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Adams SY, Redford K, Li R, Malfa A, Tucker R, Lechner BE. Utility of do-not-resuscitate orders for critically ill infants in the NICU. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03367-1. [PMID: 38969816 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03367-1] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better understand the value of DNR orders for critically ill infants in the NICU. METHODS A prospective mixed-methods approach was utilized including chart review of infants who died in a regional NICU over a twenty-six-month period and surveys of their neonatologists, neonatal fellows, and nurses. RESULTS 40 infants died during the study period and 120 staff surveys were completed. Infants with DNR orders were of a higher gestational age at birth and a higher chronological age at death. Nurses were more likely to perceive benefit from DNR orders than physicians. Medical staff recollection of the existence of DNR orders was not always accurate. Time and fear of adding unnecessary emotional burden to parents were identified as barriers to DNR order implementation. An advanced care planning model built on open communication instead of DNR order documentation was deemed the best approach. CONCLUSION Though DNR orders are beneficial for a subset of infants, DNR orders are likely not applicable for all infants who die in the NICU. More important is supportive, individualized communication between families and the medical team to ensure quality end-of-life care. IMPACT In the adult and pediatric ICU literature, DNR orders are associated with improved qualitative "good death" assessments and decreased familial decision regret. In the NICU, rates of DNR usage aren't well reported and their overall utility is unclear. Though DNR orders can help guide clinical decision making in the NICU and may be associated with higher quality ethical discussion, our data suggest that they are not applicable in all patient cases. We hope that this work will help guide approaches to end-of-life care in the NICU and underscore the importance of frequent, open communication between families and their medical team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Y Adams
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Katherine Redford
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Randall Li
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ana Malfa
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Richard Tucker
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Beatrice E Lechner
- Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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2
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Ebelhar JS, Brock KE. Communicating difficult news in pediatric radiology. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:663-670. [PMID: 38326566 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05861-4] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Effective communication is an important aspect of providing quality healthcare. Radiology staff may be called upon to communicate results, even when it is difficult. Simple, efficient communication models can be learned to reduce clinician distress and support patients and families through stressful times. These practical tips ensure essential communication elements are met, including assessing patient and family perspectives, clearly delivering medical information, responding with empathy, and collaborating around next steps. Models such as "Ask-Tell-Ask," "SPIKES," and "NURSE" can be used to disclose results, communicate serious news, and respond to emotion. Lastly, clinicians can also utilize "I wish… I worry… I wonder" statements to align with a patient's hopes and acknowledge a family's concerns, ultimately allowing healthcare professionals to support and guide families through challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Ebelhar
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Michiels EM, Joren CY, Kars MC, Aris JL, Verhagen AAE. Shared decision-making in pediatric palliative care in the Netherlands. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101549. [PMID: 38172033 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101549] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Shared decision-making (SDM) is a process in which health care professionals (HCPs) involve parents and children - when appropriate- to decide together on future treatment. These decisions are based on values that are important for the family, goals of care and preferences for future care and treatment. Elucidation of these values and preferences is preferably done early in the disease trajectory via so-called Advance Care Planning (ACP) conversations. In the Netherlands, ACP and SDM are being adopted by most health care professionals. This has happened only recently. Ten years ago, ACP and SDM were unknown concepts for the vast majority of Dutch HCPs. Today, interest in these conversational approaches is booming in both daily practice and in research. This rise has been reinforced by two recent major advancements in Dutch pediatric palliative care: the Individual Care Plan (ICP) and the Dutch Evidence-Based Guideline on Pediatric Palliative Care (DGPPC). Despite this positive evolution, a lot of work is still ahead. ACP and SDM demand a change in mindset from the traditional paternalistic approach by which the HCP 'knows what is best for this child' to a more humble and open approach in which (non-medical) factors that are important to the child and family and may influence the final treatment decision. Such changes in mindset don't happen overnight. In this article we describe the situation of pediatric palliative care in the Netherlands, with focus on the recent evolution of ACP and SDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Michiels
- Princess Máxima Centre for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, CS, Utrecht 3584, the Netherlands.
| | - C Y Joren
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Center of Expertise in Palliative Care Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J l Aris
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - A A E Verhagen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Beatrix Children's Hospital, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Vemuri S, Hynson J, Williams K, O'Neill J, Gillam L. Shepherding parents to prepare for end-of-life decision-making: a critical phenomenological study of the communication approach of paediatricians caring for children with life-limiting conditions in Australia. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075740. [PMID: 38159953 PMCID: PMC10759114 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075740] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Shared decision-making is widely accepted as the best approach for end-of-life decision-making for children with life-limiting conditions. Both paediatricians and parents find benefit in preparing for such decisions. However, little detail is known about this preparatory process. This study aims to explore how paediatricians prepare parents for end-of-life decision-making for a child with a life-limiting condition using clinical simulation. DESIGN Individual, semistructured, post-simulation qualitative interviews of paediatricians and parent-actors. SETTING Acute intensive and long-term outpatient paediatric care in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 18 purposively sampled paediatricians who treat children with life-limiting conditions and the two parent-actors involved in all simulations. Paediatricians were excluded if they assisted in the study design, worked within specialist palliative care teams or did not provide clinical care outside the neonatal period. RESULTS Three key themes in a preparatory process (termed 'shepherding') were identified: (1) paediatricians aim to lead parents along a pathway to future end-of-life decisions, (2) paediatricians prefer to control the pace of these discussions and (3) paediatricians recognise they need to have courage to face risk with this preparation. Paediatricians use a variety of shepherding strategies to influence the pace, content and framing of discussions, which may help prepare parents to make the best end-of-life treatment decisions when the time comes. CONCLUSIONS Shepherding is a newly identified, subtle process intended to influence parents by guiding their understanding of their child's health and potential suffering in advance of decision-making. Shepherding does not fit within current descriptions of physicians' decision-making influence. Paced reflection, thinking and provision of information are shepherding strategies preferred by paediatricians, and these appear the same regardless of whether paediatricians intend to steer parents towards particular treatment decisions or simply prepare them for the process of decision-making. Further study about the intention of this influence and parental perception of this communication is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Vemuri
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny Hynson
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny O'Neill
- Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Neefjes V. Parental Ethical Decision Making and Implications for Advance Care Planning: A Systematic Review and Secondary Analysis of Qualitative Literature from England and Wales, Germany, and the Netherlands. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1728-1743. [PMID: 37262127 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Clinicians and parents are expected to make medical treatment decisions in the child's best interests. To reach their decisions, clinicians typically apply a principled approach outlined by Beauchamp and Childress. How parents make ethical decisions is an under-researched area. A possible model for parental decision making is the Ethics of Care (EoC) theory. Ethical decision making within this framework aims to preserve the caring relationship. What is right or wrong depends on the circumstances at the time. Objective: To identify the parental ethical values and determine whether parental decision making is consistent with EoC, a systematic review and secondary analysis of qualitative research from England and Wales, the Netherlands, and Germany was performed. As part of a larger project investigating conflicts between parents and clinicians about children's medical treatment, the choice of countries was determined by differences in litigation. Methods: Eight databases were searched for articles published between 2010 and 2020 reporting on at least one medical treatment decision made by parents of a child with any life-limiting condition and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Twelve included articles directly addressing advance care planning (ACP) were reanalyzed to investigate whether this specific decision parents are increasingly being asked to make is also consistent with EoC. Results: Forty-three articles were included. Parents use the same 6 ethical values which, consistent with EoC, are mostly in the context of their relationship with the child. All values contributed to the previously identified theme of "being a good parent/person." Analysis of parental decision making in ACP confirmed consistency with EoC. Conclusion: The parental decision-making process is consistent with EoC. That parental decisions aim to maintain the caring relationship and are dependent on the circumstances at the time has implications for parental decision making in ACP and should be reflected in future policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Neefjes
- Center for Social Ethics and Policy, Department of Law, School of Social Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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8
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Tatterton MJ, Fisher MJ. 'You have a little human being kicking inside you and an unbearable pain of knowing there will be a void at the end': A meta-ethnography exploring the experience of parents whose baby is diagnosed antenatally with a life limiting or life-threatening condition. Palliat Med 2023; 37:1289-1302. [PMID: 37129319 PMCID: PMC10548777 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231172244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of babies diagnosed with life limiting conditions in the perinatal period face numerous challenges. Considerations include the remainder of the pregnancy, delivery of the baby and decisions around care in the neonatal period. AIM To increase understanding of how parents experience the diagnosis of a life-limiting or life-threatening condition, during pregnancy and following the birth of their baby, by answering the question: 'what is known about the perinatal experiences of parents of babies with a life-limiting or life-threatening diagnosis?' DESIGN A meta-ethnography was conducted to synthesise findings from existing qualitative evidence. DATA SOURCES British Nursing Database, CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO and Embase databases were searched in January 2023. FINDINGS Relationships between parents and their families and friends, and with professionals influence the needs and experiences of parents, which oscillate between positive and negative experiences, throughout parents' perinatal palliative care journey. Parents highlighted the need for control and a sense of normality relating to their parenting experience. Validation was central to the experience of parents at all stages of parenthood. Relationships between the parent and the baby were unwavering, underpinned with unconditional love. CONCLUSION Professionals, family members and friendship groups influence the experience, validating parents and their baby's identity and supporting parents in having a sense of control and normality by demonstrating empathy, and providing time and clear communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Tatterton
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
- Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, North Anston, Sheffield, UK
- International Children’s Palliative Care Network, c/o Together for Short Lives, Bristol, UK
| | - Megan J Fisher
- School of Nursing and Healthcare Leadership, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
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Zhong Y, Cavolo A, Labarque V, Gastmans C. Physicians' attitudes and experiences about withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in pediatrics: a systematic review of quantitative evidence. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:145. [PMID: 37773128 PMCID: PMC10540364 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01260-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most important and ethically challenging decisions made for children with life-limiting conditions is withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments (LST). As important (co-)decision-makers in this process, physicians are expected to have deeply and broadly developed views. However, their attitudes and experiences in this area remain difficult to understand because of the diversity of the studies. Hence, the aim of this paper is to describe physicians' attitudes and experiences about withholding/withdrawing LST in pediatrics and to identify the influencing factors. METHODS We systematically searched Pubmed, Cinahl®, Embase®, Scopus®, and Web of Science™ in early 2021 and updated the search results in late 2021. Eligible articles were published in English, reported on investigations of physicians' attitudes and experiences about withholding/withdrawing LST for children, and were quantitative. RESULTS In 23 included articles, overall, physicians stated that withholding/withdrawing LST can be ethically legitimate for children with life-limiting conditions. Physicians tended to follow parents' and parents-patient's wishes about withholding/withdrawing or continuing LST when they specified treatment preferences. Although most physicians agreed to share decision-making with parents and/or children, they nonetheless reported experiencing both negative and positive feelings during the decision-making process. Moderating factors were identified, including barriers to and facilitators of withholding/withdrawing LST. In general, there was only a limited number of quantitative studies to support the hypothesis that some factors can influence physicians' attitudes and experiences toward LST. CONCLUSION Overall, physicians agreed to withhold/withdraw LST in dying patients, followed parent-patients' wishes, and involved them in decision-making. Barriers and facilitators relevant to the decision-making regarding withholding/withdrawing LST were identified. Future studies should explore children's involvement in decision-making and consider barriers that hinder implementation of decisions about withholding/withdrawing LST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Zhong
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Block D, box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium.
