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Lin M, Rholl E, Andescavage N, Ackerman O, Fisher D, Lanzel AF, Mahmood LA. Improving Prenatal Palliative Care Consultation Using Diagnostic Trigger Criteria. J Pain Symptom Manage 2024; 67:e137-e145. [PMID: 37858635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three percent of pregnancies are complicated by congenital anomalies. Prenatal integration of pediatric palliative care (PPC) may be hindered by non-standardized PPC referral processes. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve prenatal PPC consultation using a diagnostic trigger list. MEASURES Main outcome measure was the percentage of prenatal PPC consults completed based on diagnostic trigger list eligibility. Balancing measures included stakeholder perspectives on PPC consults and products. INTERVENTION Interventions included creation and implementation of a diagnostic trigger list for prenatal PPC consultation, educational initiatives with stakeholders, and iterative modifications of our prenatal consultation process. OUTCOMES Interventions increased consultation rates ≥80% during the first six months of QI implementation (baseline vs. post-interventions) although this increase was not consistently sustained over a 12-month period. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED Diagnostic trigger lists improve initial rates of prenatal PPC consultation and additional interventions are likely needed to sustain this increase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lin
- Division of Neonatology (M.L.), Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Erin Rholl
- Division of Neonatology (E.R.), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Division of Neonatology (N.A.), Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; School of Medicine and Health Sciences (N.A., D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Olivia Ackerman
- Prenatal Pediatrics Institute (O.A.), Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Deborah Fisher
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences (N.A., D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pediatric Palliative Care Program (D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ashley F Lanzel
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences (N.A., D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pediatric Palliative Care Program (D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Laila A Mahmood
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences (N.A., D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pediatric Palliative Care Program (D.F., A.F.L., L.A.M.), Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Leuthner SR, Cortezzo DE. Editorial: Advances in neonatal- perinatal palliative care. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1307584. [PMID: 38027284 PMCID: PMC10658189 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1307584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. Leuthner
- Division of Neonatology, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Division of Critical Care and Palliative Care, Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - DonnaMaria E. Cortezzo
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, United States
- Division of Pain and Palliative Care, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, United States
- Fetal Care Program, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Hartford, CT, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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3
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Korzeniewska-Eksterowicz A, Moczulska H. Perinatal palliative care for family with prenatal diagnosis of Matthew-Wood syndrome. J Genet Couns 2023. [PMID: 37792875 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Matthew-Wood syndrome (MWS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants of the STRA6 gene. Several studies in the available literature comprise patients with pathogenic variants of gene STRA6 with various phenotypic expressions: from lethal forms of MWS to non-lethal anophthalmia. These reports mainly describe new pathogenic variants and phenotypic expression but do not describe medical or paramedical care for the affected families. In our case report, we describe the second case of MWS in the same family and the benefits of including the patient's family in the perinatal palliative care program. The first pregnancy was terminated with a cesarean section; the boy was intubated in the delivery room and died soon after. The mother was not allowed to say farewell or keep any remembrances of her child. In the second pregnancy, the family was involved in the perinatal palliative care program, and all paramedical aspects, crucial from the parent's perspective, were planned and implemented. Palliative perinatal care enables complex care for the pregnant woman and her family. The possibility of palliative perinatal care is significant in decision-making in families with a high risk of lethal disease in subsequent pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Korzeniewska-Eksterowicz
- Pediatric Palliative Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Gajusz Foundation, Lodz, Poland
