians. Both groups describe the positive impact of sharing the FC on building and sustaining relationships and on personalization of care and personhood. The experience by families of revolving clinicians and the risks of miscommunication about the FC were noted as challenges to sharing the FC. Parents described the desire to control the narrative about their FC, while clinicians described seeking equal access to the FC to support the family in the best way possible related to their clinical role. Our study highlights how the quality of care is positively impacted by clinicians' appreciation of the FC and the complex relationship between a large multidisciplinary interprofessional team and the family in an intensive care unit, while also highlighting the difficulties in its practical application. Knowledge learned can be utilized to inform the development of processes to improve communication between families and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Dahan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Leahora Rotteau
- Centre for Quality and Patient Safety, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
| | - Shelley Higazi
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Ophelia Kwayke
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Giselle Lai
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Wendy Moulsdale
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Lisa Sampson
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Jennifer Stannard
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Paige Terrien Church
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
- DAN Women & Babies Program, Department of Newborn and Developmental Pediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Karel O'Brien
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
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Gallagher K, Crombag N, Prashar K, Deprest J, Ourselin S, David AL, Marlow N. Global Policy and Practice for Intrauterine Fetal Resuscitation During Fetal Surgery for Open Spina Bifida Repair. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e239855. [PMID: 37097634 PMCID: PMC10130943 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.9855] [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: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Globally accepted recommendations suggest that a woman should be between 19 weeks and 25 weeks plus 6 days of pregnancy to be considered eligible for fetal closure of open spina bifida. A fetus requiring emergency delivery during surgery is therefore potentially considered viable and thus eligible for resuscitation. There is little evidence, however, to support how this scenario is addressed in clinical practice. Objective To explore current policy and practice for fetal resuscitation during fetal surgery for open spina bifida in centers undertaking fetal surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants An online survey was designed to identify current policies and practices in place to support fetal surgery for open spina bifida, exploring experiences and management of emergency fetal delivery and fetal death during surgery. The survey was emailed to 47 fetal surgery centers in 11 countries where fetal spina bifida repair is currently performed. These centers were identified through the literature, the International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis center repository, and an internet search. Centers were contacted between January 15 and May 31, 2021. Individuals volunteered participation through choosing to complete the survey. Main Outcomes and Measures The survey comprised 33 questions of mixed multiple choice, option selection, and open-ended formats. Questions explored policy and practice supporting fetal and neonatal resuscitation during fetal surgery for open spina bifida. Results Responses were obtained from 28 of 47 centers (60%) in 11 countries. Twenty cases of fetal resuscitation during fetal surgery during the last 5 years were reported across 10 centers. Four cases of emergency delivery during fetal surgery after maternal and/or fetal complications during the last 5 years were reported across 3 centers. Fewer than half the 28 centers (n = 12 [43%]) had policies in place to support practice in the event of either imminent fetal death (during or after fetal surgery) or the need for emergency fetal delivery during fetal surgery. Twenty of 24 centers (83%) reported preoperative parental counseling on the potential need for fetal resuscitation prior to fetal surgery. The gestational age at which centers would attempt neonatal resuscitation after emergency delivery varied from 22 weeks and 0 days to more than 28 weeks. Conclusions In this global survey study of 28 fetal surgical centers, there was no standard practice about how fetal resuscitation or subsequent neonatal resuscitation was managed during open spina bifida repair. Further collaboration between professionals and parents is required to ensure sharing of information to support knowledge development in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Gallagher
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neeltje Crombag
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kavita Prashar
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Deprest
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna L David
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neil Marlow
- UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Harting MT, Munson D, Linebarger J, Hirshberg E, Gow KW, Malek MM, Robbins AJ, Turnbull J. Ethical Considerations in Critically Ill Neonatal and Pediatric Patients. J Pediatr Surg 2023; 58:1059-1073. [PMID: 36948932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.02.009] [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] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
The care of critically ill neonates and pediatric patients can be particularly emotionally and ethically challenging. Emerging evidence suggests that we can improve the patient, family, and care team experience in the critical care setting through a better understanding and application of ethical frameworks and communication strategies. We conducted a multidisciplinary panel session at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in the fall of 2022 wherein we explored a myriad of ethical and communication considerations in this unique patient population, with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) as the congenital anomaly/disease framework. In this review, we will cover state of the art topics in ethics, communication, and palliative care including basic terminology, communication strategies such as trauma-informed communication, establishing/evolving goals of care, futility, medically inappropriate treatment, ethical frameworks, parental discretion, establishing milestones, internal/external intentions, and re-direction of care. These topics will be helpful to many specialties who are involved in the care of critically ill neonates and children including maternal fetal medicine, pediatrics, neonatology, pediatric critical care, palliative care, and pediatric surgery, along with the pediatric surgical subspecialties. We use a theoretical CDH case as an example and include the live audience responses from the interactive session. This primer provides overarching educational principles, as well as practical communication concepts, that can cultivate compassionate multidisciplinary teams, equipped to optimize family-centered, evidence-based compassionate communication and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Harting
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - David Munson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jennifer Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri - Kansas City and Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Ellie Hirshberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah School of Medicine and Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Kenneth W Gow
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marcus M Malek
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexandria J Robbins
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Division of Palliative Care, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jessica Turnbull