| | - Alice Cavolo
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Block D, box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Veerle Labarque
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven/UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Block D, box 7001, Leuven, 3000, Belgium
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Tanious MK, Barnett N, Bisbee C, McCoy NC, Wolf BJ, Arenth J. Relationship Between Palliative Care Consults and Outcomes of Pediatric Surgical Patients During Terminal Admissions. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:1074-1080. [PMID: 36827088 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pediatric patients often undergo surgery during terminal admissions. However, the involvement and timing of palliative care consults in caring for these patients has not been readily described. Objective: To describe the presence and timing of palliative care consults for pediatric patients who undergo surgical procedures during terminal admissions. Design: Retrospective cohort study using data from the electronic health record. Setting and Participants: Pediatric patients who underwent at least one surgical procedure during a terminal admission at an urban, quaternary hospital in the United States from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures: Patients' medical, surgical, and admission-level characteristics were abstracted. Associations were evaluated between these characteristics and the occurrence and timing of a palliative care consult relative to surgery and death. Results: Of 134 patients, 84% received a palliative care consult during their terminal admission. Approximately 36% of consults occurred before surgery, and 12% were within one day of death. Children without a palliative care consult were more likely than children with a consult to die during surgery (19.1% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.02), have surgery within 24 hours of death (52.4% vs. 15.9%, p < 0.001), and undergo a full resuscitation attempt (47.6% vs. 12.4%, p = 0.002). Receipt of a palliative care consultation did not differ by patient sex, reported race and ethnicity, language, insurance, or income level. Conclusions and Relevance: Palliative care consults support high-quality end-of-life care for children and impact perioperative outcomes, including intensity of surgical care and resuscitation in the final hours of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah K Tanious
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Natalie Barnett
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Cora Bisbee
- Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nicole C McCoy
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Bethany J Wolf
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Joshua Arenth
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Cambonie G, Desage C, Thaller P, Lemaitre A, de Balanda KB, Combes C, Gavotto A. Context of a neonatal death affects parental perception of end-of-life care, anxiety and depression in the first year of bereavement. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:58. [PMID: 37173678 PMCID: PMC10182590 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal death is often preceded by end-of-life medical decisions. This study aimed to determine whether the context of death - after a decision of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WWLST) or despite maximum care - was associated with subsequent risk of parental anxiety or depression. The secondary objective was to assess parents' perceptions of end-of-life care according to death context. METHODS Prospective single center observational study of all neonatal deaths in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 5-year period. Data were collected during hospitalization and from face-to-face interviews with parents 3 months after the infant's death. Anxiety and depression were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires, completed by parents 5 and 15 months after death. RESULTS Of 179 deaths, 115 (64%) occurred after the WWLST decision and 64 (36%) despite maximum care. Parental satisfaction with newborn care and received support by professionals and relatives was higher in the first condition. Sixty-one percent of parents (109/179) attended the 3-month interview, with the distribution between groups very close to that of hospitalization. The completion rates of the HADS questionnaires by the parents who attended the 3-month interview were 75% (82/109) at 5 months and 65% (71/109) at 15 months. HADS scores at 5 months were consistent with anxiety in at least one parent in 73% (60/82) of cases and with depression in 50% (41/82). At 15 months, these rates were, respectively, 63% (45/71) and 28% (20/71). Risk of depression at 5 months was lower after a WWLST decision (OR 0.35 [0.14, 0.88], p = 0.02). Explicit parental agreement with the WWLST decision had an equivocal impact on the risk of anxiety at 5 months, being higher when expressed during hospitalization, but not at the 3-month interview. CONCLUSIONS Context of death has a significant impact on the emotional experience of parents after neonatal loss, which underlines the importance of systematic follow-up conversations with bereaved parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Cambonie
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France.
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic Infection, UMR 1058, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Chloé Desage
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Pénélope Thaller
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Lemaitre
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Bertran de Balanda
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Clémentine Combes
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
| | - Arthur Gavotto
- Department of Neonatal Medicine and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Arnaud de Villeneuve Hospital, Montpellier University Hospital Centre, University of Montpellier, 371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
- PhyMedExp, CNRS, INSERM, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Limacher R, Fauchère JC, Gubler D, Hendriks MJ. Uncertainty and probability in neonatal end-of-life decision-making: analysing real-time conversations between healthcare professionals and families of critically ill newborns. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:53. [PMID: 37138282 PMCID: PMC10155355 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01170-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A significant number of critically ill neonates face potentially adverse prognoses and outcomes, with some of them fulfilling the criteria for perinatal palliative care. When counselling parents about the critical health condition of their child, neonatal healthcare professionals require extensive skills and competencies in palliative care and communication. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the communication patterns and contents between neonatal healthcare professionals and parents of neonates with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions regarding options such as life-sustaining treatment and palliative care in the decision-making process. METHODS A qualitative approach to analysing audio-recorded conversations between neonatal team and parents. Eight critically ill neonates and a total of 16 conversations from two Swiss level III neonatal intensive care units were included. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: the weight of uncertainty in diagnosis and prognosis, the decision-making process, and palliative care. Uncertainty was observed to impede the discussion about all options of care, including palliative care. Regarding decision-making, neonatologists oftentimes conveyed to parents that this was a shared endeavour. However, parental preferences were not ascertained in the conversations analysed. In most cases, healthcare professionals were leading the discussion and parents expressed their opinion reactively to the information or options received. Only few couples proactively participated in decision-making. The continuation of therapy was often the preferred course of action of the healthcare team and the option of palliative care was not mentioned. However, once the option for palliative care was raised, the parents' wishes and needs regarding the end-of-life care of their child were obtained, respected, and implemented by the team. CONCLUSION Although shared decision-making was a familiar concept in Swiss neonatal intensive care units, parental involvement in the decision-making process illustrated a somewhat different and complex picture. Strict adherence to the concept of certainty might impede the process of decision-making, thereby not discussing palliation and missing opportunities to include parental values and preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regula Limacher
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Claude Fauchère
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Deborah Gubler
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Paediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Manya Jerina Hendriks
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kochen EM, Grootenhuis MA, Teunissen SCCM, Boelen PA, Tataranno ML, Fahner JC, de Jonge RR, Houben ML, Kars MC, van Berkestijn F, Falkenburg J, Frohn-Mulder I, Knoester H, Molderink A, van de Loo M, Michiels E. A grounded theory study on the dynamics of parental grief during the children's end of life. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:1101-1108. [PMID: 36806310 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16716] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
AIM Parents are increasingly confronted with loss during their child's end of life. Healthcare professionals struggle with parental responses to loss. This study aimed to understand parental coping with grief during their child's end of life. METHODS A grounded theory study was performed, using semi-structured interviews with parents during the child's end of life and recently bereaved parents. Data were collected in four children's university hospitals and paediatric homecare services between October 2020 and December 2021. A multidisciplinary team conducted the analysis. RESULTS In total, 38 parents of 22 children participated. Parents strived to sustain family life, to be a good parent and to ensure a full life for their child. Meanwhile parents' grief increased because of their hypervigilance towards signs of loss. Parents' coping with grief is characterised by an interplay of downregulating grief and connecting with grief, aimed at creating emotional space to be present and connect with their child. Parents connected with grief when it was forced upon them or when they momentarily allowed themselves to. CONCLUSION The parents' ability to engage with grief becomes strained during the end of life. Healthcare professionals should support parents in their search for a balance that facilitates creating emotional space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M Kochen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martha A Grootenhuis
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia C C M Teunissen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of clinical psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria-Luisa Tataranno
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurrianne C Fahner
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roos R de Jonge
- Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel L Houben
- Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Arenth J, Turnbull J, Pichert J, Webb L, Pituch K. Teaching the Skill of Shared Decision Making Utilizing a Novel Online Module: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Study. Hosp Pediatr 2023; 13:17-23. [PMID: 36510747 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this pilot study, we developed and tested an online educational module for the purpose of teaching optimal shared decision making (SDM) behaviors for physicians in training. We hypothesized that those who received this intervention would show significant improvement in SDM behaviors afterward as compared with those who had not received the intervention. METHODS Pediatric subspecialty fellows (pediatric critical care medicine, neonatology, hematology and oncology, and pulmonology) at the Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt were eligible to participate, if approved by their respective program directors. Design was a randomized crossover trial of an online educational module to promote behaviors essential to SDM. Participants were randomized by subspecialty. Experts in clinical communication blinded to participants' study arms evaluated SDM behaviors in video-taped clinical simulations with standardized parent dyads. The study protocol was approved by the Vanderbilt University Institutional Review Board. RESULTS Participants receiving the intervention were approximately 40 times more likely to improve their subsequent total score when compared with simply repeating the simulation alone (95% confidence interval, 1.72-919.29; P = .022). CONCLUSIONS This pilot study demonstrates that an online, interactive module can be an effective way of teaching the skill of SDM to pediatric subspecialty trainees. Tools like this one could help overcome the limitations inherent in currently published SDM resources and meet the need for interventions with demonstrated effectiveness, helping to increase the utilization of SDM skills by providing primary or supplemental education at institutions across the resource spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Arenth
- Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jessica Turnbull
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennesee
| | - James Pichert
- Vanderbilt Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Lynn Webb
- Vanderbilt Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ken Pituch
