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Hoda W, Pandey K. Advancing Evidence-based Palliative Care Research: Navigating Challenges and Proposing Solutions. Indian J Palliat Care 2024; 30:89-92. [PMID: 38633675 PMCID: PMC11021051 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_243_2023] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Amid the increasing demand for palliative care, driven by demographic shifts and medical progress, evidence-based practices face obstacles due to limited research. Complex patient conditions and ethical considerations challenge traditional methodologies, while the absence of comprehensive clinical trials hinders innovative interventions. Empowering practitioners with research skills and establishing a palliative care research network are efforts aimed at bridging these gaps. It is important to emphasise that these initiatives collectively aspire to enhance evidence-based practices, ensuring quality care for individuals facing severe illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasimul Hoda
- Department of Superspeciality Anaesthesiology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Khushboo Pandey
- Department of Anaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
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2
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von Werthern M, Grigorakis G, Sweet R, Soon K. The Continuity of Cancer: Children and Adolescent's Experiences of Ending Cancer Treatment - A Systematic Review. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2006-2018. [PMID: 36190313 DOI: 10.1177/10497323221128860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As the research and treatment of childhood cancer steadily progresses, so has the interest in children's needs, not only throughout such treatment but also following completion. Whilst there is increased literature focussing on the long-term psychosocial impact of treatment completion, little is currently known about how children and young people (CYP) experience the more immediate end of their cancer treatment. The current review seeks to examine CYP's experiences of the end of their cancer treatment. Sixteen studies were retrieved using a systematic search strategy across five databases, all of which used qualitative methodology. Thematic synthesis was chosen to analyse the data. Four overarching themes were generated, which encompassed 'the continuity of cancer', 'ambivalence of needs', 'making sense of the cancer experience' and 'sense of self following the ending'. The end of treatment is a time of complexity for CYP, yet it is currently largely overlooked. In order to scaffold these endings for CYP, increased emphasis and thought needs to be placed on the end of treatment and the support that is provided within it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristina Soon
- 4919University College London, London, UK
- 4956Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
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3
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Dreier LA, Angenendt N, Hasan C, Zernikow B, Wager J. Potential Contributing Factors for Irritability of Unknown Origin in Pediatric Palliative Care. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 64:156-167. [PMID: 35430284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.04.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT In pediatric palliative care, irritability of unknown origin (IUO) in children with severe neurological impairment is a peculiarly complex and challenging symptom, yet its etiology remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVES Presenting a structured IUO diagnostic and therapeutic approach developed in a specialized inpatient pediatric palliative care facility for identifying IUO's potential contributing factors (PCFs). METHODS Prospective observational study with N = 22 children showing IUO at admission to the inpatient pediatric palliative care facility. Analysis of patient records and participation in ward routine to identify and treat PCFs. Treatment outcome was assessed using a standardized protocol for tracking IUO at 24-hour intervals. RESULTS Altogether, 136 PCFs were identified (average 6.18 per child) with pain and psycho-social problems being the most common. Two hundred and twenty-two diagnostic measures were initiated of which 159 (71.6%) helped identify a PCF. The majority of PCFs were identified by basic diagnostics (93.7%). Inpatient length of stay and duration of IUO phases correlated significantly. Between baseline (days 3-5; timing at which inpatients experientially show regular behavior) and discharge, patients showed a significant reduction in average 24-hours IUO duration by 1 hour and 26 minutes (Wilcoxon test: Z = -3.29, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Results lead to a more thorough understanding of PCFs to IUO. Following a systematic approach such as the one presented, PCFs can be detected even by simple diagnostics. In addition to biological aspects, diagnostics and therapy should address psycho-social aspects of IUO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Alice Dreier
- PedScience Research Institute (L.A.D., B.Z., J.W.), Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care (L.A.D., N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
| | - Nina Angenendt
- Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care (L.A.D., N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Paediatric Palliative Care Centre (N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Carola Hasan
- Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care (L.A.D., N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Paediatric Palliative Care Centre (N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- PedScience Research Institute (L.A.D., B.Z., J.W.), Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care (L.A.D., N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Paediatric Palliative Care Centre (N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Julia Wager
- PedScience Research Institute (L.A.D., B.Z., J.W.), Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Department of Children's Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care (L.A.D., N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany; Paediatric Palliative Care Centre (N.A., C.H., B.Z., J.W.), Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, Datteln, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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4