- Department of Pediatrics and the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Sullivan A, Arzuaga B, Luff D, Young V, Schnur M, Williams D, Cummings C. A Qualitative Study of Parental Perspectives on Prenatal Counseling at Extreme Prematurity. J Pediatr 2022; 251:17-23.e2. [PMID: 36096177 PMCID: PMC9729443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine parental preferred language, terminology, and approach after prenatal counseling for an anticipated extremely preterm delivery. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant persons (and their partners) admitted at 220/7-256/7 weeks of estimated gestation participated in post antenatal-counseling semistructured interviews to explore preferred language and decision-making approaches of their antenatal counseling session. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS Thirty-nine interviews were conducted representing 28 total prenatal consults. Analysis identified 2 overarching themes impacting the whole counseling experience: the need for reassurance and compassionate communication, while parents traveled along a dynamic decision-making journey they described as fluid and ever-changing. Related themes included the following: (1) Finding Balance: parents reported the importance of balancing positivity and negativity as well as tailoring the amount of information, (2) The Unspoken: parents described assumptions and inferences surrounding language, resuscitation options, and values that can cloud the counseling process, (3) Making the Intangible Tangible: parents reported the importance of varied communication strategies, for example, visuals to better anticipate and prepare, and (4) Team Synergism: Parents expressed desire for communication and consistency among and between teams, which increased trust. CONCLUSIONS Parents facing extremely premature delivery generally did not report remembering specific terminology used during prenatal consultation but rather how the language and counseling approach made them feel and affected the decision-making process. These findings have implications for further research and educational intervention design to improve clinicians' counseling practices to better reflect parental preferences and ultimately improve counseling outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sullivan
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Bonnie Arzuaga
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; South Shore Hospital, Weymouth, MA
| | - Donna Luff
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Division of Anesthesia and SimPeds, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Vanessa Young
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Maureen Schnur
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - David Williams
- Institutional Centers for Clinical and Translational Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Christy Cummings
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Cascio A, Ferrand A, Racine E, St-Hilaire M, Sanon PN, Gorgos A, Wintermark P. Discussing brain magnetic resonance imaging results for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia: A challenge for clinicians and parents. eNeurologicalSci 2022; 29:100424. [PMID: 36147866 PMCID: PMC9485039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2022.100424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Clinicians use brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to discuss neurodevelopmental prognosis with parents of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Purpose To investigate how clinicians and parents discuss these MRI results in the context of HIE and TH and how these discussions could be facilitated and more meaningful for parents. Procedures Mixed-methods surveys with open-ended and closed-ended questions were completed by two independent groups. (1) Clinicians responded to clinical vignettes of neonates with HIE treated with TH with various types of clinical features, evolution and extent of brain injury and questions about how they discuss brain MRI results in this context. (2) Parents of children with HIE treated with TH responded to questions about the discussion of MRI that they had while still in the neonatal intensive care unit and were asked to place it in perspective with the outcomes of their child when he/she reached at least 2 years of age. Open-ended responses were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Closed-ended responses are presented descriptively. Results Clinicians reported uncertainty, lack of confidence, and limitations when discussing brain MRI results in the context of HIE and TH. Brain MRI results were "usually" (53%) used in the prognostication discussion. When dealing with day-2 brain MRIs performed during TH, most clinicians (40%) assumed that the results of these early MRIs were only "sometimes" accurate and only used them "sometimes" (33%) to discuss prognosis; a majority of them (66%) would "always" repeat imaging at a later time-point to discuss prognosis. Parents also struggled with this uncertainty, but did not discuss limitations of MRI as often. Parents raised the importance of the setting where the discussion took place and the importance to inform them as quickly as possible. Clinicians identified strategies to improve these discussions, including interdisciplinary approach, formal training, and standardized approach to report brain MRI. Parents highlighted the importance of communication skills, the stress, the hope surrounding their situation, and the need to receive answers as soon as possible. The importance of showing the pictures or making representative drawing of the injury, but also highlighting the not-injured brain, was also highlighted by parents. Conclusions Discussing brain MRI results for neonates with HIE treated with TH are challenging tasks for clinicians and daunting moments for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Cascio
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, USA
| | - Amaryllis Ferrand
- Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Medicine, and Biomedical Ethics Unit, McGill University. Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie St-Hilaire
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Priscille-Nice Sanon
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Andreea Gorgos
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Pia Wintermark
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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18
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Krick JA, Feltman DM, Arnolds M. Decision-Making for Extremely Preterm Infants: A Qualitative Systematic Review. J Pediatr 2022; 251:6-16. [PMID: 35940293 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.07.017] [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] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize and describe important elements of decision-making during antenatal consultation for threatened preterm delivery at the margin of gestational viability. STUDY DESIGN Data sources including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL Plus were searched. We included all qualitative literature published on decision-making from 1990 to July 2021. Two authors independently screened and evaluated each study using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist; studies reaching moderate and high quality were included. We developed an extraction tool to collect and categorize data from each qualitative article, then used thematic analysis to analyze and describe the findings. RESULTS Twenty-five articles incorporating the views of 504 providers and 352 parents were included for final review. Thematic analysis revealed 4 main themes describing the experience of health care providers and parents participating in decision-making: factors that influence decision-making, information sharing, building a partnership, and making the decision. Parents and providers were not always in agreement upon which elements were most essential to the process of decision-making. Articles published in languages other than English were excluded. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative literature highlighting key factors which are important during antenatal counseling can inform and guide providers through the process of shared decision-making. Communicating clear, honest, and balanced information; avoiding artificially dichotomized options; and focusing on partnership building with families will help providers use the antenatal consultation to reach personalized decisions for each infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne A Krick
- Department of Pediatrics, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX.