| | - Hanna Moczulska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Tataj‐Puzyna U, Baranowska B, Szlendak B, Szabat M, Węgrzynowska M. Parental experiences of prenatal education when preparing for labor and birth of infant with a lethal diagnosis. Nurs Open 2023; 10:6817-6826. [PMID: 37391910 PMCID: PMC10495705 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to describe the unique experiences of parents facing a Life Limiting Fetal Conditions (LLFC) diagnosis, who chose to continue with their pregnancy, as they prepare for childbirth through individual and group prenatal education. DESIGN A qualitative study. METHODS We employed the phenomenological approach and the Colaizzi strategy to analyse semi-structured interviews. Thirteen persons were interviewed. The participants were couples (n = 6) and women (n = 7) who received LLFC and were preparing for birth. RESULTS We described three main paths of prenatal education chosen by parents with LLFC: 'Searching for normality' concerned people participating in conventional prenatal classes (AC) who tried to avoid confronting the situation they faced; 'Searching for communitas' concerned the participation in special AC selected for the opportunity of sharing experiences; 'Searching for an individual way' concerned people who resorted to individual preparation for childbirth, often as a result of delayed planning. Parents should have a choice of various paths of birth preparation, that best meet their preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Baranowska
- Department of MidwiferyCentre of Postgraduate Medical EducationWarsawPoland
| | | | | | - Maria Węgrzynowska
- Department of MidwiferyCentre of Postgraduate Medical EducationWarsawPoland
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McCarthy FT, Kenis A, Parravicini E. Perinatal palliative care: focus on comfort. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1258285. [PMID: 37822320 PMCID: PMC10562587 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1258285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing comfort while a patient is living with a life-limiting condition or at end of life is the hallmark of palliative care regardless of the patient's age. In perinatal palliative care, the patient is unable to speak for themselves. In this manuscript we will present guidelines garnered from the 15-year experience of the Neonatal Comfort Care Program at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and how they provide care for families along the perinatal journey. We will describe essential tools and strategies necessary to consider in assessing and providing comfort to infants facing a life-limiting diagnosis in utero, born at the cusp of viability or critically ill where the burden of care may outweigh the benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E. Parravicini
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Brady S, Parravicini E, Wool C. Evaluation of learning transfer after a perinatal/neonatal palliative care virtual training course. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1215863. [PMID: 37456568 PMCID: PMC10347523 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1215863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The success of a training can be determined by the degree of learning transfer. To address a gap in educational offerings during the pandemic, an interdisciplinary team developed and offered a 3-day virtual course, called Next Level Perinatal Palliative Care Training. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the transfer of learning and practice from a virtual training course on perinatal/neonatal palliative care (PNPC) by a range of clinicians. Study design A descriptive prospective survey design was used to collect data at two time points, immediately following the training course and 6 months later. Frequency and descriptive statistics were used to measure the implementation of PNPC quality indicators, self-reported competence, and clinical facilitators and barriers. A t-test was used to compare participants' anticipated learning transfer to actual learning transfer. Two open-ended items assessed benefits and drawbacks of virtual training. Results At course completion, participants anticipated opportunities to implement PNPC strategies with means of 84-87, and at the 6-month mark, the reported implementation had means ranging from 71 to 77. At 6 months post training, participants reported feeling competent/highly competent in each variable with frequency scores of 89%-98%. The opportunity to learn key concepts of PNPC and refresh skill sets ranked as the top facilitators, while the top barriers were the lack of opportunity to use PNPC principles and the lack of funding. Conclusion Learning transfer after a virtual training course of PNPC proved to be successful, with a high rate of self-reported actual implementation and competence at 6 months after the training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Brady
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Elvira Parravicini
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Charlotte Wool
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA, United States
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Abayneh M, Rent S, Ubuane PO, Carter BS, Deribessa SJ, Kassa BB, Tekleab AM, Kukora SK. Perinatal palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa: recommendations for practice, future research, and guideline development. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1217209. [PMID: 37435165 PMCID: PMC10331424 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1217209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of global neonatal mortality (43%) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR): 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. The WHO recognizes palliative care (PC) as an integral, yet underutilized, component of perinatal care for pregnancies at risk of stillbirth or early neonatal death, and for neonates with severe prematurity, birth trauma or congenital anomalies. Despite bearing a disproportionate burden of neonatal mortality, many strategies to care for dying newborns and support their families employed in high-income countries (HICs) are not available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Many institutions and professional societies in LMICs lack guidelines or recommendations to standardize care, and existing guidelines may have limited adherence due to lack of space, equipment, supplies, trained professionals, and high patient load. In this narrative review, we compare perinatal/neonatal PC in HICs and LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa to identify key areas for future, research-informed, interventions that might be tailored to the local sociocultural contexts and propose actionable recommendations for these resource-deprived environments that may support clinical care and inform future professional guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlet Abayneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sharla Rent
- Duke Department of Pediatrics, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Peter Odion Ubuane
- Department of Pediatrics, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Brian S. Carter
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Solomie Jebessa Deribessa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Betelehem B. Kassa
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Atnafu Mekonnen Tekleab
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Stephanie K. Kukora
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
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8
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Cortezzo DE, Vawter-Lee M, Shoaib A, Venkatesan C. Role of palliative care in fetal neurological consultations: Guiding through uncertainty and hope. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1205543. [PMID: 37334218 PMCID: PMC10272582 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1205543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal neurology is a rapidly evolving and expanding field. Discussions about diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and goals of care often begin in the antenatal period. However, there are inherent challenges to fetal counseling of neurological diagnoses due to limitations of fetal imaging, prognostic uncertainty, and variability in neurodevelopmental outcomes. In the midst of uncertainty, families are challenged with preparing a care plan for their baby while simultaneously experiencing profound grief. The paradigms of perinatal palliative care can assist with the grieving process and help frame diagnostic testing and complex decision-making within the context of a family's spiritual, cultural, and social belief system. This ultimately leads to a shared decision-making process and value driven medical care. While perinatal palliative care programs have expanded, many families faced with such diagnoses never meet with a palliative care team prior to delivery. Moreover, there is significant variability in the availability of palliative care services throughout the country. Using an illustrative vignette of a patient with a prenatally diagnosed encephalocele, this review aims to provide a basic framework of perinatal palliative care for fetal neurology diagnoses that emphasizes 1) importance of clear, consistent, and transparent communication among all subspecialists and families, 2) creation of a palliative care birth plan, 3) importance of consistent care providers and longitudinal points of contact prenatally and post-delivery, 4) close communication between the prenatal and post-natal providers to allow for optimal continuity of care, and 5) recognize that information, care plans, and goals of care often evolve over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- DonnaMaria E. Cortezzo
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Marissa Vawter-Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Abdullah Shoaib
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Charu Venkatesan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Neurology, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Dombrecht L, Chambaere K, Beernaert K, Roets E, De Vilder De Keyser M, De Smet G, Roelens K, Cools F. Components of Perinatal Palliative Care: An Integrative Review. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:482. [PMID: 36980040 PMCID: PMC10047326 DOI: 10.3390/children10030482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
When a severe diagnosis is made before or after birth, perinatal palliative care (PPC) can be provided to support the infant, parents and involved healthcare providers. An integrative and systematic overview of effectiveness and working components of existing PPC programs was needed. An integrative search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Web of Science. Study designs examining the effect of PPC compared to regular care, and (empirical) articles describing the components of care included in existing PPC initiatives were included. Three independent authors reviewed titles, abstracts and full texts against eligibility criteria. PRISMA guidelines were followed; 21.893 records were identified; 69 publications met inclusion criteria. Twelve publications (17.4%) discussed the effect of a PPC program. Other publications concerned the description of PPC programs, most often by means of a program description (22/69; 31.9%), guidelines (14/769; 20.3%) or case study (10/69; 14.5%). Outcome measures envisioned four main target categories: care coordination, parents and family members, care for the fetus/neonate and healthcare providers. No trials exist to date. Analysis of working components revealed components related to changes directed to the policy of the hospital wards and components involving actual care being provided within the PPC program, directed to the fetus or infant, the family, involved healthcare providers or external actors. PPC is a growing research field where evidence consists mainly of descriptive studies and guidelines. The extensive list of possible PPC components can serve as a checklist for developing future initiatives worldwide. PPC includes several important actors: the fetus/infant and their family and included healthcare providers on both maternity and neonatal wards. This leads to a large variety of possible care components. However, while some studies show proof of concept, an evidence base to determine which components are actually effective is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Dombrecht