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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McSherry ML, Rissman L, Mitchell R, Ali-Thompson S, Madrigal VN, Lobner K, Kudchadkar SR. Prognostic and Goals-of-Care Communication in the PICU: A Systematic Review. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:e28-e43. [PMID: 36066595 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003062] [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: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Admission to the PICU may result in substantial short- and long-term morbidity for survivors and their families. Engaging caregivers in discussion of prognosis is challenging for PICU clinicians. We sought to summarize the literature on prognostic, goals-of-care conversations (PGOCCs) in the PICU in order to establish current evidence-based practice, highlight knowledge gaps, and identify future directions. DATA SOURCES PubMed (MEDLINE and PubMed Central), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus. STUDY SELECTION We reviewed published articles (2001-2022) that examined six themes within PGOCC contextualized to the PICU: 1) caregiver perspectives, 2) clinician perspectives, 3) documentation patterns, 4) communication skills training for clinicians, 5) family conferences, and 6) prospective interventions to improve caregiver-clinician communication. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 1,420 publications screened, 65 met criteria for inclusion with several key themes identified. Parent and clinician perspectives highlighted the need for clear, timely, and empathetic prognostic communication. Communication skills training programs are evaluated by a participant's self-perceived improvement. Caregiver and clinician views on quality of family meetings may be discordant. Documentation of PGOCCs is inconsistent and most likely to occur shortly before death. Only two prospective interventions to improve caregiver-clinician communication in the PICU have been reported. The currently available studies reflect an overrepresentation of bereaved White, English-speaking caregivers of children with known chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS Future research should identify evidence-based communication practices that enhance caregiver-clinician PGOCC in the PICU and address: 1) caregiver and clinician perspectives of underserved and limited English proficiency populations, 2) inclusion of caregivers who are not physically present at the bedside, 3) standardized communication training programs with broader multidisciplinary staff inclusion, 4) improved design of patient and caregiver educational materials, 5) the development of pediatric decision aids, and 6) inclusion of long-term post-PICU outcomes as a measure for PGOCC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L McSherry
- Department of Pediatrics, Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lauren Rissman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Riley Mitchell
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sherlissa Ali-Thompson
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vanessa N Madrigal
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Pediatric Ethics Program, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Katie Lobner
- Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Sapna R Kudchadkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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HarnEnz Z, Vermilion P, Foster-Barber A, Treat L. Pediatric neuropalliative care. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 191:157-184. [PMID: 36599507 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-824535-4.00015-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric palliative care seeks to support quality of life for children and families affected by serious illness. Children with neurological disease are among the most frequent recipients of pediatric palliative care. Several important elements distinguish pediatric palliative care from adult practice, including a longer illness duration, longitudinal relationships over the span of years, diseases characterized by chronic fragility rather than progressive pathology, and the reliance on parents as proxy decision makers. This chapter will provide an overview of pediatric neuropalliative care, with emphasis on the types of disease trajectories, symptom management, and communication principles for supporting shared decision making with families. The role of neurology expertise is highlighted throughout, with special attention toward incorporating palliative care into pediatric neurology practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe HarnEnz
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Paul Vermilion
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Audrey Foster-Barber
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lauren Treat
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States.
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"We Absolutely Had the Impression That It Was Our Decision"-A Qualitative Study with Parents of Critically Ill Infants Who Participated in End-of-Life Decision Making. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010046. [PMID: 36670597 PMCID: PMC9856896 DOI: 10.3390/children10010046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend shared decision making (SDM) between neonatologists and parents when a decision has to be made about the continuation of life-sustaining treatment (LST). In a previous study, we found that neonatologists and parents at a German Level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit performed SDM to a variable but overall small extent. However, we do not know whether parents in Germany prefer an extent of more or sharing. METHODS We performed a qualitative interview study with parents who participated in our first study. We analyzed the semi-structured interviews with qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz. RESULTS The participation in medical decision making (MDM) varied across cases. Overall, neonatologists and parents conducted SDM in most cases only to a small extent. All parents appreciated their experience independent of how much they were involved in MDM. The parents who experienced a small extent of sharing were glad that they were protected by neonatologists from having to decide, shielding them from a conflict of interest. The parents who experienced a large extent of sharing especially valued that they were able to fulfil their parental duties even if that meant partaking in a decision to forgo LST. DISCUSSION Other studies have also found a variety of possibilities for parents to partake in end-of-life decision making (EOL-DM). Our results suggest that parents do not have a uniform preference for one specific decision-making approach, but rather different parents appreciate their individual experience regardless of the model for DM. CONCLUSION SDM is apparently not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, neonatologists and parents have to adapt the decision-making process to the parents' individual needs and preferences for autonomy and protection. Therefore, SDM should not be prescribed as a uniform standard in medico-ethical guidelines, but rather as a flexible guidance for DM for critically ill patients in neonatology.
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18
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Kruithof K, Willems D, Nieuwenhuijse A, Olsman E. Care and support for persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities without parents: A qualitative exploration. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 130:104334. [PMID: 36115069 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) increasingly outlive their parents. While this is expected to negatively affect them, little is known about the actual situation of persons with PIMD without parents. AIM To explore how parental roles are taken over by others, when persons with PIMD have outlived their parents, and how this affects the care and support for- and quality of life (QoL) of persons with PIMD. METHODS We interviewed seven siblings, and six professionals (N = 13) involved in the care and support for persons with PIMD without parents, and analysed the data thematically. RESULTS Siblings described a lack in family communication about the transition, yet felt responsible to fill the gap their parents left behind. Professional legal guardians felt professional responsibility towards their clients, yet described they had a limited assignment to fulfil. Professional caregivers underscored the importance of family in the care and support for persons with PIMD, while describing sometimes taking on extra responsibility for clients without parents. CONCLUSIONS Support aimed at facilitating a timely transfer of responsibilities, and at clarifying the content of these responsibilities, could better prepare both siblings and professionals to mitigate the impact of the loss of parents for persons with PIMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Kruithof
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Dick Willems
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Appolonia Nieuwenhuijse
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Olsman
- Department of Mediating Good Life, Section of Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Studies, Protestant Theological University, Groningen, the Netherlands
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19
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Leite MM, Bello FPS, Sakano TMS, Schvartsman C, da Costa Reis AGA. Analysis of death in children not submitted to cardiopulmonary resuscitation. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2022; 98:477-483. [PMID: 35139342 PMCID: PMC9510803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jped.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe the epidemiology of deaths in children not submitted to CPR, compare to a CPR group and evaluate patients' medical records of those not submitted to CPR. METHODS Observational cross-sectional study assessing deaths between 2015 and 2018 in a pediatric tertiary hospital, divided into two groups: CPR and no- CPR. The source of data included the cardiorespiratory arrest register, based on Utstein style. Children's medical records in no-CPR group were researched by hand. RESULTS 241 deaths were included, 162 in CPR group and 79 in the no-CPR group. Preexisting diseases were observed in 98.3% of patients and prior advanced intervention in 78%. Of the 241 deaths, 212 (88%) occurred in the PICU, being 138/162 (85.2%) in CPR group and 74/79 (93.7%) in no-CPR group (p = 0.018). Bradycardia as the initial rhythm was five times more frequent in the CPR group (OR 5.06, 95% CI 1.94-13,19). There was no statistically significant difference regarding age, gender, preexisting diseases, and period of the day of the occurrence of death. Medical records revealed factors related to the family decision-making process or the suitability of therapeutic effort. Discrepancies between the practice of CPR and medical records were identified in 9/79 (11,4%) records allocated to the no-CPR group. CONCLUSION Most deaths with CPR and with the no-CPR occurred in the PICU. Bradycardia as the initial rhythm was five times more frequent in the CPR group. Medical records reflected the complexity of the decision not to perform CPR. Discrepancies were identified between practice and medical records in the no-CPR group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Marques Leite
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Pronto-Socorro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Paixão Silveira Bello
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Pronto-Socorro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tânia Miyuki Shimoda Sakano
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Pronto-Socorro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudio Schvartsman
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Pronto-Socorro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Amélia Gorete Afonso da Costa Reis
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Departamento de Pediatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Instituto da Criança, Pronto-Socorro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abdin S, Heath G, Neilson S, Byron‐Daniel J, Hooper N. Decision-making experiences of health professionals in withdrawing treatment for children and young people: A qualitative study. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:531-543. [PMID: 34994015 PMCID: PMC9306775 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore factors that influence professionals in deciding whether to withdraw treatment from a child and how decision making is managed amongst professionals as an individual and as a team. STUDY DESIGN Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of health professionals working at a UK Children's Hospital, with children with life-limiting illnesses whose treatment has been withdrawn. Data were transcribed verbatim, anonymized and analysed using a thematic framework method. RESULTS A total of 15 participants were interviewed. Five interrelated themes with associated subthemes were generated to help understand the experiences of health professionals in decision making on withdrawing a child's treatment: (1) understanding the child's best interests, (2) multidisciplinary approach, (3) external factors, (4) psychological well-being and (5) recommendations to support shared decision making. CONCLUSION A shared decision-making approach should be adopted to support professionals, children and their families to make decisions collectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanara Abdin
- Faculty of Health and Applied SciencesUniversity of the West of EnglandBristolUK
- Public Health and WellbeingCity of Wolverhampton CouncilWolverhamptonUK
| | - Gemma Heath
- School of PsychologyAston UniversityBirminghamUK
| | - Susan Neilson
- School of NursingUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - James Byron‐Daniel
- Faculty of Health and Applied SciencesUniversity of the West of EnglandBristolUK
| | - Nic Hooper
- School of PsychologyCardiff UniversityCardiffUK
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21
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How doctors manage conflicts with families of critically ill patients during conversations about end-of-life decisions in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care. Intensive Care Med 2022; 48:910-922. [PMID: 35773499 PMCID: PMC9273549 DOI: 10.1007/s00134-022-06771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Intensive care is a stressful environment in which team-family conflicts commonly occur. If managed poorly, conflicts can have negative effects on all parties involved. Previous studies mainly investigated these conflicts and their management in a retrospective way. This study aimed to prospectively explore team-family conflicts, including its main topics, complicating factors, doctors' conflict management strategies and the effect of these strategies. METHODS Conversations between doctors in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care unit of a large university-based hospital and families of critically ill patients were audio-recorded from the moment doubts arose whether treatment was still in patients' best interest. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a qualitative deductive approach. RESULTS Team-family conflicts occurred in 29 out of 101 conversations (29%) concerning 20 out of 36 patients (56%). Conflicts mostly concerned more than one topic. We identified four complicating context- and/or family-related factors: diagnostic and prognostic uncertainty, families' strong negative emotions, limited health literacy, and burden of responsibility. Doctors used four overarching strategies to manage conflicts, namely content-oriented, process-oriented, moral and empathic strategies. Doctors mostly used content-oriented strategies, independent of the intensive care setting. They were able to effectively address conflicts in most conversations. Yet, if they did not acknowledge families' cues indicating the existence of one or more complicating factors, conflicts were likely to linger on during the conversation. CONCLUSION This study underlines the importance of doctors tailoring their communication strategies to the concrete conflict topic(s) and to the context- and family-related factors which complicate a specific conflict.