| | - Dalia M Feltman
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Evanston Hospital, NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL; Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Marin Arnolds
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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19
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Eaton SM, Clark JD, Cummings CL, Kon AA, Morrison W, Feudtner C, Streuli JC. Pediatric Shared Decision-Making for Simple and Complex Decisions: Findings From a Delphi Panel. Pediatrics 2022; 150:e2022057978. [PMID: 36217896 PMCID: PMC9647592 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop recommendations for pediatric shared decision-making (SDM). METHODS We conducted a Delphi method study from 2020 to 2021 with an international panel (n = 21) of clinicians, researchers, and parents with expertise in pediatric SDM. We conducted semistructured interviews to identify the key processes of pediatric SDM. We coded the interviews using content analysis and developed a questionnaire on the potential processes of pediatric SDM. Using a Likert scale, panelists evaluated each process twice, once for simple decisions and once for complex decisions. Panelists were provided with a summary of the results and evaluated each process again. The processes that were agreed on for simple and complex decisions were reported as "fundamental processes." The processes that were agreed on for complex decisions were reported as "additional processes." RESULTS A total of 79 recommendations were developed, including 29 fundamental processes and 14 additional processes for complex decisions. A recurring theme was the importance of personalizing the decision-making process. For example, the panel recommended that physicians should assess the family and child's desired roles in the decision-making process, assess their desired level of directiveness, and elicit and clarify their values, preferences, and goals. The panel also disagreed on several subprocesses, such as how to determine the child's role and the appropriate level of directiveness. CONCLUSIONS An international expert panel developed recommendations for pediatric SDM for both simple and complex decisions. The recommendations highlight the importance of personalizing the decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Eaton
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
| | - Jonna D. Clark
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christy L. Cummings
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander A. Kon
- Community Children’s, Missoula, Montana
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Wynne Morrison
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chris Feudtner
- Division of General Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Contributed equally as co-senior authors
| | - Jürg C. Streuli
- Institute of Biomedical Ethics
- University Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Research Center, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Contributed equally as co-senior authors
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20
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Ethical considerations in the management of infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151599. [PMID: 35450739 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151599] [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: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors unique to neonatal care can complicate predictions of neurological outcomes for infants who suffer from severe intraventricular hemorrhage. While care decisions are driven by the same bioethical principles used in other domains, neurological prognostication can challenge concepts of futility, require careful examination of parental values, uncover biases and/or potentially compromise the best interests of the future child. In the following chapter we will review bioethical principles and relevant concepts, explore challenges to decision-making surrounding diagnoses of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and conclude with a brief review of practical approaches for counseling parents about neurodevelopmental impairment given the constraints of prognostic uncertainty and assumptions related to quality of life. We will argue that neurological findings alone, even in the setting of severe intraventricular hemorrhage, often do not constitute enough evidence for redirection of care but can be permissible when the entire neonatal condition is considered.
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De Proost L, Geurtzen R, Ismaili M'hamdi H, Reiss IKMI, Steegers EAPE, Joanne Verweij EJ. Prenatal counseling for extreme prematurity at the limit of viability: A scoping review. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:1743-1760. [PMID: 34872804 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore, based on the existing body of literature, main characteristics of prenatal counseling for parents at risk for extreme preterm birth. METHODS A scoping review was conducted searching Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. RESULTS 46 articles were included. 27 of them were published between 2017 and 2021. More than half of them were conducted in the United States of America. Many different study designs were represented. The following characteristics were identified: personalization, parent-physician relationships, shared decision-making, physician bias, emotions, anxiety, psychosocial factors, parental values, religion, spirituality, hope, quality of life, and uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Parental values are mentioned in 37 of the included articles. Besides this, uncertainty, shared decision-making, and emotions are most frequently mentioned in the literature. However, reflecting on the interrelation between all characteristics leads us to conclude that personalization is the most notable trend in prenatal counseling practices. More and more, it is valued to adjust the counseling to the parent(s). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This scoping review emphasizes again the complexity of prenatal counseling at the limit of viability. It offers an exploration of how it is currently approached, and reflects on how future research can contribute to optimizing it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien De Proost
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands.
| | - Rosa Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hafez Ismaili M'hamdi
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - E A P Eric Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands
| | - E J Joanne Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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22
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Humphrey LM, Schlegel AB. Longitudinal Perinatal Palliative Care for Severe Fetal Neurologic Diagnoses. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2022; 42:100965. [PMID: 35868733 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2022.100965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal palliative care (PnPC) focuses on enhancing family and newborn quality-of-life in the setting of a life-limiting fetal condition while simultaneously ensuring medical care delivery that is soundly in line with the family's goals and values. The inclusion of PnPC in the multidisciplinary care of a family facing severe fetal neurologic diagnoses allows for skilled exploration of the values and experience that ultimately drive creation of goals of care. The parental experience of receiving a life-limiting fetal diagnosis pushes parents into an emotional journey, which typically follows a recognizable progression of stages. PnPC providers appreciate the significance of this experiential journey and the importance of parental movement toward readiness to simultaneously welcome and mourn their child. Through longitudinal supportive care, beginning early in the fetal diagnostic progress and continuing throughout pregnancy and into the newborn period, PnPC providers explore the uncharted parental experience alongside the family and support them in creating value-driven care plans for their child. They contribute greatly to the multidisciplinary fetal and neonatal care teams as the advocate for and promote insightful communication and assist in delivery and coordination of value-driven care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Humphrey
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Section of Hospice and Palliative Care, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Amy B Schlegel
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH; Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH.
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23
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Personalized support of parents of extremely preterm infants before, during and after birth. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2022; 27:101335. [PMID: 35780043 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2022.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The emotional turmoil associated with extremely preterm birth is inescapable parents. How each parent handles the unexpected, makes sense of the unknown and learns to parent their child is uniquely personal. A rigid standardized approach to support families through their journey before and during neonatal intensive care disregards this individuality. This article reviews general concepts and practices that can be learned and applied by clinicians to promote resiliency and help parents cope adaptively. This review will describe how to personalize parenting support during the antenatal consultation and hospitalization for parents of extremely premature infants. To facilitate this, mindsets and care delivery models need to shift from inflexible standardized protocols to flexible guidelines that enable personalized communications, support structures and care delivery models tailored to each person's characteristics, preferences, and values.