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Beernaert
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) & Ghent University, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ellen Roets
- Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Gaëlle De Smet
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Clinic, University Hospital Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Cools
- Department of Neonatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Buskmiller C, Ho S, Chen M, Gants S, Crowe E, Lopez S. Patient-centered perinatal palliative care: family birth plans, outcomes, and resource utilization in a diverse cohort. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2022; 4:100725. [PMID: 35995365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2022.100725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perinatal palliative care is an emerging concept in fetal medicine that offers quality-of-life options and anticipatory grief management for families of fetuses with complex conditions. Few perinatal palliative care outcomes are detailed in peer-reviewed literature. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe outcomes of perinatal palliative care at the Fetal Center of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Women's Center at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. STUDY DESIGN This was a retrospective cohort of families receiving perinatal palliative care for life-limiting fetal diagnosis, such as trisomy 13 or 18 and some major structural anomalies between 2016 and 2020. The primary outcome was whether delivery events matched families' birth plans, including fetal/neonatal clinical course matching expectations described by consultant notes. Secondary outcomes included maternal safety outcomes, use of perinatal interventions, delivery outcomes, and resource utilization outcomes. RESULTS Of 187 perinatal palliative care consults, delivery events matched families' plans and clinicians' expectations in 89% of cases (165/185); 39% (73/187) of families requested some perinatal interventions, 64% of whom planned postnatal comfort care even while choosing antenatal interventions. Demographics and median income were similar between families who chose some interventions and those who chose comfort care. Patients choosing any interventions had more mismatches between their plans and delivery events (19% vs 2%; P<.001), were more likely to change their plans (24% vs 6%; P=.001), and unsurprisingly used more healthcare resources. They were also more likely to have intraamniotic infection or postpartum hemorrhage (9% vs 22%; P=.02), but this was associated with mode of delivery and not choice of interventions. CONCLUSION Most families' perinatal experiences matched birth plans and expectations in this perinatal palliative care program. Families who desired interventions used more healthcare resources, but often did so with plans for postnatal comfort care, demonstrating insight into neonatal prognosis but achieving value-consistent goals, such as meeting a live neonate. Perinatal palliative care was safe for maternal patients and equitable across racial, ethnic, and income groups. Perinatal palliative care and some perinatal interventions are options for care of the whole family in complex fetal medicine cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Buskmiller
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Drs Buskmiller and Ho, Ms Chen, Dr Gants, and Ms Crowe).
| | - Stephanie Ho
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Drs Buskmiller and Ho, Ms Chen, Dr Gants, and Ms Crowe)
| | - Michelle Chen
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Drs Buskmiller and Ho, Ms Chen, Dr Gants, and Ms Crowe)
| | - Shavonia Gants
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Drs Buskmiller and Ho, Ms Chen, Dr Gants, and Ms Crowe)
| | - Ellen Crowe
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences (Drs Buskmiller and Ho, Ms Chen, Dr Gants, and Ms Crowe)
| | - Suzanne Lopez
- Pediatrics (Dr Lopez), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
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11