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22
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Zhong Y, Cavolo A, Labarque V, Gastmans C. Physician decision-making process about withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. BMC Palliat Care 2022; 21:113. [PMID: 35751075 PMCID: PMC9229823 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-01003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With paediatric patients, deciding whether to withhold/withdraw life-sustaining treatments (LST) at the end of life is difficult and ethically sensitive. Little is understood about how and why physicians decide on withholding/withdrawing LST at the end of life in paediatric patients. In this study, we aimed to synthesise results from the literature on physicians’ perceptions about decision-making when dealing with withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments in paediatric patients. Methods We conducted a systematic review of empirical qualitative studies. Five electronic databases (Pubmed, Cinahl®, Embase®, Scopus®, Web of Science™) were exhaustively searched in order to identify articles published in English from inception through March 17, 2021. Analysis and synthesis were guided by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. Results Thirty publications met our criteria and were included for analysis. Overall, we found that physicians agreed to involve parents, and to a lesser extent, children in the decision-making process about withholding/withdrawing LST. Our analysis to identify conceptual schemes revealed that physicians divided their decision-making into three stages: (1) early preparation via advance care planning, (2) information giving and receiving, and (3) arriving at the final decision. Physicians considered advocating for the best interests of the child and of the parents as their major focus. We also identified moderating factors of decision-making, such as facilitators and barriers, specifically those related to physicians and parents that influenced physicians’ decision-making. Conclusions By focusing on stakeholders, structure of the decision-making process, ethical values, and influencing factors, our analysis showed that physicians generally agreed to share the decision-making with parents and the child, especially for adolescents. Further research is required to better understand how to minimise the negative impact of barriers on the decision-making process (e.g., difficult involvement of children, lack of paediatric palliative care expertise, conflict with parents). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-01003-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Zhong
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, block D, box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Alice Cavolo
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, block D, box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Labarque
- Centre for Molecular and Vascular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven/UZ Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, block D, box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Vemuri S, Hynson J, Williams K, Gillam L. Decision-making approaches for children with life-limiting conditions: results from a qualitative phenomenological study. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:52. [PMID: 35578235 PMCID: PMC9112587 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For children with life-limiting conditions who are unable to participate in decision-making, decisions are made for them by their parents and paediatricians. Shared decision-making is widely recommended in paediatric clinical care, with parents preferring a collaborative approach in the care of their child. Despite the increasing emphasis to adopt this approach, little is known about the roles and responsibilities taken by parents and paediatricians in this process. In this study, we describe how paediatricians approach decision-making for a child with a life-limiting condition who is unable to participate in decision-making for his/herself. Methods This qualitative phenomenological study involved 25 purposively sampled paediatricians. Verbatim transcripts from individual semi-structured interviews, conducted between mid-2019 and mid-2020, underwent thematic analysis. Interviews were based around a case vignette matched to the clinical experience of each paediatrician. Results Two key themes were identified in the exploration of paediatricians' approach to decision-making for children with life-limiting conditions: (1) there is a spectrum of paediatricians’ roles and responsibilities in decision-making, and (2) the specific influences on paediatricians’ choice of approach for end-of-life decisions. In relation to (1), analysis showed four distinct approaches: (i) non-directed, (ii) joint, (iii) interpretative, and (iv) directed. In relation to (2), the common factors were: (i) harm to the child, (ii) possible psychological harm to parents, (iii) parental preferences in decision-making, and (iv) resource allocation. Conclusions Despite self-reporting shared decision-making practices, what paediatricians often described were physician-led decision-making approaches. Adopting these approaches was predominantly justified by paediatricians’ considerations of harm to the child and parents. Further research is needed to elucidate the issues identified in this study, particularly the communication within and parental responses to physician-led approaches. We also need to further study how parental needs are identified in family-led decision-making approaches. These nuances and complexities are needed for future practice guidance and training around paediatric decision-making. Trial registration: Not applicable. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12910-022-00788-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Vemuri
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Jenny Hynson
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hopsital Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Vemuri S, Hynson J, Williams K, Gillam L. Conceptualising paediatric advance care planning: a qualitative phenomenological study of paediatricians caring for children with life-limiting conditions in Australia. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060077. [PMID: 35577468 PMCID: PMC9115011 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Advance care planning (ACP) helps families and paediatricians prepare and plan for end-of-life decision-making. However, there remains inconsistency in its practice with the limited literature describing what this preparation involves, and whether paediatricians recognise a difference between the process of ACP and its outcomes, such as resuscitation plans. This study aims to understand how paediatricians conceptualise ACP when caring for children with life-limiting conditions (LLC) who are unable to participate in decision-making for his/herself. DESIGN Individual, semistructured, vignette-based qualitative interviews. SETTING Acute inpatient and long-term outpatient paediatric care in three secondary and two tertiary centres in Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 25 purposively sampled paediatricians who treat children with LLC, outside the neonatal period. Paediatricians were excluded if they worked within specialist palliative care teams or assisted in this study's design. RESULTS Four key themes were identified when approaching end-of-life decision-making discussions: (1) there is a process over time, (2) there are three elements, (3) the role of exploring parental values and (4) the emotional impact. The three elements of this process are: (1) communicating the child's risk of death, (2) moving from theoretical concepts to practice and (3) documenting decisions about resuscitation or intensive technologies. However, not all paediatricians recognised all elements as ACP, nor are all elements consistently or intentionally used. Some paediatricians considered ACP to be only documentation of decisions in advance. CONCLUSION There is a preparatory process of discussions for end-of-life decision-making, with elements in this preparation practised within therapeutic relationships. Complexity in what constitutes ACP needs to be captured in guidance and training to include intentional exploration of parental values, and recognition and management of the emotional impact of ACP could increase its consistency and value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidharth Vemuri
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenny Hynson
- Victorian Paediatric Palliative Care Program, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lynn Gillam
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Neurodisability and Rehabilitation, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Children's Bioethics Centre, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Barks MC, Schindler EA, Ubel PA, Jiao MG, Pollak KI, Huffstetler HE, Lemmon ME. Assessment of parent understanding in conferences for critically ill neonates. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2022; 105:599-605. [PMID: 34130892 PMCID: PMC8664893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to characterize the use and impact of assessments of understanding in parent-clinician communication for critically ill infants. METHODS We enrolled parents and clinicians participating in family conferences for infants with neurologic conditions. Family conferences were audio recorded as they occurred. We used a directed content analysis approach to identify clinician assessments of understanding and parent responses to those assessments. Assessments were classified based on an adapted framework; responses were characterized as "absent," "yes/no," or "elaborated." RESULTS Fifty conferences involving the care of 25 infants were analyzed; these contained 374 distinct assessments of understanding. Most (n = 209/374, 56%) assessments were partial (i.e. okay?); a minority (n = 60/374, 16%) were open-ended. When clinicians asked open-ended questions, parents elaborated in their answers most of the time (n = 55/60, 92%). Approximately three-quarter of partial assessments yielded no verbal response from parents. No conferences included a teach-back. CONCLUSIONS Although common, most clinician assessments of understanding were partial or close-ended and rarely resulted in elaborated responses from parents. Open-ended assessments are an effective, underutilized strategy to increase parent engagement and clinician awareness of information needs. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Clinicians hoping to facilitate parent engagement and question-asking should rely on open-ended statements to assess understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Barks
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Emma A Schindler
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter A Ubel
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Megan G Jiao
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kathryn I Pollak
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hanna E Huffstetler
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Fuqua School of Business, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Monica E Lemmon
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Kruithof K, Olsman E, Nieuwenhuijse A, Willems D. Parents' views on medical decisions related to life and death for their ageing child with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities: A qualitative study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2022; 121:104154. [PMID: 34954670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increased life expectancy of persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) raises questions regarding the medical decisions related to life and death, made on their behalf during their later lives. However, little is known about how parents make such decisions for their ageing child. AIM Explore parents' views on medical decisions related to life and death for their ageing child with PIMD. METHODS We interviewed 27 parents of persons with PIMD (≥ 15 years) and analyzed the data thematically. RESULTS Parents who were convinced that their ageing child's quality of life (QoL) was good, stated that their child "deserved the same treatment as any other person". Others rejected life-prolonging treatments for their child because they believed such treatment would diminish their child's QoL. Some of the parents who thought their child's QoL was poor, mentioned that withholding treatment is only an option in a crisis situation and contemplated other options to shorten their child's life. CONCLUSIONS Parents feel equipped to take on a central role in medical decisions related to life and death for their ageing child with PIMD, and desire understanding from medical professionals for their views on their child's interests, which sometimes includes physician-assisted death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Kruithof
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Erik Olsman
- Department of Mediating Good Life, Section of Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy Studies, Protestant Theological University, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Appolonia Nieuwenhuijse
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick Willems
