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Willard EG, Wiencek C. Palliative Sedation Therapy: A Case Report. Crit Care Nurse 2022; 42:47-52. [DOI: 10.4037/ccn2022377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction
Despite repeated exposure to dying patients, critical care providers and nurses may not be familiar with palliative sedation. This case report describes a scenario in which palliative sedation therapy was considered for a patient dying in the intensive care unit.
Clinical Findings
A 72-year-old woman was transferred from an outside hospital for management of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. After her transfer, she experienced cardiac arrest and was resuscitated.
Diagnosis
The patient was diagnosed with pneumonia related to COVID-19. Arterial blood gas values showed her ratio of partial pressure of oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen to be less than 200, consistent with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Interventions
The patient was intubated and started on a ventilator protocol for acute respiratory distress syndrome. After her cardiac arrest, she required a continuous epinephrine infusion.
Outcomes
The patient’s family was notified of the severity of her clinical status, and the critical care team began to plan the transition from aggressive to comfort care. A provider suggested that the patient should receive continuous intravenous propofol after extubation to manage dyspnea during the dying process.
Conclusion
Palliative sedation therapy may be needed for dying patients, such as those with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome. The transition from curative to palliative measures often occurs in intensive care units but the ethical principles behind palliative sedation are not well understood by those providing care in these settings. It is vital that critical care nurses and providers be informed about available treatments for symptoms of dying patients, including palliative sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G. Willard
- Emily G. Willard is a staff nurse and education coordinator in the medical-respiratory intensive care unit, VCU Health, in Richmond, Virginia. She is a graduate student at the University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Clareen Wiencek
- Clareen Wiencek is a palliative care nurse practitioner and a professor of nursing at the University of Virginia
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Salins N, Muckaden MA, Ghoshal A, Jadhav S. Experiences of Adolescents with Cancer Attending a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre: A Thematic Analysis. Indian J Palliat Care 2022; 28:428-433. [DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_24_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction:
Adolescents with cancer experience several psychosocial concerns. Cancer among adolescents contributes to one-fifth of cancers in India. Most of the published empirical literature on adolescents’ views about their cancer experience is from high-income countries.
Objectives:
The objectives of the study were to explore the experiences of adolescents with cancer in India.
Materials and Methods:
Twenty-eight adolescents were purposively recruited and participated in prospectively conducted qualitative interviews conducted at the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, between 2013 and 2015. Interview data were transcribed and analysed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
Two themes and several subthemes were generated during the analysis. The transition to the new reality of illness was traumatic. It embodied fear about the unknown, disease and symptoms. The experience was isolating and disfigurement further led to peer separation. Inadequate information made the adolescents anxious and worried, and children and parents experienced moments of severe distress. The love and support received from parents, siblings and extended family facilitated positive coping. Peer support was reassuring and enabled them to have a normalising experience. Discovering their inner strength, acceptance of the situation and faith in God made them resilient and hopeful.