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Wood K, Di Stefano LM, Mactier H, Bates SE, Wilkinson D. Individualised decision making: interpretation of risk for extremely preterm infants-a survey of UK neonatal professionals. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2022; 107:281-288. [PMID: 34413095 PMCID: PMC9046748 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-322147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) published a revised framework for perinatal management of extremely preterm infants (EPIs) in 2019. We aimed to assess UK neonatal professionals' interpretation of elements of this framework, as well as the consistency of their estimates of outcome for EPIs. METHODS An online survey gave participants five cases involving anticipated extremely preterm birth with different favourable and unfavourable risk factors. Respondents were asked to assign a risk category and management option using the BAPM framework and to estimate the chance of survival if the baby received active resuscitation and the chance of severe disability if they survived. RESULTS Respondents were consistent in interpretation of risk categories. The majority would follow parental wishes about management. Management decisions did not always correspond with risk assessment, with less inclination to recommend palliative (comfort) care. There were wide estimates of survival or severe disability (5%-90%) with consultants providing lower estimates of severe disability than other groups. CONCLUSION UK neonatal professionals deferred to parental wishes in the cases presented, indicating an emphasis on shared decision making. However, they did not necessarily use the risk stratification approach for management decisions. Variation in estimates of outcome raises questions about the accuracy of informed decision making and suggests support is needed for UK clinicians to incorporate risk factors into individualised counselling. There may be value in validating existing online risk calculators for UK infants or in developing a UK specific risk model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wood
- Department of Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Lydia Mietta Di Stefano
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Mactier
- Department of Neonatology, Princess Royal Maternity, Glasgow, UK,School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Sarah Elizabeth Bates
- Department of Women & Childrens, Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Swindon, UK
| | - Dominic Wilkinson
- Department of Newborn Care, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK .,Uehiro Centre for Practical Ethics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Do neonatologists in Spain offer an interview with parents during pregnancy? National survey. An Pediatr (Barc) 2022; 96:367-369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Abstract
Decision-making at extreme prematurity remains ethically and practically challenging and can result in parental and clinician distress. It is vital that clinicians learn the necessary skills integral to counseling and decision-making with families in these situations. A pedagogical approach to teaching counseling should incorporate adult learning theory, emphasize multidisciplinary team in-situ simulation that links to counseling clinicians' daily practice, and includes critical reflection, debriefing, and program assessment. Multiple educational strategies that train clinicians in advanced communication and decision-making offer promising results to optimize antenatal counseling and shared decision-making for families facing possible delivery at extreme prematurity. Continued process evaluation and innovation in these educational domains are needed while also assessing the effect on patient-centered outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sullivan
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christy L. Cummings
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA,Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Arbour K, Laventhal N. Prognostic value of clinicians' predictions of neonatal outcomes in counseling at the margin of gestational viability. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151523. [PMID: 34844787 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Within antenatal counseling sessions at the margin of gestational viability, clinicians frequently to use population-based outcome data and statistical models to guide the decision-making process. These tools often utilize non-modifiable prenatal factors to estimate outcomes based on population averages. However, most parents prefer individualized predictions, which cannot be supported by these models. Additionally, prognostic accuracy is limited by institutional practices surrounding active management of infants at the margin of viability. Throughout the literature, parental perspectives emphasize the importance of communicating subjective information, such as providing hope and supporting personal values, over the importance of accurate prognostic information from the clinician. In this review we aim to describe the value of clinician prognoses in the decision-making process at the margin of gestational viability and emphasize the importance of addressing parental values during the counseling process, regardless of the expected outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn Arbour
- Pediatrics Resident, University of Texas Southwestern/ Children's Health
| | - Naomi Laventhal
- Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics.
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Abstract
Debates about treatment for the tiniest premature babies focus on three different approaches - universal non-resuscitation, selective resuscitation, and universal resuscitation. Doctors, hospitals, and professional societies differ on which approach is preferable. The debate is evolving as studies show that survival rates for babies born at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation are steadily improving at centers that offer active treatment to these babies. Still, many centers do not offer such treatment or, if they do, actively discourage it. The doctors and centers that discourage treatment have concerns about the chances for survival, neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors, and cost. Centers that offer and encourage treatment cite evidence that many babies born at 22 weeks can survive, that most survivors have good neurodevelopmental outcomes, and that NICU care for tiny babies is cost-effective compared to many common and uncontroversial treatments. The debate touches on many fundamental ethical issues that have been present in neonatology since its inception as a medical specialty.
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Abstract
Survival rates for babies born at 22 weeks of gestation are steadily improving at centers that offer active treatment to these babies. Still, many centers do not offer such treatment or, if they do, actively discourage it. Thus, parents will be given very different advice at different centers for babies born at the borderline of viability. Those doctors and centers that discourage treatment have concerns about the chances for survival, neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors, and cost. Yet there is strong evidence that many babies born at 22 weeks can survive, most survivors have good neurodevelopmental outcomes, and neonatal intensive care for tiny babies is cost-effective compared to many common and uncontroversial treatments. Given this growing body of evidence, policies discouraging or forbidding treatment of babies born at 22 weeks will require stronger ethical justification than has been given to date.
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30
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Verweij EJ, De Proost L, Hogeveen M, Reiss IKM, Verhagen AAE, Geurtzen R. Dutch guidelines on care for extremely premature infants: Navigating between personalisation and standardization. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151532. [PMID: 34839939 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151532] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is no international consensus on what type of guideline is preferred for care at the limit of viability. We aimed to conceptualize what type of guideline is preferred by Dutch healthcare professionals: 1) none; 2) gestational-age-based; 3) gestational-age-based-plus; or 4) prognosis-based via a survey instrument. Additional questions were asked to explore the grey zone and attitudes towards treatment variation. FINDING 769 surveys were received. Most of the respondents (72.8%) preferred a gestational-age-based-plus guideline. Around 50% preferred 24+0/7 weeks gestational age as the lower limit of the grey zone, whereas 26+0/7 weeks was the most preferred upper limit. Professionals considered treatment variation acceptable when it is based upon parental values, but unacceptable when it is based upon the hospital's policy or the physician's opinion. CONCLUSION In contrast to the current Dutch guideline, our results suggest that there is a preference to take into account individual factors besides gestational age.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics, LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden ZA 2333, the Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands.