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Mitchell S, Slowther AM, Coad J, Bertaud S, Dale J. Facilitators and barriers to the delivery of palliative care to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions: a qualitative study of the experiences and perceptions of healthcare professionals. Arch Dis Child 2022; 107:59-64. [PMID: 33980510 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2021-321808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand healthcare system facilitators and barriers to the delivery of palliative care for children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and their family members. DESIGN Focus groups with children's palliative care professionals. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING Four regions of England (West Midlands, South West, Yorkshire and Humber, and London) from December 2017 to June 2018. PARTICIPANTS Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals) working in children's palliative care services. FINDINGS A total of 71 healthcare professionals participated in the focus groups. Three overarching themes were identified which influenced whether and when children were referred to and started to receive palliative care: (1) the unspoken background of clinical uncertainty which often delayed palliative care; (2) the cultural 'collusion of immortality', where conversations about the possibility of dying can be avoided or deferred; and (3) the role of paediatric palliative care teams in 'illuminating the blind spot' of palliative care as well as providing hands-on care. CONCLUSIONS Palliative care is a holistic approach to care that focuses on quality of life for people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions that can be delivered alongside active treatment. There is a need to prioritise and integrate this into healthcare services for children more effectively if improvements in care are to be realised. While more specialist paediatric palliative care services are needed, the unspoken background of clinical uncertainty needs to be addressed together with the collusion of immortality within healthcare culture and organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mitchell
- Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK .,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Jane Coad
- University of Nottingham School of Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Sophie Bertaud
- The Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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5
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Cho E, Gilmer MJ, Friedman DL, Hendricks-Ferguson VL, Hinds PS, Akard TF. Facebook Recruitment for Children with Advanced Cancer and Their Parents: Lessons from a Web-based Pediatric Palliative Intervention Study. PROGRESS IN PALLIATIVE CARE 2021; 29:264-271. [PMID: 34737490 DOI: 10.1080/09699260.2021.1898077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Participant recruitment for pediatric palliative intervention studies is a chronic challenge for researchers. Digital recruitment strategies, or digital technology-assisted recruitment methods used to remotely reach and enroll research subjects, can help address these recruitment challenges for pediatric palliative care clinical trials. This study (a) describes Facebook recruitment procedures targeting children with cancer and their parents for a pediatric palliative intervention randomized clinical trial, (b) reports recruitment results, and (c) discusses successful strategies to recruit pediatric populations via Facebook advertisements. Researchers used Facebook advertisements to recruit children with advanced cancer (aged 7 to 17 years) for a web-based legacy intervention. Between years 2015 and 2018, our research team enrolled 150 child-parent dyads (N= 300) to participate in the web-based legacy program. Results suggest that Facebook advertisements can be a successful tool to access and recruit pediatric populations with life-threatening conditions. Further research is needed to determine how innovative social-media recruitment strategies could be used in other populations of patients with serious illnesses and their caregivers to further advance the science in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunji Cho
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mary Jo Gilmer
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Debra L Friedman
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Pamela S Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice & Quality, Children's National Health System, George Washington University, Washington, DC.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Terrah Foster Akard
- School of Nursing, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.,School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Dreier LA, Kapanci T, Lonnemann K, Koch-Hogrebe M, Wiethoff-Ubrig L, Rauchenzauner M, Blankenburg M, Zernikow B, Wager J, Rostasy K. Assessment of Sleep-Related Problems in Children with Cerebral Palsy Using the SNAKE Sleep Questionnaire. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:772. [PMID: 34572204 PMCID: PMC8468412 DOI: 10.3390/children8090772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral palsy (CP) represents the most common motor impairment in childhood. The presence of sleep problems has not yet been investigated with an instrument specifically designed for this population. In this hospital-based, prospective study, N = 100 children (M = 7.9, range: 2-18 years) with CP were included. All patients underwent pediatric neurologists' screening incorporating instruments (Data Collection Form; Gross Motor Functions Classification System, GMFCS; Bimanual Fine Motor Function, BFMF) recommended by the "Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe (SCPE)". Parents completed the "Sleep Questionnaire for Children with Severe Psychomotor Impairment (SNAKE)". Children's sleep behavior was increasingly conspicuous, with greater gross motor (SNAKE scales: disturbances remaining asleep, daytime sleepiness) and fine motor (additionally SNAKE scale arousal and breathing problems) functional impairment. Overall, a proportion of children showed sleep behavior outside the SNAKE's normal range. No relevant sleep differences were identified between different CP subtypes and comorbidities. Applying a population-specific questionnaire, children's functional impairment seems to be more relevant to their sleep behavior than the CP subtype or CP comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Alice Dreier
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (L.A.D.); (M.B.); (B.Z.); (J.W.)