- Department of Ethics, Law & Humanities, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Schouten ES, Beyer MF, Flemmer AW, de Vos MA, Kuehlmeyer K. Conversations About End-of-Life Decisions in Neonatology: Do Doctors and Parents Implement Shared Decision-Making? Front Pediatr 2022; 10:897014. [PMID: 35676897 PMCID: PMC9168986 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.897014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advances in perinatal medicine have contributed to significantly improved survival of newborns. While some infants die despite extensive medical treatment, a larger proportion dies following medical decision-making (MDM). International guidelines about end-of-life (EOL) MDM for neonates unify in their recommendation for shared decision-making (SDM) between doctors and parents. Yet, we do not know to what extent SDM is realized in neonatal practice. OBJECTIVE We aim at examining to which extent SDM is implemented in the NICU setting. METHODS By means of Qualitative Content Analysis, audio-recorded conversations between neonatologists and parents were analyzed. We used a framework by de Vos that was used to analyze similar conversations on the PICU. RESULTS In total we analyzed 17 conversations with 23 parents of 12 NICU patients. SDM was adopted only to a small extent in neonatal EOL-MDM conversations. The extent of sharing decreased considerably over the stages of SDM. The neonatologists suggested finding a decision together with parents, while at the same time seeking parents' agreement for the intended decision to forgo life-sustaining treatment. CONCLUSIONS Since SDM was only realized to a small extent in the NICU under study, we propose evaluating how parents in this unit experience the EOL-MDM process and whether they feel their involvement in the process acceptable and beneficial. If parents evaluate their involvement in the current approach beneficial, the need for implementation of SDM to the full extent, as suggested in the guidelines, may need to be critically re-assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther S Schouten
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria F Beyer
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas W Flemmer
- Division of Neonatology, LMU University Children's Hospital, Dr. v. Hauner, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirjam A de Vos
- Department of Paediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja Kuehlmeyer
- Institute of Ethics, History and Theory of Medicine, Medical Faculty, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Nilson C, Vieira AC, de Moura Bubadué R, Stein RT, Lago PM. Decision-Making Process for the Implementation of the Child Therapeutic Support Limitation Plan: Nurses' Experiences. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221100777. [PMID: 35538400 PMCID: PMC9102201 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221100777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To present nurses’ experience in the decision-making process for implementing a therapeutic support limitation plan in the PICU. Method: Qualitative exploratory research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 25 intensive care nurses from January to June 2019. The textual corpus was then submitted for content analysis. Results: Two categories emerged: the nurse and decision-making process of the TSLP and ambivalence of the participating nurse’s feelings in implementing the TSLP. These categories are interrelated in that the decision-making process mobilizes the ambivalence of the participating nurses’ feelings. Final considerations and implications for practice: The starting point of communication between the health teams consists of acquiring information about the concerned child’s end-of-life care plan with no prospect of cure and with some form of therapeutic limit admitted to the PICU. Therefore, this study helps to map possible research gaps on the topic and mobilize researchers to build educational materials, protocols, and tools for comprehensive care that can be used by nurses when faced with ethical dilemma, such as decision-making through TSLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristine Nilson
- Clinical Hospital of Porto Alegre of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (HCPA/UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renato Tetelbom Stein
- Faculty of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Lepizzera J, Caux C, Leibing A, Gauvin-Lepage J. « C’est en fait un peu difficile de mourir aujourd’hui » : perceptions d’infirmières au regard de l’aide médicale à mourir pour des adolescents en fin de vie au Québec. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS 2021. [DOI: 10.7202/1084451ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
L’entrée en vigueur de l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) au Québec et au Canada pose la question de l’élargissement de cette prestation à des mineurs. La présence soutenue des infirmières au chevet du patient les amène à recevoir des demandes liées à l’AMM. Le but de cette étude est d’explorer les perceptions d’infirmières oeuvrant en service d’oncologie pédiatrique au regard de la possibilité pour des adolescents de plus de 14 ans, de demander l’AMM. Six infirmières oeuvrant en soins oncologiques ou palliatifs pédiatriques ou étant en contact direct avec des adolescents en fin de vie dans le cadre de leur travail d’infirmières ont participé à une entrevue individuelle semi-dirigée. Les résultats de cette recherche mettent en exergue que : 1) les infirmières reconnaissent leur rôle de soutien dans les soins du patient en fin de vie ; 2) la plupart ont une opinion professionnelle en faveur de l’AMM pour les adultes et distinguent celle-ci de leur opinion personnelle ; 3) elles apprécient les discussions autour de l’AMM et sont préoccupées par l’établissement des critères l’encadrant ; et 4) une longue expérience comme infirmière engendre plus de préoccupations sur l’élargissement de l’AMM, mais en même temps rend les infirmières plus à l’aise de fournir des informations à ce sujet. Au vu de ces constats, les établissements universitaires et de santé pédiatrique doivent reconnaître et évaluer la nécessité d’une formation des infirmières sur l’AMM afin de les outiller davantage face à de telles situations et ainsi, mieux répondre aux besoins de leurs patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Lepizzera
- Faculté des sciences infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Chantal Caux
- Faculté des sciences infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Annette Leibing
- Faculté des sciences infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Jérôme Gauvin-Lepage
- Faculté des sciences infirmières, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU, Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Canada
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Akkermans AA, Lamerichs JMWJJ, Schultz MJM, Cherpanath TGVT, van Woensel JBMJ, van Heerde MM, van Kaam AHLCA, van de Loo MDM, Stiggelbout AMA, Smets EMAE, de Vos MAM. How doctors actually (do not) involve families in decisions to continue or discontinue life-sustaining treatment in neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care: A qualitative study. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1865-1877. [PMID: 34176357 PMCID: PMC8637379 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211028079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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 Intensive care doctors have to find the right balance between sharing crucial decisions with families of patients on the one hand and not overburdening them on the other hand. This requires a tailored approach instead of a model based approach. AIM To explore how doctors involve families in the decision-making process regarding life-sustaining treatment on the neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care. DESIGN Exploratory inductive thematic analysis of 101 audio-recorded conversations. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS One hundred four family members (61% female, 39% male) and 71 doctors (60% female, 40% male) of 36 patients (53% female, 47% male) from the neonatal, pediatric, and adult intensive care of a large university medical center participated. RESULTS We identified eight relevant and distinct communicative behaviors. Doctors' sequential communicative behaviors either reflected consistent approaches-a shared approach or a physician-driven approach-or reflected vacillating between both approaches. Doctors more often displayed a physician-driven or a vacillating approach than a shared approach, especially in the adult intensive care. Doctors did not verify whether their chosen approach matched the families' decision-making preferences. CONCLUSIONS Even though tailoring doctors' communication to families' preferences is advocated, it does not seem to be integrated into actual practice. To allow for true tailoring, doctors' awareness regarding the impact of their communicative behaviors is key. Educational initiatives should focus especially on improving doctors' skills in tactfully exploring families' decision-making preferences and in mutually sharing knowledge, values, and treatment preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aranka Akkermans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J M W J Joyce Lamerichs
- Faculty of Humanities, Department of Language, Literature and Communication, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J Marcus Schultz
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - T G V Thomas Cherpanath
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J B M Job van Woensel
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Marc van Heerde
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A H L C Anton van Kaam
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M D Moniek van de Loo
- Department of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A M Anne Stiggelbout
- Medical Decision Making, Department of Biomedical Data Science, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E M A Ellen Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M A Mirjam de Vos
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Daxer M, Monz A, Hein K, Heitkamp N, Knochel K, Borasio GD, Führer M. How to Open the Door: A Qualitative, Observational Study on Initiating Advance Care Discussions with Parents in Pediatric Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2021; 25:562-569. [PMID: 34807732 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2021.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Advance care discussions (ACD) between health care professionals (HCPs) and parents of children with a life-limiting disease are a core element of successful pediatric advance care planning (pACP). Yet, they are perceived as a challenging situation for all participants. Objectives: Our goal was to investigate the first step of ACD and identify its challenges and helpful communication strategies to develop a conversation guide for initiating the pACP process and structure the conversational opening. Methods: We performed a participant observation of 11 initial ACD and 24 interviews with 13 HCPs and 20 parents of 11 children cared for by 3 different palliative care teams in southern Germany. Qualitative data collection was supplemented by a questionnaire. Content analysis and conversation analysis were used for evaluation. Results: Parents and HCPs start the process with different expectations, which can lead to misunderstandings and confusion. HCPs gain parental cooperation when they express the purpose of the meeting clearly and early, provide structure and guidance, and give parents time to talk about their experiences and feelings. Addressing dying and death is hard for both sides and requires a sensitive approach. Conclusions: Initiating ACD is extremely challenging for all participants. HCPs and parents should clarify expectations and aims at the beginning of the conversation. Future research should focus on how HCPs can be trained for this task and how the right timing for introducing ACD to families can be identified. Clinical Trial Registration number 049-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Daxer
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Monz
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Hein
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Nari Heitkamp
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Knochel
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gian Domenico Borasio
- Palliative and Supportive Care Service, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Monika Führer
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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Kochen EM, Boelen PA, Teunissen SCCM, Jenken F, de Jonge RR, Grootenhuis MA, Kars MC. Health Care Professionals' Experiences With Preloss Care in Pediatrics: Goals, Strategies, Obstacles, and Facilitators. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 62:107-116. [PMID: 33186732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although parents experience grief when confronted with their child's deterioration and imminent death, most bereavement care is focused on supporting parents after child loss. Insight into intentions and strategies of the health care professionals (HCPs) in preloss care during the end of life is still lacking. OBJECTIVES To create a starting point for improvement of preloss care, this study explores HCPs' experiences with providing support aimed at parental feelings of grief during the child's end of life. METHODS Exploratory qualitative research using individual semistructured interviews with clinicians in pediatrics and neonatology in hospital and homecare settings. Data were thematically analyzed by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS Nineteen HCPs participated. HCPs tried to ensure that parents could reflect on the care received as concordant to their preferences and were not hindered in their bereavement as a consequence of their professional actions. Strategies included maximizing parental presence, enabling parental involvement in decision making, and ensuring a dignified death. While using these strategies, HCPs faced several difficulties: uncertainty about the illness course, unpredictability of parental grief responses, and being affected themselves by the child's imminent death. It helped HCPs to develop a bond with parents, find comfort with colleagues, and making joint decisions with colleagues. CONCLUSION HCPs strive to improve parental coping after the child's death, yet apply strategies that positively influence parental preparedness and well-being during the end of life as well. Individual HCPs are left with many uncertainties. A more robust approach based on theory, evidence, and training is needed to improve preloss care in pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M Kochen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia C C M Teunissen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Jenken