| | - Lien De Proost
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; Department of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - Marije Hogeveen
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, the Netherlands
| | - I K M Reiss
- Department of Neonatology, Erasmus MC, the Netherlands
| | - A A E Verhagen
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Children's Hospital, the Netherlands
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31
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Current attitudes and beliefs toward perinatal care orientation before 25 weeks of gestation: The French perspective in 2020. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151533. [PMID: 34865886 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151533] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The survival rate of infants born before 25 weeks of gestational age in France is extremely low compared with that of many other countries: 0%, 1%, and 31% at 22, 23, and 24 weeks' in the last national cohort study. A non-optimal regionalization and variations in practice are prevalent. Some parents in social media and support groups have reported feeling lost and confused with mixed messages leading to lack of trust. These data kindled a major debate in France around perinatal management leading to an investigation exploring neonatologists' perspectives and ways to improve care. The majority (81%) of the responding neonatologists reported more active care and higher survival rates than in 2011, although others continued preferring delivery room comfort care and limited NICU treatment at or before 24 weeks. The desire to improve was an overarching theme in all the respondents' answers to open-ended questions. Barriers to active care included an absence of expertise and of benchmarking to guide optimal care, and limited resources in the NICU and during follow-up - all leading to self-fulfilling prophecies of poor prognosis. Optimization of regionalization, perinatal teamwork and parental involvement, fostering experience by creating specific perinatal centers, stimulating benchmarking, and working with policy makers to allow better long-term outcomes could enable higher survival.
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Personalized communication with parents of children born at less than 25 weeks: Moving from doctor-driven to parent-personalized discussions. Semin Perinatol 2022; 46:151551. [PMID: 34893335 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2021.151551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Communication with parents is an essential component of neonatal care. For extremely preterm infants born at less than 25 weeks, this process is complicated by the substantial risk of mortality or major morbidity. For some babies with specific prognostic factors, the majority die. Although many of these deaths occur after admission to the intensive care unit, position statements have focused on communication during the prenatal consultation. This review takes a more comprehensive approach and covers personalized and parent-centered communication in the clinical setting during three distinct yet inter-related phases: the antenatal consultation, the neonatal intensive care hospitalization, and the dying process (when this happens). We advocate that a 'one-size-fits-all' communication model focused on standardizing information does not lead to partnerships. It is possible to standardize personalized approaches that recognize and adapt to parental heterogeneity. This can help clinicians and parents build effective partnerships of trust and affective support to engage in personalized decision-making. These practices begin with self-reflection on the part of the clinician and continue with practical frameworks and stepwise approaches supporting personalization and parent-centered communication.
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van den Heuvel JFM, Hogeveen M, Lutke Holzik M, van Heijst AFJ, Bekker MN, Geurtzen R. Digital decision aid for prenatal counseling in imminent extreme premature labor: development and pilot testing. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2022; 22:7. [PMID: 34991580 PMCID: PMC8734286 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-021-01735-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In case of extreme premature delivery at 24 weeks of gestation, both early intensive care and palliative comfort care for the neonate are considered treatment options. Prenatal counseling, preferably using shared decision making, is needed to agree on the treatment option in case labor progresses. This article described the development of a digital decision aid (DA) to support pregnant women, partners and clinicians in prenatal counseling for imminent extreme premature labor.
Methods This DA is developed following the International Patient Decision Aid Standards. The Dutch treatment guideline and the Dutch recommendations for prenatal counseling in extreme prematurity were used as basis. Development of the first prototype was done by expert clinicians and patients, further improvements were done after alpha testing with involved clinicians, patients and other experts (n = 12), and beta testing with non-involved clinicians and patients (n = 15). Results The final version includes information, probabilities and figures depending on users’ preferences. Furthermore, it elicits patient values and provides guidance to aid parents and professionals in making a decision for either early intensive care or palliative comfort care in threatening extreme premature delivery. Conclusion A decision aid was developed to support prenatal counseling regarding the decision on early intensive care versus palliative comfort care in case of extreme premature delivery at 24 weeks gestation. It was well accepted by parents and healthcare professionals. Our multimedia, digital DA is openly available online to support prenatal counseling and personalized, shared decision-making in imminent extreme premature labor. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12911-021-01735-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephus F M van den Heuvel
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marije Hogeveen
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Internal Code 804, PO Box 9101, 6500HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Margo Lutke Holzik
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arno F J van Heijst
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Internal Code 804, PO Box 9101, 6500HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mireille N Bekker
- Department of Obstetrics, Wilhelmina's Children Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Internal Code 804, PO Box 9101, 6500HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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de Barbeyrac C, Roth P, Noël C, Anselem O, Gaudin A, Roumegoux C, Azcona B, Castel C, Noret M, Letamendia E, Stirnemann J, Ville Y, Lapillonne A, Viallard ML, Kermorvant-Duchemin E. The role of perinatal palliative care following prenatal diagnosis of major, incurable fetal anomalies: a multicentre prospective cohort study. BJOG 2021; 129:752-759. [PMID: 34665920 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe prenatal decision-making processes and birth plans in pregnancies amenable to planning perinatal palliative care. DESIGN Multicentre prospective observational study. SETTING Nine Multidisciplinary Centres for Prenatal Diagnosis of the Paris-Ile-de-France region. POPULATION All cases of major and incurable fetal anomaly eligible for TOP where limitation of life-sustaining treatments for the neonate was discussed in the prenatal period between 2015 and 2016. METHODS Cases of congenital defects amenable to perinatal palliative care were prospectively included in each centre. Prenatal diagnosis, decision-making process, type of birth plan, birth characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcome were collected prospectively and anonymously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Final decision reached following discussions in the antenatal period. RESULTS We identified 736 continuing pregnancies with a diagnosis of a severe fetal condition eligible for TOP. Perinatal palliative care was considered in 102/736 (13.9%) pregnancies (106 infants); discussions were multidisciplinary in 99/106 (93.4%) cases. Prenatal birth plans involved life-sustaining treatment limitation and comfort care in 73/736 (9.9%) of the pregnancies. The main reason for planning palliative care at birth was short-term inevitable death in 39 cases (53.4%). In all, 76/106 (71.7%) infants were born alive, and 18/106 (17%) infants were alive at last follow-up, including four with a perinatal palliative care birth plan. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of severe and incurable fetal disorders were potentially amenable to limitation of life-sustaining interventions. Perinatal palliative care may not be considered a universal alternative to termination of pregnancy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Perinatal palliative care is planned in 10% of continuing pregnancies with a major and incurable fetal condition eligible for TOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- C de Barbeyrac