Conclusion:
Adolescents with cancer experience significant emotional concerns, which are often unexplored and unaddressed. An adolescent-specific communication framework and psychosocial programme contextual to the Indian setting may be developed based on the study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Salins
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi, India,
| | - Mary Ann Muckaden
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
| | - Arunangshu Ghoshal
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
| | - Sunita Jadhav
- Department of Medical Social Work, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,
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3
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Zimmermann K, Marfurt-Russenberger K, Cignacco E, Bergstraesser E. Bereaved parents' perspectives on their child's end-of-life care: connecting a self-report questionnaire and interview data from the nationwide Paediatric End-of-LIfe CAre Needs in Switzerland (PELICAN) study. Palliat Care 2022; 21:66. [PMID: 35509046 PMCID: PMC9066872 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00957-w] [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: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paediatric Palliative Care (PPC) focuses on ensuring the best possible quality of life for the child and his/her family by extending beyond the physical domain into psychosocial and spiritual wellbeing. A deep understanding of what is important to parents is crucial in guiding the further evaluation and improvement of PPC and end-of-life (EOL) care services. Much can be learned from specific positive and negative experiences of bereaved parents with the EOL care of their child. This report builds upon a questionnaire survey as part of the national Paediatric End-of-LIfe CAre Needs in Switzerland (PELICAN) study. Methods One part of the PELICAN study was set up to assess and explore the parental perspectives on their child’s EOL care. Interview data were used to explain the extremely positive and negative results of a quantitative survey in an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach. Data integration occurred at different points: during sampling of the interview participants, when designing the interview guide and during analysis. A narrative approach was applied to combine the qualitative results reported here with the already published quantitative survey results. Results Eighteen mothers (60%) and twelve fathers (40%) participated in 20 family interviews. All parents reported having both positive and negative experiences during their child’s illness and EOL, which was characterised by many ups and downs. The families transitioned through phases with a prospect of a cure for some children as well as setbacks and changing health status of the child which influenced prognosis, leading to the challenge of making extremely difficult decisions. Severely negative experiences still haunted and bothered the parents at the time when the interview took place. Conclusions A deep understanding of the perspectives and needs of parents going through the devastating event of losing a child is important and a prerequisite to providing compassionate care. This complex care needs to recognise and respond to the suffering not only of the child but of the parents and the whole family. Communication and shared decision-making remain pivotal, as do still improvable elements of care that should build on trustful relationships between families and healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zimmermann
- Department Public Health (DPH), Nursing Science, University of Basel, Bernoullistrasse 28, 4056, Basel, Switzerland. .,Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center CRC, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Eva Cignacco
- Health Department, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva Bergstraesser
- Paediatric Palliative Care and Children's Research Center CRC, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
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Linebarger JS, Johnson V, Boss RD, Linebarger JS, Collura CA, Humphrey LM, Miller EG, Williams CSP, Rholl E, Ajayi T, Lord B, McCarty CL. Guidance for Pediatric End-of-Life Care. Pediatrics 2022; 149:186860. [PMID: 35490287 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-057011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The final hours, days, and weeks in the life of a child or adolescent with serious illness are stressful for families, pediatricians, and other pediatric caregivers. This clinical report reviews essential elements of pediatric care for these patients and their families, establishing end-of-life care goals, anticipatory counseling about the dying process (expected signs or symptoms, code status, desired location of death), and engagement with palliative and hospice resources. This report also outlines postmortem tasks for the pediatric team, including staff debriefing and bereavement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Linebarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri, Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Victoria Johnson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Renee D Boss
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, Maryland
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5
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Recommendations for analgesia and sedation in critically ill children admitted to intensive care unit. JOURNAL OF ANESTHESIA, ANALGESIA AND CRITICAL CARE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8853329 DOI: 10.1186/s44158-022-00036-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We aim to develop evidence-based recommendations for intensivists caring for children admitted to intensive care units and requiring analgesia and sedation. A panel of national paediatric intensivists expert in the field of analgesia and sedation and other specialists (a paediatrician, a neuropsychiatrist, a psychologist, a neurologist, a pharmacologist, an anaesthesiologist, two critical care nurses, a methodologist) started in 2018, a 2-year process. Three meetings and one electronic-based discussion were dedicated to the development of the recommendations (presentation of the project, selection of research questions, overview of text related to the research questions, discussion of recommendations). A telematic anonymous consultation was adopted to reach the final agreement on recommendations. A formal conflict-of-interest declaration was obtained from all the authors. Eight areas of direct interest and one additional topic were considered to identify the best available evidence and to develop the recommendations using the Evidence-to-Decision framework according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. For each recommendation, the level of evidence, the strength of the recommendation, the benefits, the harms and the risks, the benefit/harm balance, the intentional vagueness, the values judgement, the exclusions, the difference of the opinions, the knowledge gaps, and the research opportunities were reported. The panel produced 17 recommendations. Nine were evaluated as strong, 3 as moderate, and 5 as weak. Conclusion: a panel of national experts achieved consensus regarding recommendations for the best care in terms of analgesia and sedation in critically ill children.