- Department Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roos R de Jonge
- Center for Research and Development of Education, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martha A Grootenhuis
- Department of Psycho-Oncology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Communication and Cultural Sensitivity for Families and Children With Life-Limiting Diseases: An Informed Decision-Making Ethical Case in Community-Based Palliative Care. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2021; 22:270-275. [PMID: 32412925 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The health care decisions of families of children who have life-limiting genetic diseases are impacted by multiple factors including religious and ethical values, education and knowledge, emotional trauma, availability of support, and accessibility of care. Palliative care nurses must practice the highest standards by delivering nonbiased, nonjudgmental support to patients and families; however, nurses may experience moral distress if their personal values conflict with a family's decisions and needs. This case focuses on a family receiving community-based palliative care for a child with a genetic life-limiting disease. They had a family history of this disease, which had caused the deaths of previous children, and the mother had a current unplanned pregnancy. The care team overcame language barriers and cultural obstacles to establish a trusting relationship with the vulnerable pregnant mother. They were able to support her decision to terminate her pregnancy safely by helping her to navigate a complex health care system. Using 5 crucial pillars to assist health care members with the delivery of nonjudgmental family-centered palliative care is recommended: (1) identification of biases, (2) utilization of a culturally safe approach, (3) effective communication, (4) assessment and support, and (5) knowledge of community resources.
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Brouwer MA, Maeckelberghe ELM, van der Heide A, Hein IM, Verhagen EAAE. Breaking bad news: what parents would like you to know. Arch Dis Child 2021; 106:276-281. [PMID: 33127614 PMCID: PMC7907584 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Breaking bad news about life-threatening and possibly terminal conditions is a crucial part of paediatric care for children in this situation. Little is known about how the parents of children with life-threatening conditions experience communication of bad news. The objective of this study is to analyse parents' experiences (barriers and facilitators) of communication of bad news. DESIGN A qualitative study consisting of a constant comparative analysis of in-depth interviews conducted with parents. SETTING The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-four parents-bereaved and non-bereaved-of 44 children (aged 1-12 years, 61% deceased) with a life-threatening condition. INTERVENTIONS None. RESULTS Based on parents' experiences, the following 10 barriers to the communication of bad news were identified: (1) a lack of (timely) communication, (2) physicians' failure to ask parents for input, (3) parents feel unprepared during and after the conversation, (4) a lack of clarity about future treatment, (5) physicians' failure to voice uncertainties, (6) physicians' failure to schedule follow-up conversations, (7) presence of too many or unknown healthcare professionals, (8) parental concerns in breaking bad news to children, (9) managing indications of bad news in non-conversational contexts, and (10) parents' misunderstanding of medical terminology. CONCLUSIONS This study shows healthcare professionals how parents experience barriers in bad news conversations. This mainly concerns practical aspects of communication. The results provide practical pointers on how the communication of bad news can be improved to better suit the needs of parents. From the parents' perspective, the timing of conversations in which they were informed that their child might not survive was far too late. Sometimes, no such conversations ever took place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije A Brouwer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Els L M Maeckelberghe
- Institute for Medical Education, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
| | - Irma M Hein
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands
| | - Eduard A A E Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Marlow N, Shaw C, Connabeer K, Aladangady N, Gallagher K, Drew P. End-of-life decisions in neonatal care: a conversation analytical study. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2021; 106:184-188. [PMID: 32943530 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2020-319544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the dynamics of conversations between neonatologists and parents concerning limitation of life-sustaining treatments. DESIGN Formal conversations were recorded, transcribed and analysed according to the conventions and methods of conversation analysis. SETTING Two tertiary neonatal intensive care units. PARTICIPANTS Consultant neonatal specialists and families. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We used conversation analysis and developed an inductive coding scheme for conversations based on the introduction of limiting life-sustaining treatments and on the parental responses. RESULTS From recordings with 51 families, we identified 27 conversations about limiting life support with 20 families and 14 doctors. Neonatologists adopted three broad strategies: (1) 'recommendations', in which one course of action is presented and explicitly endorsed as the best course of action, (2) a 'single-option choice' format (conditional: referring to a choice that should be made, but without specifying or listing options), and (3) options (where the doctor explicitly refers to or lists options). Our conversation analysis-informed coding scheme was based on the opportunities available for parents to ask questions and assert their preference with minimal interactional constraint or pressure for a certain type of response. Response scores for parents presented with conditional formats (n=15, median 5.0) and options (n=10, median 5.0) were significantly higher than for those parents presented with 'recommendations' (n=16, median 3.75; p=0.002) and parents were more likely to express preferences (p=0.005). CONCLUSION Encouraging different approaches to conversations about limitation of life-supporting treatment may lead to better parent engagement and less misalignment between the conversational partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Marlow
- Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Chloe Shaw
- Institute for Women's Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Kat Connabeer
- Social Science, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, UK
| | | | | | - Paul Drew
- Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
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Zhang M, Li X. Focuses and trends of the studies on pediatric palliative care:A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2018. Int J Nurs Sci 2021; 8:5-14. [PMID: 33575439 PMCID: PMC7859508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the focuses and trends of the studies on pediatric palliative care (PPC) and provide directions for future research. METHODS Relevant papers about PPC published from 2004 to 2018 were analyzed using bibliometric analysis methods, including co-word analysis, biclustering analysis, and strategic diagram analysis. The included papers were divided into three groups based on the publication time, including 2004-2008, 2009-2013, and 2014-2018. RESULTS A total of 1132 papers were published between 2004 and 2018, and there were 293 papers published between 2004 and 2008, 396 between 2009 and 2013, and 443 between 2014 and 2018. There were 42 high-frequency MeSH terms/MeSH subheadings in papers published between 2004 and 2018, including 12 between 2004 and 2008, 13 between 2009 and 2013, and 17 between 2014 and 2018. CONCLUSION Studies on PPC were making progress, with the increasing number, expanding scope, and uneven global distribution. Integration palliative care into pediatrics, cancer treatments in pediatric oncology, education methods on PPC, and establishment of professional teams were the major themes during 2004-2008, then the themes changed into establishing interventions to enhance the quality of life of the patients and parents, building professional-family relationship, and investigating attitude of health personnel in PPC during 2009-2013 and subsequently turned into communication skills, end-of-life decision making, and guidelines making on PPC during 2014-2018. Underdeveloped and protential themes including effective approaches to deal with the ethical dilemmas, training programs on communication skills, family support and guideline making are worth studying in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- School of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaohan Li
- School of Nursing, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Papadatou D, Kalliani V, Karakosta E, Liakopoulou P, Bluebond-Langner M. Home or hospital as the place of end-of-life care and death: A grounded theory study of parents' decision-making. Palliat Med 2021; 35:219-230. [PMID: 33307990 PMCID: PMC7797614 DOI: 10.1177/0269216320967547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While several studies have examined 'what' families want with regard to the place of a child's end-of-life care and death, few have explored 'how' parents reach a decision. AIMS (1) to develop a model explaining how parents of a child with a life-threatening illness in Greece decide about the place of end-of-life care and death; (2) to identify the factors affecting decision-making; (3) to consider the implications for clinical practice. DESIGN Grounded theory study of bereaved parents using semi-structured open-ended interviews following Strauss and Corbin's principles of data collection and analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Semi-structured interviews with 36 bereaved parents of 22 children who died at home (n = 9) or in a paediatric hospital (n = 13) in Athens, Greece. RESULTS (1) Decisions regarding place of care and death were reached in one of four ways: consensus, accommodation, imposition of professional decisions on parents or imposition of parents' decisions without including professionals. (2) Six factors were identified as affecting decisions: awareness of dying, perceived parental caregiving competence, perceived professional competence, parents' view of symptom management, timing of decision-making, and being a 'good parent'. (3) Decisions were clear-cut or shifting. Few parents did not engage in decisions. CONCLUSION Parents' decisions about place of end-of-life care and death are affected by personal, interpersonal, timing and disease-related factors. Parents are best supported in decision-making when information is presented clearly and honestly with recognition of what acting as 'good parents' means to them, and opportunities to enhance their caregiving competence to care for their child at home, if they choose so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danai Papadatou
- Faculty of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Kalliani
- "Merimna" Society for the Care of Children and Families Facing Illness and Death, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Karakosta
- "Merimna" Society for the Care of Children and Families Facing Illness and Death, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Liakopoulou
- "Merimna" Society for the Care of Children and Families Facing Illness and Death, Athens, Greece
| | - Myra Bluebond-Langner
- UCL-School of Life and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Population Health Sciences Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, Louis Dundas Centre for Children's Palliative Care, UK
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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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Shaw C, Connabeer K, Drew P, Gallagher K, Aladangady N, Marlow N. Initiating end-of-life decisions with parents of infants receiving neonatal intensive care. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2020; 103:1351-1357. [PMID: 32111382 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether parent-initiated or doctor-initiated decisions about limiting life-sustaining treatment (LST) in neonatal care has consequences for how possible courses of action are presented. METHOD Formal conversations (n = 27) between doctors and parents of critically ill babies from two level 3 neonatal intensive care units were audio or video recorded. Sequences of talk where decisions about limiting LST were presented were analysed using Conversation Analysis and coded using a Conversation Analytic informed coding framework. Relationships between codes were analysed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS When parents initiated the decision point, doctors subsequently tended to refer to or list available options. When doctors initiated, they tended to use 'recommendations' or 'single-option' choice (conditional) formats (p=0.017) that did not include multiple treatment options. Parent initiations overwhelmingly concerned withdrawal, as opposed to withholding of LST (p=0.030). CONCLUSION Aligning parents to the trajectory of the news about their baby's poor condition may influence how the doctor subsequently presents the decision to limit LST, and thereby the extent to which parents are invited to participate in shared decision-making. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Explicitly proposing treatment options may provide parents with opportunities to be involved in decisions for their critically ill babies, thereby fostering shared decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Shaw
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Paul Drew
- Department of Language & Linguistic Science, University of York, York, UK.