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - P Roth
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, EA7328, Paris, France
| | - C Noël
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - O Anselem
- Department of Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin - Port-Royal, Paris, France
| | - A Gaudin
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - C Roumegoux
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - B Azcona
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - C Castel
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy-Saint-Quentin, Poissy, France
| | - M Noret
- Department of Obstetrics, AP-HP, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - E Letamendia
- Maternity Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
| | - J Stirnemann
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - Y Ville
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - A Lapillonne
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - M-L Viallard
- Palliative Medicine Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - E Kermorvant-Duchemin
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Conjoined twins: an obstetrician's guide to prenatal care and delivery management. J Perinatol 2021; 41:2424-2431. [PMID: 34158580 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01107-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obstetricians infrequently encounter conjoined twins. Much of the clinical care literature focuses on postnatal management from a neonatology and pediatric surgery perspective; guidance on obstetrical management is limited. We outline steps for prenatal evaluation, obstetrical care, and delivery planning. STUDY DESIGN Experiences with two cases of conjoined twins. RESULTS We identified several points throughout the planning, delivery, and postnatal process that are important to highlight for optimizing clinical outcome, patient safety, and parental satisfaction. CONCLUSION After diagnosis, patients should be referred to a center experienced in the management of conjoined twins. Specialists in fields including maternal fetal medicine, pediatric surgery, neonatology, and radiology play a vital role in the management of these patients. Early referral allows for timely family counseling and decision-making. Prenatal evaluation beyond the first trimester should include a detailed ultrasound, fetal echocardiogram, and fetal MRI. 3D printed life-sized models can improve delivery planning and patient understanding.
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Tucker Edmonds B, McKenzie F, O'Donnell B, Panoch J, Hoffman SM, Kavanaugh K, Kuppermann M. 'Expert advice' for developing decision support: A qualitative study of women who have experienced periviable birth. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:2565-2570. [PMID: 33726986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elicit advice from women who have experienced periviable birth to optimize periviable counseling, care, and decision support. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study among 21 women who experienced periviable deliveries within three years. Using semi-structured interviews, we asked participants what advice they would offer providers and women/families based on their own experiences. Interviews were independently coded by three trained coders. RESULTS For providers: Participants said to be 'patient' and appreciate the novelty of each family's experience. They suggested being 'realistic' and 'factual'; favored joint OB/Neonatology counseling; and encouraged providers to attend to maternal guilt and self-blame. For women/families: They encouraged asking questions, avoiding the internet, and finding joy in whatever time they had with their child. For hospitals: They advocated for changes to facilitate more mother/baby contact. CONCLUSION Providers can support parents by presenting facts, showing empathy and patience, and reassuring women that they are not to blame. This study highlights patient perspectives to improve interactions with providers, optimize women/families' experiences, and advance efforts toward developing patient-centered systems of periviable care. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Women who experience periviable birth desire counseling that is empathetic and 'realistic', encouragement to ask questions, and reassurance that outcomes are not their fault.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima McKenzie
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Betsy O'Donnell
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, USA
| | - Janet Panoch
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Shelley M Hoffman
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of OB/GYN, Indianapolis, USA
| | | | - Miriam Kuppermann
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, USA
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What information do parents facing extremely preterm birth really need? Ethik Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00481-021-00656-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Banazadeh M, Khanjari S, Naddaf A, Oskouie F. Healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision making for neonates with life-threatening conditions: A qualitative study. J Eval Clin Pract 2021; 27:885-897. [PMID: 33103330 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13492] [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] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES Neonates with life-threatening conditions face complex clinical circumstances that confront parents and professionals with ethical decisions. Parents' participation in decision making has not gained sufficient attention in practice. Understanding factors affecting parents' participation is required. This study is part of a comprehensive project that explored the process of parents' participation in decision making for neonates with life-threatening conditions. The current study aimed to explore healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision-making for neonates with life-threatening conditions. METHODS A grounded theory methodology was used in the comprehensive project. Twenty-two interviews/68 hours of observation were conducted. Data were concurrently analysed throughout data generation and constant comparative analysis. Data collected until theoretical saturation was reached, the extracted categories were coherent and the emerging theory made sense. After coding stages, the core category and the relationships with other main categories involved in the process of parents' participation in decision-making were developed. For this study, the category reflecting healthcare professionals-related factors affecting parents' participation in decision-making was reported. RESULTS Four themes were found: risk aversion including fear of litigation, fear of being accountable to the parents, and fear of bearing emotional distress; unprofessionalism including poor adherence to professional ethics, inadequate skill/knowledge, poor communication, and nurses' negligence in playing their professional role; information deficiencies including insufficient information, conflicting information, and complex and technical information, and clashes of attitudes including conflict about parents' participation in decision-making and conflict about the best interest of neonates. CONCLUSION Professionals should be aware of their role in involving parents in decision making. Training professionals on family centred care principle and communication skills contribute to support parents emotionally and respond empathically to their negative expressions. Training on ethics, development, and dissemination of guidelines and rules of conduct can make professionals more sensitive to ethical aspects of their work and may reduce their fear of litigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Banazadeh
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Khanjari
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Naddaf
- Pediatric Department, Vali-Asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oskouie
- Nursing Care Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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López González MF, Vela Enríquez F, García Martín R, Vargas Pérez M. [Do neonatologists in Spain offer an interview with parents during pregnancy? National survey]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 96:S1695-4033(21)00238-1. [PMID: 34344637 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2021.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raúl García Martín
- Unidad de Apoyo a la Investigación, Hospital de Poniente, El Ejido, Almería, España