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Tugba Kapanci
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (T.K.); (K.L.); (M.K.-H.); (L.W.-U.)
| | - Katharina Lonnemann
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (T.K.); (K.L.); (M.K.-H.); (L.W.-U.)
| | - Margarete Koch-Hogrebe
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (T.K.); (K.L.); (M.K.-H.); (L.W.-U.)
| | - Lucia Wiethoff-Ubrig
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (T.K.); (K.L.); (M.K.-H.); (L.W.-U.)
| | - Markus Rauchenzauner
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Kaufbeuren, 87600 Kaufbeuren, Germany;
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Blankenburg
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (L.A.D.); (M.B.); (B.Z.); (J.W.)
- Paediatric Neurology, Psychosomatics and Pain Therapy, Center for Child, Youth and Women’s Health, Klinikum Stuttgart, Olgahospital/Frauenklinik, 70174 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Boris Zernikow
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (L.A.D.); (M.B.); (B.Z.); (J.W.)
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Julia Wager
- Department of Children’s Pain Therapy and Paediatric Palliative Care, Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (L.A.D.); (M.B.); (B.Z.); (J.W.)
- PedScience Research Institute, 45711 Datteln, Germany
| | - Kevin Rostasy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children’s and Adolescents’ Hospital Datteln, Witten/Herdecke University, 58448 Witten, Germany; (T.K.); (K.L.); (M.K.-H.); (L.W.-U.)
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7
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Sullivan JE, Gillam LH, Monagle PT. After an end-of-life decision: Parents' reflections on living with an end-of-life decision for their child. J Paediatr Child Health 2020; 56:1060-1065. [PMID: 32073205 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.14816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Parents' role as end-of-life decision-makers for their child has become largely accepted Western health-care practice. How parents subsequently view and live with the end-of-life decision (ELD) they made has not been extensively examined. To help extend understanding of this phenomenon and contribute to care, as a part of a study on end-of-life decision-making, bereaved parents were asked about the aftermath of their decision-making. METHODS A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents who had discussed ELDs for their child who had a life-limiting condition and had died. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Twenty-five bereaved parents participated. Results indicate that parents hold multi-faceted views about their decision-making experiences. An ELD was viewed as weighty in nature, with decisions judged against the circumstances that the child and parents found themselves in. Despite the weightiness, parents reflected positively on their decisions, regarding themselves as making the right decision. Consequently, parents' comments demonstrated being able to live with their decision. When expressed, regret related to needing an ELD, rather than the actual decision. The few parents who did not perceive themselves as their child's decision-maker subsequently articulated negative reactions. Enduring concerns held by some parents mostly related to non-decisional matters, such as the child's suffering or not knowing the cause of death. CONCLUSION Results suggest that parents can live well with the ELDs they made for their child. End-of-life decision-making knowledge is confirmed and extended, and clinical support for parents informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Sullivan
- The Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Health Equity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn H Gillam
- The Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Health Equity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul T Monagle
- Department of Clinical Haematology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Critical Care and Neurosciences Theme, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Butler AE, Vincent K, Bluebond-Langner M. Insights into the perception that research ethics committees are a barrier to research with seriously ill children: A study of committee minutes and correspondence with researchers studying seriously ill children. Palliat Med 2020; 34:413-423. [PMID: 31680629 PMCID: PMC7074588 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319885566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research ethics committees are commonly perceived as a 'barrier' to research involving seriously ill children. Researchers studying seriously ill children often feel that committees view their applications more harshly compared to applications for research with other populations. Whether or not this is the case in practice is unknown. AIM The aim of this study was to explore committees' concerns, expectations and decisions for research applications involving seriously ill children submitted for review in the United Kingdom. DESIGN Content analysis of committee meeting minutes, decision letters and researcher response letters. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Chief investigators for National Institute of Health Research portfolio studies involving seriously ill children were contacted for permission to review their study documents. RESULTS Of the 77 applications included in this study, 57 received requests for revisions at first review. Committee expectations and concerns commonly related to participant information sheets, methodology, consent, recruitment or formatting. Changes were made to 53 of these studies, all of which were subsequently approved. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that committees review applications for research involving seriously ill children with the same scrutiny as applications for research with other populations. Yet, the perception that committees act as a barrier to this type of research persists. We suggest that this perception remains due to other factors including, but not limited to, the high levels of formatting or administrative revisions requested by committees or additional study requirements needed for research involving children, such as multiple versions of consent forms or participant information sheets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh E Butler
- Institute of Child Health, The Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Katherine Vincent
- Institute of Child Health, The Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- Institute of Child Health, The Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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9
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Harris N, Blackburn M, Noyes J, Aldridge J, Lapwood S, Dunbar H, Price J, Mitchell S, Chambers L, Bluebond-Langner M. Undertaking doctoral research with children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. J Adv Nurs 2019; 75:3183-3185. [PMID: 31144341 DOI: 10.1111/jan.14082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jan Aldridge
- University of York & Leeds Teaching Hospitals, York, UK
| | | | | | - Jayne Price
- Kingston University and St George's University, London, UK
| | | | | | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, London, UK
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10
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Namisango E, Bristowe K, Allsop MJ, Murtagh FEM, Abas M, Higginson IJ, Downing J, Harding R. Symptoms and Concerns Among Children and Young People with Life-Limiting and Life-Threatening Conditions: A Systematic Review Highlighting Meaningful Health Outcomes. PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2018; 12:15-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s40271-018-0333-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Downing J, Boucher S, Ambler J, Brand T, Sithole Z, Nkosi B, Meiring M, Gwyther E, Sithole L, Steel B, Daniels A. Inspiration, innovation and integration: highlights from the third ICPCN conference on children's palliative care, 30 May to 2 June 2018, Durban, South Africa. Ecancermedicalscience 2018; 12:870. [PMID: 30263061 PMCID: PMC6145521 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2018.870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN) held its third international conference on children's palliative care in Durban, South Africa, from May 30 2018 to 2 June 2018. The conference-inspiration, innovation and integration-brought together 250 participants from 41 countries and was held in conjunction with local partners-Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, Palliative Treatment for Children South Africa (Patch SA) and the Hospice and Palliative Care Association of South Africa. It built on national and global developments in palliative care such as its inclusion in Universal health coverage (UHC), the Lancet Commission report on pain and palliative care and the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and aimed to raise the profile of children's palliative care in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and nationally. Seven pre-conference workshops were held prior to the conference on topics such as pain and symptom management, children's palliative care within a humanitarian crisis, perinatal palliative care, research, developing programmes, ethical issues and difficult conversations in children's palliative care. Delegates were welcomed in true Durban style at the welcome reception hosted by the City of Durban and uShaka Marine World. The opening plenary included entertainment from the Open Air School and Hillcrest Primary School, and inspirational talks from the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Health, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Chief Executive of ICPCN and the Noble Peace Prize Nominee Dr MR Rajagopal from Pallium India. Plenary sessions were interspersed throughout the conference with 56 oral concurrent presentations and workshops, six 'Meet the expert sessions' 100 poster presentations and the South African Premier of the film 'Hippocratic: 18 Experiments in gently shaking the world'. There was a great feeling of networking and learning throughout the conference, with the conference being well evaluated, and an increase in the level of presentations and research from previous conferences demonstrating the steps that are being taken in children's palliative care globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Downing
- International Children's Palliative Care Network (ICPCN), New Bond House, Bond Street, Bristol, BS2 9GA, UK.,Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sue Boucher