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6
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Palliative Care for Children with Lung Diseases. Respir Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-81788-6_15] [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: 10/20/2022]
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7
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Interdisciplinary Communication: Documentation of Advance Care Planning and End-of-Life Care in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2020; 21:215-222. [PMID: 30829829 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Advance care planning is being increasingly recognized as a component of quality in end-of-life care, but standardized documentation in the electronic health record has not yet been achieved, undermining interdisciplinary communication about care needs and limiting research opportunities.We examined the electronic health records of nine adolescent and young adults with cancer who died after participation in an advance care planning clinical trial (N = 30). In this secondary analysis of this subgroup, disease trajectory and end-of-life information were abstracted from the electronic health record, and treatment preferences from the original study were obtained.All deceased participants older than 18 years had a surrogate decision maker identified in the electronic health record, and all deceased participants had limitations placed on their care, varying from 1.5 hours up to 2 months before death. However, assessment of relations between treatment preferences and end-of-life care was difficult and revealed the presence of circumstances that advance care planning is designed to avoid, such as family conflict. Lack of an integrated health care record regarding advance care planning and end-of-life care makes both care coordination and examination of the association between planning and goal concordant care more difficult.
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8
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Wan A, Weingarten K, Rapoport A. Palliative Care?! But This Child's Not Dying: The Burgeoning Partnership Between Pediatric Cardiology and Palliative Care. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:1041-1049. [PMID: 32437731 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of pediatric cardiology has witnessed major changes over the past few decades that have considerably altered patient outcomes, including decreasing mortality rates for many previously untreatable conditions. Despite this, some pediatric cardiology programs are increasingly choosing to partner with their institutional palliative care teams. Why is this? The field of palliative care also has experienced significant shifts over a similar period of time. Today's palliative care is focused on improving quality of life for any patient with a serious or life-threatening condition, regardless of where they might be on their disease trajectory. Research has clearly demonstrated that improved outcomes can be achieved for a variety of patient cohorts through early integration of palliative care; recent evidence suggests that the same may be true in pediatric cardiology. All pediatric cardiologists need to be aware of what pediatric palliative care has to offer their patients, especially those who are not actively dying. This manuscript reviews the evolution of palliative care and provides a rationale for its integration into the care of children with advanced heart disease. Readers will gain a sense of how and when to introduce palliative care to their families, as well as insight into what pediatric palliative care teams have to offer. Additional research is required to better delineate optimal partnerships between palliative care and pediatric cardiology so that we may promote maximal quality of life for patients concurrently with continued efforts to push the boundaries of quantity of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Wan
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin Weingarten
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Paediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Adam Rapoport
- Paediatric Advanced Care Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Emily's House Children's Hospice, Toronto, Canada; Departments of Paediatrics and Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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9
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Kaye EC, Jerkins J, Gushue CA, DeMarsh S, Sykes A, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin L, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Predictors of Late Palliative Care Referral in Children With Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:1550-1556. [PMID: 29427739 PMCID: PMC6223026 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Early integration of palliative care (PC) in the management of children with high-risk cancer is widely endorsed by patients, families, clinicians, and national organizations. However, optimal timing for PC consultation is not standardized, and variables that influence timing of PC integration for children with cancer remain unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate associations between demographic, disease, treatment, and end-of-life attributes and timing of PC consultation for children with high-risk cancer enrolled on a PC service. METHODS A comprehensive standardized tool was used to abstract data from the medical records of 321 patients treated at a large academic pediatric cancer center, who died between 2011 and 2015. RESULTS Gender, race, ethnicity, enrollment on a Phase I protocol, number of high-acuity hospitalizations, and receipt of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were not associated with timing of PC involvement. Patients with hematologic malignancy, those who received cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life, and those with advance directives documented one week or less before death had higher odds of late PC referral (malignancy: odds ratio [OR] 3.24, P = 0.001; therapy: OR 4.65, P < 0.001; directive: OR 4.81, P < 0.0001). Patients who received hospice services had lower odds of late PC referral <30 days before death (OR 0.31, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Hematologic malignancy, cancer-directed therapy at the end of life, and delayed documentation of advance directives are associated with late PC involvement in children who died of cancer. Identification of these variables affords opportunities to study targeted interventions to enhance access to earlier PC resources and services for children with high-risk cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