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40
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Arnolds M, Laventhal N. Perinatal Counseling at the Margin of Gestational Viability: Where We've Been, Where We're Going, and How to Navigate a Path Forward. J Pediatr 2021; 233:255-262. [PMID: 33567323 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marin Arnolds
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Evanston Hospital, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL; Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | - Naomi Laventhal
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
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Denney-Koelsch E, Cote-Arsenault D. Life-limiting fetal conditions and pregnancy continuation: parental decision-making processes. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2021:bmjspcare-2020-002857. [PMID: 34006514 PMCID: PMC8599500 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2020-002857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES When parents are facing a life-limiting fetal condition (LLFC), decision making about prenatal and neonatal care is very stressful. To participate in successful shared decision making, interdisciplinary care teams need to understand factors that parents consider and the process by which they make decisions about care of their baby. METHODS This study reports on findings about parental decision making from a larger longitudinal, naturalistic study of parents' experiences of continuing pregnancy with an LLFC. Mothers and fathers over 18 were interviewed in person, on phone or via video, twice during pregnancy and twice after birth and death. Transcripts were professionally transcribed and verified. Data were analysed with iterative coding and theme identification, using within-case and cross-case comparison. RESULTS Thirty parents (16 mothers, 13 fathers, 1 lesbian partner) from multiple US states and a range of racial/ethnic backgrounds were interviewed. Parents' experience with decision making was difficult, stressful and time-sensitive. They described a three-phase process: (1) identifying the decision to be made, (2) conducting a risk-benefit analysis to weigh objective medical information and subjective factors (values and spirituality, impact on self, partner, baby and the other children) and (3) making a decision. Parents considered diagnostic and prognostic certainty, likelihood of a good outcome and avoidance of suffering and regrets. CONCLUSION For shared-decision making, healthcare providers must discuss objective medical information as well as recognise parents' subjective values and priorities. This study expands on the literature on parental decision making around the numerous types of decisions after LLFC, informing obstetrics, neonatology and palliative care.
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Nayak B, Moon JY, Kim M, Fischhoff B, Haward MF. Optimism bias in understanding neonatal prognoses. J Perinatol 2021; 41:445-452. [PMID: 32778685 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Discrepancies between physician and parent neonatal prognostic expectations are common. Optimism bias is a possible explanation. STUDY DESIGN Parents interpreted hypothetical neonatal prognoses in an online survey. RESULTS Good prognoses tended to be interpreted accurately, while poor prognoses were interpreted as less than the stated value. One-third of participants consistently overstated survival for the three lowest prognoses, compared to the sample as a whole. Three significant predictors of such optimistic interpretations were single-parent status (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.2-0.75; p = 0.005), African-American descent (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.63-8.98; p = 0.002) and the belief that physicians misrepresented prognoses (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.47-6.65; p = 0.003). Participants' explanations echoed research on optimism bias in clinical and decision science studies. CONCLUSION Participants accepted positive prognoses for critically ill neonates, but reinterpreted negative ones as being unduly pessimistic demonstrating optimism bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babina Nayak
- Harlem Hospital Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jee-Young Moon
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mimi Kim
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Baruch Fischhoff
- Department of Engineering and Public Policy and Institute for Politics and Strategy, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marlyse F Haward
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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De Proost L, Verweij EJT, Ismaili M'hamdi H, Reiss IKM, Steegers EAP, Geurtzen R, Verhagen AAE. The Edge of Perinatal Viability: Understanding the Dutch Position. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:634290. [PMID: 33598441 PMCID: PMC7882530 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.634290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current Dutch guideline on care at the edge of perinatal viability advises to consider initiation of active care to infants born from 24 weeks of gestational age on. This, only after extensive counseling of and shared decision-making with the parents of the yet unborn infant. Compared to most other European guidelines on this matter, the Dutch guideline may be thought to stand out for its relatively high age threshold of initiating active care, its gray zone spanning weeks 24 and 25 in which active management is determined by parental discretion, and a slight reluctance to provide active care in case of extreme prematurity. In this article, we explore the Dutch position more thoroughly. First, we briefly look at the previous and current Dutch guidelines. Second, we position them within the Dutch socio-cultural context. We focus on the Dutch prioritization of individual freedom, the abortion law and the perinatal threshold of viability, and a culturally embedded aversion of suffering. Lastly, we explore two possible adaptations of the Dutch guideline; i.e., to only lower the age threshold to consider the initiation of active care, or to change the type of guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. De Proost
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neonatology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - E. J. T. Verweij
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, Netherlands
| | - H. Ismaili M'hamdi
- Department of Medical Ethics, Philosophy and History of Medicine, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - R. Geurtzen
- Department of Neonatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - A. A. E. Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Exploring implicit bias in the perceived consequences of prematurity amongst health care providers in North Queensland - a constructivist grounded theory study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2021; 21:55. [PMID: 33441110 PMCID: PMC7805144 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-021-03539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A study was done to explore the attitudes of relevant health care professionals (HCP) towards the provision of intensive care for periviable and extremely premature babies. Methods/design Applying a constructivist grounded theory methodology, HCP were interviewed about their attitudes towards the provision of resuscitation and intensive care for extremely premature babies. These babies are at increased risk of death and neurodisability when compared to babies of older gestations. Participants included HCP of varying disciplines at a large tertiary centre, a regional centre and a remote centre. Staff with a wide range of experience were interviewed. Results Six categories of i) who decides, ii) culture and context of families, iii) the life ahead, iv) to treat a bit or not at all, v) following guidelines and vi) information sharing, emerged. Role specific implicit bias was found as a theoretical construct, which depended on the period for which care was provided relative to the delivery of the baby. This implicit bias is an underlying cause for the negativity seen towards extreme prematurity and is presented in this paper. HCP caring for women prior to delivery have a bias towards healthy term babies that involves overestimation of the risks of extreme prematurity, while neonatal staff were biased towards suffering in the neonatal period and paediatricians recognise positivity of outcomes regardless of neurological status of the child. The implicit bias found may explain negativity towards intensive care of periviable neonates. Conclusion Understanding the presence and origins of role specific implicit bias may enable HCP to work together to improve care for parents preparing for the delivery of extremely premature babies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-021-03539-5.