- International Children's Palliative Care Network, Cluster Box 3050, Assagay, 3624, South Africa
| | - Julia Ambler
- Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tracey Brand
- Umduduzi Hospice Care for Children, Durban, South Africa
| | - Zodwa Sithole
- Hospice and Palliative Care Association of South Africa, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Busi Nkosi
- International Children's Palliative Care Network, Cluster Box 3050, Assagay, 3624, South Africa
| | - Michelle Meiring
- Palliative Treatment for Children (Patch) South Africa, Cape Town, 7700 South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Gwyther
- Hospice and Palliative Care Association of South Africa, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Lorna Sithole
- International Children's Palliative Care Network, Cluster Box 3050, Assagay, 3624, South Africa
| | - Barbara Steel
- International Children's Palliative Care Network, Cluster Box 3050, Assagay, 3624, South Africa
| | - Alex Daniels
- International Children's Palliative Care Network, Cluster Box 3050, Assagay, 3624, South Africa
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12
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Downing J. Innovation, inspiration and integration: children's palliative care. Int J Palliat Nurs 2018; 24:315. [PMID: 30044703 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2018.24.7.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Downing
- Chief Executive, International Children's Palliative Care Network
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13
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Paediatric Palliative Care in Resource-Poor Countries. CHILDREN-BASEL 2018; 5:children5020027. [PMID: 29463065 PMCID: PMC5835996 DOI: 10.3390/children5020027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is a great need for paediatric palliative care (PPC) services globally, but access to services is lacking in many parts of the world, particularly in resource-poor settings. Globally it is estimated that 21.6 million children need access to palliative care, with 8.2 needing specialist services. PC has been identified as important within the global health agenda e.g., within universal health coverage, and a recent Lancet commission report recognised the need for PPC. However, a variety of challenges have been identified to PPC development globally such as: access to treatment, access to medications such as oral morphine, opiophobia, a lack of trained health and social care professionals, a lack of PPC policies and a lack of awareness about PPC. These challenges can be overcome utilising a variety of strategies including advocacy and public awareness, education, access to medications, implementation and research. Examples will be discussed impacting on the provision of PPC in resource-poor settings. High-quality PPC service provision can be provided with resource-poor settings, and there is an urgent need to scale up affordable, accessible, and quality PPC services globally to ensure that all children needing palliative care can access it.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Typically pediatric end-of-life decision-making studies have examined the decision-making process, factors, and doctors' and parents' roles. Less attention has focussed on what happens after an end-of-life decision is made; that is, decision enactment and its outcome. This study explored the views and experiences of bereaved parents in end-of-life decision-making for their child. Findings reported relate to parents' experiences of acting on their decision. It is argued that this is one significant stage of the decision-making process. METHODS A qualitative methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with bereaved parents, who had discussed end-of-life decisions for their child who had a life-limiting condition and who had died. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS Twenty-five bereaved parents participated. Findings indicate that, despite differences in context, including the child's condition and age, end-of-life decision-making did not end when an end-of-life decision was made. Enacting the decision was the next stage in a process. Time intervals between stages and enactment pathways varied, but the enactment was always distinguishable as a separate stage. Decision enactment involved making further decisions - parents needed to discern the appropriate time to implement their decision to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining medical treatment. Unexpected events, including other people's actions, impacted on parents enacting their decision in the way they had planned. Several parents had to re-implement decisions when their child recovered from serious health issues without medical intervention. Significance of results A novel, critical finding was that parents experienced end-of-life decision-making as a sequence of interconnected stages, the final stage being enactment. The enactment stage involved further decision-making. End-of-life decision-making is better understood as a process rather than a discrete once-off event. The enactment stage has particular emotional and practical implications for parents. Greater understanding of this stage can improve clinician's support for parents as they care for their child.
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