| | - Jonathan Jerkins
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA; University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - April Sykes
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsay Blazin
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Deena R Levine
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - R Ray Morrison
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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10
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Kaye EC, DeMarsh S, Gushue CA, Jerkins J, Sykes A, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin LJ, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Predictors of Location of Death for Children with Cancer Enrolled on a Palliative Care Service. Oncologist 2018; 23:1525-1532. [PMID: 29728467 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2017-0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the U.S., more children die from cancer than from any other disease, and more than one third die in the hospital setting. These data have been replicated even in subpopulations of children with cancer enrolled on a palliative care service. Children with cancer who die in high-acuity inpatient settings often experience suffering at the end of life, with increased psychosocial morbidities seen in their bereaved parents. Strategies to preemptively identify children with cancer who are more likely to die in high-acuity inpatient settings have not been explored. MATERIALS AND METHODS A standardized tool was used to gather demographic, disease, treatment, and end-of-life variables for 321 pediatric palliative oncology (PPO) patients treated at an academic pediatric cancer center who died between 2011 and 2015. Multinomial logistic regression was used to predict patient subgroups at increased risk for pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) death. RESULTS Higher odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio [OR], 4.02; p = .002), hematologic malignancy (OR, 7.42; p < .0001), history of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (OR, 4.52; p < .0001), total number of PICU hospitalizations (OR, 1.98; p < .0001), receipt of cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (OR, 2.96; p = .002), and palliative care involvement occurring less than 30 days before death (OR, 4.7; p < .0001). Conversely, lower odds of dying in the PICU were found in patients with hospice involvement (OR, 0.02; p < .0001) and documentation of advance directives at the time of death (OR, 0.37; p = .033). CONCLUSION Certain variables may predict PICU death for PPO patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end-of-life outcomes for children with cancer and their families. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Children with cancer who die in high-acuity inpatient settings often experience a high burden of intensive therapy at the end of life. Strategies to identify patients at higher risk of dying in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) have not been explored previously. This study finds that certain variables may predict PICU death for pediatric palliative oncology patients, including delayed palliative care involvement. Preemptive identification of patients at risk for PICU death affords opportunities to study the effects of earlier palliative care integration and increased discussions around preferred location of death on end-of-life outcomes for children with cancer and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Courtney A Gushue
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathan Jerkins
- Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - April Sykes
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer M Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Deena R Levine
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - R Ray Morrison
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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11
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Kaye EC, Gushue CA, DeMarsh S, Jerkins J, Sykes A, Lu Z, Snaman JM, Blazin L, Johnson LM, Levine DR, Morrison RR, Baker JN. Illness and end-of-life experiences of children with cancer who receive palliative care. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65:10.1002/pbc.26895. [PMID: 29218773 PMCID: PMC6159948 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The field of pediatric palliative oncology is newly emerging. Little is known about the characteristics and illness experiences of children with cancer who receive palliative care (PC). METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 321 pediatric oncology patients enrolled in PC who died between 2011 and 2015 was conducted at a large academic pediatric cancer center using a comprehensive standardized data extraction tool. RESULTS The majority of pediatric palliative oncology patients received experimental therapy (79.4%), with 40.5% enrolled on a phase I trial. Approximately one-third received cancer-directed therapy during the last month of life (35.5%). More than half had at least one intensive care unit hospitalization (51.4%), with this subset demonstrating considerable exposure to mechanical ventilation (44.8%), invasive procedures (20%), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (12.1%). Of the 122 patients who died in the hospital, 44.3% died in the intensive care unit. Patients with late PC involvement occurring less than 30 days before death had higher odds of dying in the intensive care unit over the home/hospice setting compared to those with earlier PC involvement (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 2.47-8.97, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Children with cancer who receive PC experience a high burden of intensive treatments and often die in inpatient intensive care settings. Delayed PC involvement is associated with increased odds of dying in the intensive care unit. Prospective investigation of early PC involvement in children with high-risk cancer is needed to better understand potential impacts on cost-effectiveness, quality of life, and delivery of goal concordant care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Courtney A. Gushue