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On the limits of viability: toward an individualized prognosis-based approach. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1736-1738. [PMID: 32826936 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-00793-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sherriff R, Preisz A, Adams S, Smyth J, Coudanaris E, Jacobs M, Tan K, Oei JL. Complex survival in extreme prematurity parents, their options and the need for a unified team approach. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1959-1962. [PMID: 32043681 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14804] [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: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renee Sherriff
- Department of Newborn Care, the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne Preisz
- Department of Newborn Care, the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,Clinical Ethics, Clinical Governance Unit, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Adams
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Smyth
- Department of Newborn Care, the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eric Coudanaris
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of General Paediatrics, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Jacobs
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kimberley Tan
- School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Ophthalmology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ju L Oei
- Department of Newborn Care, the Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bührer C, Felderhoff-Müser U, Gembruch U, Hecher K, Kainer F, Kehl S, Kidszun A, Kribs A, Krones T, Lipp V, Maier RF, Mitschdörfer B, Nicin T, Roll C, Schindler M. Frühgeborene an der Grenze der Lebensfähigkeit
(Entwicklungsstufe S2k, AWMF-Leitlinien-Register Nr. 024/019, Juni
2020). Z Geburtshilfe Neonatol 2020; 224:244-254. [PMID: 33075837 DOI: 10.1055/a-1230-0810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Redaktionskomitee
Federführende Fachgesellschaft
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Bührer
- Klinik für Neonatologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | | | - Ulrich Gembruch
- Zentrum für Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn
| | - Kurt Hecher
- Klinik für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Universitätskrankenhaus Eppendorf, Hamburg
| | - Franz Kainer
- Abteilung für Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin, Klinik Hallerwiese, Nürnberg
| | - Sven Kehl
- Frauenklinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - André Kidszun
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz
| | | | - Tanja Krones
- Klinische Ethik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Zürich
| | - Volker Lipp
- Lehrstuhl für Bürgerliches Recht, Zivilprozessrecht, Medizinrecht und Rechtsvergleichung, Juristische Fakultät / Institut für Notarrecht / Zentrum für Medizinrecht, Universität Göttingen, Göttingen
| | - Rolf F Maier
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Marburg, Marburg
| | | | - Tatjana Nicin
- Klinik für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe, Klinikum Hanau, Hanau
| | - Claudia Roll
- Abteilung Neonatologie, Pädiatrische Intensivmedizin, Schlafmedizin, Vestische Kinder- und Jugendklinik Datteln, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Datteln
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Communication between neonatologists and parents when prognosis is uncertain. J Perinatol 2020; 40:1412-1422. [PMID: 32382115 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-020-0673-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When an infant's prognosis is uncertain, communication between neonatologists and parents surrounding goals of care and decision-making can be challenging. This qualitative study explored communication between neonatologists and parents to discover qualities which may enhance or impede parent-clinician partnership under such difficult circumstances. STUDY DESIGN Guided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Patient Centered Communication framework, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted and analyzed regarding neonatologist and parent perceptions of their communication. Subjects consisted of nine dyads of neonatologists and English-speaking parents whose infant had an uncertain prognosis. RESULTS Parents were overall satisfied with neonatologists' communications concerning their infant's uncertain trajectory. Nonetheless, both experienced challenges and distress during communication, impeding collaboration and engagement. CONCLUSIONS Families and neonatologists value principles of patient centered communication but report challenges implementing this practice. Incorporating a multidisciplinary approach in settings of prognostic uncertainty to foster patient centered communication, may enhance communication surrounding NICU care.
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Mardian E, Bucking S, Dunn S, Lemyre B, Daboval T, Moore GP. Evaluating parental perceptions of written handbooks provided during shared decision making with parents anticipating extremely preterm birth. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:2723-2730. [PMID: 32727235 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1797671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore parental perceptions of written handbooks provided to them during antenatal counseling for anticipated extremely preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN This study involved a prospective convenience sample of parents anticipating delivery between 22 weeks + 0 days and 25 weeks + 6 days gestation. The antenatal counseling involved a shared decision-making process. In-person interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to gather feedback about new parent handbooks developed to support decision making. The questions during the semi-structured interview targeted seven main themes: overall impression, timing, graphs/tables, formatting, imagery, ease of use and understanding, and content. The interviews followed an antenatal consultation and provision of the appropriate handbook(s) by a neonatologist. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis of the data was completed. RESULTS Eleven parents were interviewed. All parents described the provision of the handbook(s) following the consultation with a neonatologist as the ideal time. All parents considered a visual representation of the data to be invaluable. Parents considered the handbooks easy to understand and straightforward. Some parents were satisfied with simple information, which helped them feel less overwhelmed; others felt the depth of information was insufficient. Parents preferred a paper copy to electronic. Reactions to the photo of an infant receiving intensive care varied; some parents felt frightened, others felt comforted. CONCLUSION Overall, parents positively evaluated the handbooks, supporting their utility for parents anticipating extremely preterm birth. Concrete suggestions for improvement were made; the handbooks will be modified accordingly. Parents at other perinatal centers may benefit from receiving such handbooks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mardian
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Shannon Bucking
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sandra Dunn
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Brigitte Lemyre
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Thierry Daboval
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gregory P Moore
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada.,Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
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Abstract
The ethical dilemmas and predominant frameworks surrounding decision making for critically ill newborns have evolved substantially over the last 40 years. A shared decision-making approach is now favored, involving an exchange of information between parents and clinicians that emphasizes parental values and preferences, resulting in a personalized approach to decision making. In this review, we summarize the history of clinical decision making with a focus on the NICU, highlight different models of decision making, describe the advantages and current limitations of shared decision making, and discuss the ongoing and future challenges of decision making in the NICU amidst medical innovations and emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Sullivan
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Christy Cummings
- Department of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
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