| | - Katie Gallagher
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Narendra Aladangady
- Department of Neonatology, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK; Centre for Paediatrics, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London, UK.
| | - Neil Marlow
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
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Brouwer M, Maeckelberghe ELM, van der Heide A, Hein I, Verhagen E. Barriers in care for children with life-threatening conditions: a qualitative interview study in the Netherlands. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035863. [PMID: 32595157 PMCID: PMC7322336 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify barriers, as perceived by parents, to good care for children with life-threatening conditions. DESIGN In a nationwide qualitative study, we held in-depth interviews regarding end-of-life care with parents of children (aged 1 to 12 years) who were living with a life-threatening illness or who had died after a medical trajectory (a maximum of 5 years after the death of the child). Sampling was aimed at obtaining maximum variety for a number of factors. The interviews were transcribed and analysed. SETTING The Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS 64 parents of 44 children. RESULTS Parents identified six categories of difficulties that create barriers in the care for children with a life-threatening condition. First, parents wished for more empathetic and open communication about the illness and prognosis. Second, organisational barriers create bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of continuity of care. Third, parents wished for more involvement in decision-making. Fourth, parents wished they had more support from the healthcare team on end-of-life decision-making. Fifth, parents experienced a lack of attention for the family during the illness and after the death of their child. Sixth, parents experienced an overemphasis on symptom-treatment and lack of attention for their child as a person. CONCLUSIONS The barriers as perceived by parents focussed almost without exception on non-medical aspects: patient-doctor relationships; communication; decision-making, including end-of-life decision-making; and organisation. The perceived barriers indicate that care for children with a life-threatening condition focusses too much on symptoms and not enough on the human beings behind these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije Brouwer
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Els L M Maeckelberghe
- Institute for Medical Education, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irma Hein
- Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eduard Verhagen
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fahner JC, Rietjens JAC, van der Heide A, van Delden JJM, Kars MC. Survey of paediatricians caring for children with life-limiting conditions found that they were involved in advance care planning. Acta Paediatr 2020; 109:1011-1018. [PMID: 31625623 PMCID: PMC7216915 DOI: 10.1111/apa.15061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM Advance care planning (ACP) is a strategy to align future care and treatment with preferences of patients and families. This study assesses the experiences of ACP among paediatricians caring for children with life-limiting conditions. METHODS Paediatricians from five Dutch university hospitals and the national oncology centre completed a survey during May to September 2017, which investigated experiences with ACP in their most recent case of a deceased child and with ACP in general. RESULTS A total of 207 paediatricians responded (36%). After exclusion of responses with insufficient data (n = 39), 168 were analysed (29%). These included experiences with an individual case in 86%. ACP themes were discussed with parents in all cases. Topics common to many cases were diagnosis, life expectancy, care goals, the parent's fears and code status. ACP conversations occurred with children in 23% of cases. The joy in living was the most frequent topic. The frequency of ACP conversations was insufficient according to 49% of the respondents. In 60%, it was stated that ACP has to result in a documented code status. CONCLUSION Paediatricians reported having ACP conversations mainly with parents focusing on medical issues. There was limited insight into the child's preferences for care and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurrianne C. Fahner
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary CareUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Johannes J. M. van Delden
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary CareUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marijke C. Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary CareUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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Garten L, Globisch M, von der Hude K, Jäkel K, Knochel K, Krones T, Nicin T, Offermann F, Schindler M, Schneider U, Schubert B, Strahleck T. Palliative Care and Grief Counseling in Peri- and Neonatology: Recommendations From the German PaluTiN Group. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:67. [PMID: 32181234 PMCID: PMC7058113 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garten
- Department of Neonatology, Palliative Neonatology Team, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel Globisch
- Department for Content and Development, German Children's Hospice Association, Olpe, Germany
| | - Kerstin von der Hude
- Department of Neonatology, Palliative Neonatology Team, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin Jäkel
- Association of Premature and At-Risk Born Children, Regional group of Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kathrin Knochel
- Center for Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Krones
- University Hospital Zürich/Institute of Biomedical Ethics and History of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tatjana Nicin
- Department of Obstetrics, Klinikum Hanau, Hanau, Germany
| | - Franziska Offermann
- Federal Association of Orphaned Parents and Mourning Siblings in Germany, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Monika Schindler
- Department of Neonatology and Paediatric Intensive Care, Universitätsklinikum Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Uwe Schneider
- Department of Obstetrics, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Beatrix Schubert
- Roman-Catholic Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, Department Pastoral Care in Health Care, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Strahleck
- Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Klinikum Stuttgart, Olgahospital, Stuttgart, Germany
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Abdel Razeq NM, Alduraidi H, Halasa S, Cuttini M. Clinicians' Self-Reported Practices Related to End-of-Life Care for Infants in NICUs in Jordan. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2019; 49:78-90. [PMID: 31811824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine how clinical decisions are made at the end of life for infants born with specific fatal and disabling conditions in NICUs in Jordan from the perspectives of neonatal health care providers. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of neonatal nurses and physicians. SETTING Twenty-four NICUs in Jordan. PARTICIPANTS Participants included 213 nurses and 75 physicians who provided direct care for infants in NICUs. METHODS Using the EURONIC questionnaire, we asked participants to recall the last experiences of end-of-life decision making in which they were involved. The participants described factors and outcomes related to those experiences, and we used descriptive and inferential statistics to examine these factors. RESULTS In 83% of the recalled situations, the physicians in charge of the infants' care or who were on duty were the primary decision makers. Parents, nurses, ethics committees, and NICU heads were less involved. The infants' primary diagnoses were significantly associated with the nature of decisions regarding end-of-life care (p < .001). Age, importance of religion, having their own children, and involvement in research activities were factors that significantly predicted nurses' perceived levels of involvement in decision making (χ2[4] = 23.140, p < .001). CONCLUSION Our results suggest the need to improve clinical approaches to decision making regarding end-of-life care for infants in NICUs in Jordan to be more family focused and team based. This process should include parents, physicians, neonatal nurses, and ethics committees.