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Samantha DeMarsh
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Jonathan Jerkins
- Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - April Sykes
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Zhaohua Lu
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Pediatric palliative oncology (PPO) is an emerging field that integrates the principles of palliative care early into the illness trajectory of children with cancer. PPO providers work with interdisciplinary clinicians to provide optimal medical and psychosocial care to children with cancer and their families. Ongoing advances in the field of pediatric oncology, including new treatment options for progressive cancers, necessitate the early integration of palliative care tenets including holistic care, high-quality communication, and assessment and management of refractory symptoms. RECENT FINDINGS Research in this emerging field has expanded dramatically over the past several years. This review will focus on advancements within several key areas of the field, specifically regarding investigation of the communication needs and preferences of patients and families, exploration of educational initiatives and interventions to teach PPO principles to clinicians, study of patient-reported and parent-reported tools to better assess and manage refractory symptoms, and development of novel models to integrate palliative care within pediatric oncology. SUMMARY Research findings in the field of PPO, concurrent with advances in the treatment of pediatric cancer, may help improve survival and quality of life for children with cancer.
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13
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Levine DR, Johnson LM, Snyder A, Wiser RK, Gibson D, Kane JR, Baker JN. Integrating Palliative Care in Pediatric Oncology: Evidence for an Evolving Paradigm for Comprehensive Cancer Care. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2017; 14:741-8. [PMID: 27283167 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2016.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demonstrated benefit of integrating palliative care (PC) into cancer treatment has triggered an increased need for PC services. The trajectory of integrating PC in comprehensive cancer centers, particularly pediatric centers, is unknown. We describe our 8-year experience of initiating and establishing PC with the Quality of Life Service (QoLS) at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records of patients seen by the QoLS (n=615) from March 2007 to December 2014. Variables analyzed for each year, using descriptive statistics, included diagnostic groups, QoLS encounters, goals of care, duration of survival, and location of death. RESULTS Total QoLS patient encounters increased from 58 (2007) to 1,297 (2014), new consults increased from 17 (2007) to 115 (2014), and mean encounters per patient increased from 5.06 (2007) to 16.11 (2014). Goal of care at initial consultation shifted from primarily comfort to an increasing goal of cure. The median number of days from initial consult to death increased from 52 days (2008) to 223 days (2014). A trend toward increased outpatient location of death was noted with 42% outpatient deaths in 2007, increasing to a majority in each subsequent year (range, 51%-74%). Hospital-wide, patients receiving PC services before death increased from approximately 50% to nearly 100%. CONCLUSIONS Since its inception, the QoLS experienced a dramatic increase in referrals and encounters per patient, increased use by all clinical services, a trend toward earlier consultation and longer term follow-up, increasing outpatient location of death, and near-universal PC involvement at the end-of-life. The successful integration of PC in a comprehensive cancer center, and the resulting potential for improved care provision over time, can serve as a model for other programs on a broad scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deena R Levine
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Angela Snyder
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Robert K Wiser
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Deborah Gibson
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Javier R Kane
- Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, McLane Children’s Scott and White Clinic, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas
| | - Justin N Baker
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
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14
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Suttle ML, Jenkins TL, Tamburro RF. End-of-Life and Bereavement Care in Pediatric Intensive Care Units. Pediatr Clin North Am 2017; 64:1167-1183. [PMID: 28941542 PMCID: PMC5747301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Most childhood deaths in the United States occur in hospitals. Pediatric intensive care clinicians must anticipate and effectively treat dying children's pain and suffering and support the psychosocial and spiritual needs of families. These actions may help family members adjust to their loss, particularly bereaved parents who often experience reduced mental and physical health. Candid and compassionate communication is paramount to successful end-of-life (EOL) care as is creating an environment that fosters meaningful family interaction. EOL care in the pediatric intensive care unit is associated with challenging ethical issues, of which clinicians must maintain a sound and working understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markita L. Suttle