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Abdel Razeq NM. Physicians' standpoints on end-of-life decisions at the neonatal intensive care units in Jordan. J Child Health Care 2019; 23:579-595. [PMID: 30606043 DOI: 10.1177/1367493518814926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study is to explore pediatricians' and neonatologists' attitudes and standpoints on end-of-life (EOL) decision-making in neonates. Seventy-five physicians, employed fulltime to care for newborns in 23 hospitals in Jordan, completed internationally accepted questionnaires. Most physicians (75%) were supportive of using life-sustaining interventions, irrespective of the severity of the newborns' prognosis and the potential burden of the neonates' disabilities on their families. The general attitude of the physicians (59-88%) was against making decisions that limit life support at EOL; even those infants with what are, in fact, untreatable and disabling medical conditions (56-88%). Most physicians (77%) indicated that ethics committees should be involved in EOL decision-making based on requests from parents, physicians, or both. The results of this study indicate strong pro-life attitudes among the physicians whose role is to take care of infants in Jordan. The results also emphasize the need for (1) the creation of clear EOL-focused regulations and guidelines, (2) the establishment of special ethical committees to inform and assist healthcare providers' efforts during EOL care, and (3) raised awareness and competencies regarding EOL and ethical decision-making among physicians taking care of newborns in Jordan's intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin M Abdel Razeq
- Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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Anderson RJ, Bloch S, Armstrong M, Stone PC, Low JT. Communication between healthcare professionals and relatives of patients approaching the end-of-life: A systematic review of qualitative evidence. Palliat Med 2019; 33:926-941. [PMID: 31184529 PMCID: PMC6691601 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319852007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective communication between healthcare professionals and relatives of patients approaching the end-of-life is vital to ensure patients have a 'good death'. To improve communication, it is important to first identify how this is currently being accomplished. AIM To review qualitative evidence concerning characteristics of communication about prognosis and end-of-life care between healthcare professionals and relatives of patients approaching the end-of-life. DESIGN Qualitative systematic review (PROSPERO registration CRD42017065560) using thematic synthesis. Peer-reviewed, English language articles exploring the content of conversations and how participants communicated were included. No date restrictions were applied. Quality of included studies was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. DATA SOURCES An electronic database search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and EMBASE was performed. RESULTS Thirty-one papers were included. Seven themes were identified: highlighting deterioration; involvement in decision-making, post-decision interactional work, tailoring, honesty and clarity, specific techniques for information delivery and roles of different healthcare professionals. Varied levels of family involvement in decision-making were reported. Healthcare professionals used strategies to aid understanding and collaborative decision-making, such as highlighting the patient's deterioration, referring to patient wishes and tailoring information delivery. Doctors were regarded as responsible for discussing prognosis and decision-making, and nurses for providing individualized care. CONCLUSION Findings suggest training could provide healthcare professionals with these strategies to improve communication. Interventions such as question prompt lists could help relatives overcome barriers to involvement in decision-making. Further research is needed to understand communication with relatives in different settings and with different healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Anderson
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Steven Bloch
- 2 Department of Language and Cognition, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Armstrong
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick C Stone
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph Ts Low
- 1 Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
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Streuli JC, Widger K, Medeiros C, Zuniga-Villanueva G, Trenholm M. Impact of specialized pediatric palliative care programs on communication and decision-making. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1404-1412. [PMID: 30772117 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize and analyze the impact of specialized pediatric palliative care (SPPC) programs on communication and decision-making for children with life-threatening conditions. METHODS Our search strategy covered MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, and Embase through September 2018. RESULTS We reviewed 13 studies analyzing the impact of SPPC programs on communication and decision-making using a wide range of outcome indicators. Study quality was poor in 58% of included papers. SPPC programs improved communication and decision-making between families and healthcare professionals (HCPs), within and between families, and among HCPs. CONCLUSION SPPC programs generally support and improve communication and decision-making for children with life-threatening conditions, their families and associated HCPs. Families referred to an SPPC program had more discussions with HCPs on a broad variety of topics. However, data on communication with children, siblings, and other family members was scarce and of poor quality. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS More research on SPPC program efficacy is needed from the perspective of the ill child, as well as about barriers to end-of-life discussions and the specific aspects of SPPC programs responsible for improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürg C Streuli
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada; University Children's Hospital, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Kimberley Widger
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada; Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | - Madeline Trenholm
- Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada
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Moynihan KM, Snaman JM, Kaye EC, Morrison WE, DeWitt AG, Sacks LD, Thompson JL, Hwang JM, Bailey V, Lafond DA, Wolfe J, Blume ED. Integration of Pediatric Palliative Care Into Cardiac Intensive Care: A Champion-Based Model. Pediatrics 2019; 144:peds.2019-0160. [PMID: 31366685 PMCID: PMC6855829 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) into management of children with serious illness and their families is endorsed as the standard of care. Despite this, timely referral to and integration of PPC into the traditionally cure-oriented cardiac ICU (CICU) remains variable. Despite dramatic declines in mortality in pediatric cardiac disease, key challenges confront the CICU community. Given increasing comorbidities, technological dependence, lengthy recurrent hospitalizations, and interventions risking significant morbidity, many patients in the CICU would benefit from PPC involvement across the illness trajectory. Current PPC delivery models have inherent disadvantages, insufficiently address the unique aspects of the CICU setting, place significant burden on subspecialty PPC teams, and fail to use CICU clinician skill sets. We therefore propose a novel conceptual framework for PPC-CICU integration based on literature review and expert interdisciplinary, multi-institutional consensus-building. This model uses interdisciplinary CICU-based champions who receive additional PPC training through courses and subspecialty rotations. PPC champions strengthen CICU PPC provision by (1) leading PPC-specific educational training of CICU staff; (2) liaising between CICU and PPC, improving use of support staff and encouraging earlier subspecialty PPC involvement in complex patients' management; and (3) developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives and CICU-specific PPC protocols. Our PPC-CICU integration model is designed for adaptability within institutional, cultural, financial, and logistic constraints, with potential applications in other pediatric settings, including ICUs. Although the PPC champion framework offers several unique advantages, barriers to implementation are anticipated and additional research is needed to investigate the model's feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M. Moynihan
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer M. Snaman
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Wynne E. Morrison
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Aaron G. DeWitt
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Anesthesiology and Critical Care and
| | - Loren D. Sacks
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Jess L. Thompson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Children’s Heart Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and
| | - Jennifer M. Hwang
- Pediatric Advanced Care Team, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Departments of,Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerie Bailey
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Deborah A. Lafond
- PANDA Palliative Care Team, Children’s National and School of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Joanne Wolfe
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth D. Blume
- Division of Cardiovascular Critical Care, Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital Boston, Massachusetts;,Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
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Côté AJ, Payot A, Gaucher N. Palliative Care in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Findings From a Qualitative Study. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 74:481-490. [PMID: 31060745 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Children with medical complexity represent a fragile population and account for the majority of patients followed in pediatric palliative care. Little is known in regard to the role of the emergency department (ED) in caring for the families of children with medical complexity. METHODS Semistructured focus groups were held with health care professionals from pediatric emergency medicine, palliative care, complex care, and intensive care to explore their perspective on pediatric palliative care in the ED. Data were transcribed and analyzed with NVivo software, and thematic analysis and theoretic sampling were performed. RESULTS From January to October 2016, 58 participants were interviewed. Difficulties providing pediatric palliative care in the ED are related on the one hand to characteristics specific to the ED, such as its culture and its health care professionals' strong emotional responses when caring for children with medical complexity, and on the other hand to factors extrinsic to the ED; mainly, lack of continuity of care. For critically ill children with unknown goals of care and potential for end of life, professionals in the ED should evaluate the clinical situation, contact known health care teams, remain open to families' preferences, alleviate distressing symptoms, and create a caring environment. Communication between teams is targeted by health care professionals to facilitate and improve patient flow and care. CONCLUSION Although perspectives differ in regard to how to provide care for pediatric palliative care patients in the ED, several barriers to providing high-quality emergency pediatric palliative care can be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Josée Côté
- Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Antoine Payot
- Service of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Clinical Ethics Unit and Palliative Care Unit, CHU Sainte-Justine, and the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Gaucher
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Moaed B, Mordechai O, Weyl Ben-Arush M, Tamir S, Ofir R, Postovsky S. Factors Influencing Do-Not-Resuscitate Status in Children During Last Month of Life: Single Institution Experience. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2019; 41:e201-e205. [PMID: 30499908 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is currently expected that about 20% of children with cancer will ultimately die. Writing advanced life directives sufficiently long before the actual death of a child ensues allows both parents and medical staff to develop optimal treatment plans in the best interests of the child. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to evaluate factors that may influence the process of decision-making regarding Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) status. METHODS Retrospective single institution study. RESULTS Totally, 79 patients died between September 01, 2011 and August 31, 2017. Median age of the children was 10.5 years (range, 1 to 24 y). Forty-five were males. There were 37 Muslims, 27 Jews, 9 Druze, and 6 Christians. Twenty-one patients had sarcomas, 20 had CNS tumors, 10 had neuroblastoma, 17 had leukemias/lymphomas, 11 had carcinomas, and other rare tumors as well as nonmalignant diseases. No statistically significant association between all evaluated factors and DNR order status was found. CONCLUSIONS It is possible that, other than demographic, clinical-associated, or therapy-associated factors play an important role in the process of decision-making regarding DNR. We feel that sincere communication between parents, their child (when appropriate) and medical and psychosocial staff may have a more crucial role when such decisions have to be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Moaed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
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Abdel Razeq NM. End-of-life Decisions at Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Jordanian Nurses Attitudes and Viewpoints of Who, When, and How. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 44:e36-e44. [PMID: 30420167 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore factors predicting neonatal nurses' attitude towards end-of-life decisions in neonates, and to describe the nurses' viewpoints on end-of-life decisions; barriers to end-of-life decision making; parents', nurses', and ethical committees' involvement in the process of end-of-life decision making; and who should regulate end-of-life decisions regarding neonates. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was applied. Sample included 279 neonatal nurses working in 24 neonatal intensive care units across Jordan. Data were collected using internationally-accepted questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in data analysis. RESULTS Most nurses perceived that everything possible should be done to ensure a neonate's survival, even when they suffer severe prognosis (80%) and irrespective of the burden of the child's disability on the family (75%). Almost all nurses (96%) were against administering drugs with the purpose of ending the neonate's life and 63% were against continuing current treatment without adding others. The nurses' perceived effect of end-of-life decisions on their everyday life, and the importance of religious values to the nurses' personal lives, significantly predicted pro-life attitude scores. According to 80% of the nurses, legal constraints were the most significant barriers to end-of-life decision making. The majority of nurses (84%) indicated that non-religious bodies should establish end-of-life regulations for neonates. CONCLUSION Generally, nurses' attitude was supportive of life saving decisions at end-of-life, regardless of the survival odds and the probable health outcomes of the neonates. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Neonates' end-of-life care, and parents' bereavement care, should be standard practices in every NICU, worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadin M Abdel Razeq
- The University of Jordan - School of Nursing, Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, Amman Jordan.
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