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital
| | - Tammara L. Jenkins
- Pediatric Trauma and Critical Illness Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Robert F. Tamburro
- Pediatric Trauma and Critical Illness Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
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15
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Bergsträsser E, Cignacco E, Luck P. Health care Professionals' Experiences and Needs When Delivering End-of-Life Care to Children: A Qualitative Study. Palliat Care 2017; 10:1178224217724770. [PMID: 28835736 PMCID: PMC5555493 DOI: 10.1177/1178224217724770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric end-of-life care (EOL care) entails challenging tasks for health care professionals (HCPs). Little is known about HCPs’ experiences and needs when providing pediatric EOL care in Switzerland. This study aimed to describe the experiences and needs of HCPs in pediatric EOL care in Switzerland and to develop recommendations for the health ministry. The key aspect in EOL care provision was identified as the capacity to establish a relationship with the dying child and the family. Barriers to this interaction were ethical dilemmas, problems in collaboration with the interprofessional team, and structural problems on the level of organizations. A major need was the expansion of vocational training and support by specialized palliative care teams. We recommend the development of a national concept for the provision of EOL care in children, accompanied by training programs and supported by specialized pediatric palliative care teams located in tertiary children’s hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Bergsträsser
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Cignacco
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department of Public Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Health Department, Bern University of Applied Sciences, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Luck
- Department of Pediatric Palliative Care and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Children's Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Johnson LM, Frader J, Wolfe J, Baker JN, Anghelescu DL, Lantos JD. Palliative Sedation With Propofol for an Adolescent With a DNR Order. Pediatrics 2017; 140:peds.2017-0487. [PMID: 28679640 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2017-0487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Death from cancer is often painful. Usually, the pain can be relieved in ways that allow patients to remain awake and alert until the end. Sometimes, however, the only way to relieve pain is to sedate patients until they are unconscious. This method has been called palliative sedation therapy. Palliative sedation therapy is controversial because it can be misunderstood as euthanasia. We present a case in which an adolescent who is dying of leukemia has intractable pain. Experts in oncology, ethics, pain management, and palliative care discuss the trade-offs associated with different treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza-Marie Johnson
- Division of Oncology Hospitalist Medicine, St. Jude's Hospital and Research Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Joel Frader
- Pediatric Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Pediatric Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Pediatric Palliative Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Oncology Hospitalist Medicine, St. Jude's Hospital and Research Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Doralina L Anghelescu
- Division of Oncology Hospitalist Medicine, St. Jude's Hospital and Research Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - John D Lantos
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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17
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Anghelescu DL, Knapp E, Johnson LM, Baker JN. The role of the pediatric anesthesiologist in relieving suffering at the end of life: when is palliative sedation appropriate in pediatrics? Paediatr Anaesth 2017; 27:443-444. [PMID: 28300355 DOI: 10.1111/pan.13103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Doralina L Anghelescu
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Esther Knapp
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Liza-Marie Johnson
- Division of Quality of Life & Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin N Baker
- Division of Quality of Life & Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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18
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Gannon J, Motycka C, Egelund E, Kraemer DF, Smith WT, Solomon K. Teaching End-of-Life Care Using Interprofessional Simulation. J Nurs Educ 2017; 56:205-210. [DOI: 10.3928/01484834-20170323-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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19
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Carreño Moreno S, Chaparro Díaz L, López Rangel R. Encontrar sentido para continuar viviendo el reto al perder un hijo por cáncer infantil: revisión integrativa. PERSONA Y BIOÉTICA 2017. [DOI: 10.5294/pebi.2017.21.1.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
La experiencia de perder un hijo por cáncer representa para los padres una carga emocional de alto impacto individual, familiar y social que no finaliza con la muerte. Esta revisión integrativa tuvo como objetivo identificar aspectos clave en la experiencia de perder un hijo como consecuencia del cáncer infantil. Los resultados mostraron un patrón (búsqueda de sentido) que rodea seis momentos del proceso de duelo, que pueden ser elementos de intervención para acompañar el proceso de afrontamiento de los padres. Se concluye que este patrón es un fenómeno importante para el desarrollo del área de cuidado paliativo al final de la vida y posterior.
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20
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21
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Kaye EC, Rubenstein J, Levine D, Baker JN, Dabbs D, Friebert SE. Pediatric palliative care in the community. CA Cancer J Clin 2015; 65:316-33. [PMID: 25955682 DOI: 10.3322/caac.21280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) for children with life-threatening conditions and their families enhances the provision of holistic care, addressing psychological, social, spiritual, and physical concerns, without precluding treatment with the goal of cure. PPC involvement ideally extends throughout the illness trajectory to improve continuity of care for patients and families. Although current PPC models focus primarily on the hospital setting, community-based PPC (CBPPC) programs are increasingly integral to the coordination, continuity, and provision of quality care. In this review, the authors examine the purpose, design, and infrastructure of CBPPC in the United States, highlighting eligibility criteria, optimal referral models to enhance early involvement, and fundamental tenets of CBPPC. This article also appraises the role of CBPPC in promoting family-centered care. This model strives to enhance shared decision making, facilitate seamless handoffs of care, maintain desired locations of care, and ease the end of life for children who die at home. The effect of legislation on the advent and evolution of CBPPC also is discussed, as is an assessment of the current status of state-specific CBPPC programs and barriers to implementation of CBPPC. Finally, strategies and resources for designing, implementing, and maintaining quality standards in CBPPC programs are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Kaye
- Dual Fellow in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jared Rubenstein
- Fellow in Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Haslinger Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH
| | - Deena Levine
- Assistant Member, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Justin N Baker
- Chief, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Director, Hematology/Oncology and Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Programs, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Devon Dabbs
- Executive Director, Co-Founder, Children's Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, Salinas, CA
| | - Sarah E Friebert
- Director, Pediatric Palliative Care Program, Haslinger Division of Pediatric Palliative Care, Akron Children's Hospital, Akron, OH
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22
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23
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Ethical decision making about end-of-life care issues by pediatric oncologists in economically diverse settings. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2015; 37:257-63. [PMID: 25887639 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric cancer represents 1% to 4% of all cancers worldwide, with the majority of diagnoses in developing countries where mortality remains much higher than that in high-income countries. We sought to describe differences in ethical decision-making at the end of life among an international sample of pediatric oncologists practicing in countries with a variety of income levels and resource settings. METHODS Pediatric oncologists subscribing to an educational international oncology Web site were invited to complete a 38-item web-based survey investigating ethical domains related to end-of-life care: level of care, fiduciary responsibility, decision making, and justice. RESULTS Responses were received from 401 physicians in 83 countries, with most respondents practicing in middle-income or high-income countries. Significant differences in attitudes toward ethical issues existed across the national developmental indices. CONCLUSIONS Further education on ethical principles is warranted in pediatric oncology, particularly among oncologists practicing in low-income or middle-income countries.
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