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Gibelli MABC, de Carvalho WB, Krebs VLJ. Limits of therapeutic intervention in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in patients with major congenital anomalies in Brazil. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:1966-1970. [PMID: 34223685 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Major congenital anomalies are an important cause of death in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Therapeutic interventions and the suspension of those already in place often raise ethical dilemmas in neonatal care. METHODS We analysed treatments-such as ventilatory support, vasoactive drugs, antibiotics, sedation/or analgesia, central venous access and other invasive procedures-offered up to 48 h before death to all newborns with major congenital anomalies over a 3-year period in a NICU in Brazil. We also gathered information contained in medical records concerning conversations with the families and decisions to limit therapeutic interventions. RESULTS We enrolled 74 newborns who were hospitalised from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. A total of 81.1% had central venous access, 74.3% were on ventilatory support, 56.8% received antibiotics and 43.2% used some sedative/analgesic drugs in their final moments. Conversations were registered in medical records in 76% of cases, and 46% of the families chose therapeutic intervention limits. Those who chose to limit therapeutic interventions asked for less exposure to vasoactive drugs (P = 0.003) and antibiotics (P = 0.003), as well as fewer invasive procedures (P = 0.046). There was no change in ventilatory support (P = 0.66), and palliative extubation was not performed for any patient. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic intervention was mainly characterised by maintenance of the current treatment when a terminal situation was identified with no introduction of new treatments that could increase suffering. The families' approach proved to be essential for making difficult decisions in the NICU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A B C Gibelli
- Child and Adolescent Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Werther B de Carvalho
- Child and Adolescent Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera L J Krebs
- Child and Adolescent Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Wool C, Parravicini E. Implementation of Quality Indicators of Perinatal/Neonatal Palliative Care One-Year Following Formal Training. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:752971. [PMID: 34926343 PMCID: PMC8672437 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.752971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to measure implementation of quality indicators (QIs) of Perinatal/Neonatal Palliative Care (PNPC) as reported by participants following a one-year training course. Study Design: A cross-sectional survey mixed-method design was used to obtain data from an interdisciplinary team of professionals one year after attending a PNPC training course. A questionnaire with 32 QIs queried participants about self-reported implementation of PNPC and that of their colleagues. Descriptive and frequency data were analyzed to measure the implementation of PNPC QIs. Qualitative data were examined using content analysis. Results: Response rate was 34 of 76 (44.7%). Half of the QIs are implemented in clinical settings by course attendees more than 90% of the time, and 15 QIs are implemented between 70 and 89.9%. Colleagues within the same healthcare system applied palliative care practices less frequently than those who attended the training course. When asked if quality indicators were "always" implemented by colleagues, the average difference in scores was 36% lower. Qualitative analyses resulted in three themes that addressed changes in clinical practice, and four themes that summarized barriers in practice. Conclusion: There is high frequency of implementation of QIs by professionals who attended an evidence based PNPC training course. PNPC is implemented by the colleagues of attendees, but with less frequency. Attending evidence-based education increases clinicians' opportunities to translate quality PNPC care into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wool
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health Professions, York College of Pennsylvania, York, PA, United States
| | - Elvira Parravicini
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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de Barbeyrac C, Roth P, Noël C, Anselem O, Gaudin A, Roumegoux C, Azcona B, Castel C, Noret M, Letamendia E, Stirnemann J, Ville Y, Lapillonne A, Viallard ML, Kermorvant-Duchemin E. The role of perinatal palliative care following prenatal diagnosis of major, incurable fetal anomalies: a multicentre prospective cohort study. BJOG 2021; 129:752-759. [PMID: 34665920 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe prenatal decision-making processes and birth plans in pregnancies amenable to planning perinatal palliative care. DESIGN Multicentre prospective observational study. SETTING Nine Multidisciplinary Centres for Prenatal Diagnosis of the Paris-Ile-de-France region. POPULATION All cases of major and incurable fetal anomaly eligible for TOP where limitation of life-sustaining treatments for the neonate was discussed in the prenatal period between 2015 and 2016. METHODS Cases of congenital defects amenable to perinatal palliative care were prospectively included in each centre. Prenatal diagnosis, decision-making process, type of birth plan, birth characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcome were collected prospectively and anonymously. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Final decision reached following discussions in the antenatal period. RESULTS We identified 736 continuing pregnancies with a diagnosis of a severe fetal condition eligible for TOP. Perinatal palliative care was considered in 102/736 (13.9%) pregnancies (106 infants); discussions were multidisciplinary in 99/106 (93.4%) cases. Prenatal birth plans involved life-sustaining treatment limitation and comfort care in 73/736 (9.9%) of the pregnancies. The main reason for planning palliative care at birth was short-term inevitable death in 39 cases (53.4%). In all, 76/106 (71.7%) infants were born alive, and 18/106 (17%) infants were alive at last follow-up, including four with a perinatal palliative care birth plan. CONCLUSIONS Only a small proportion of severe and incurable fetal disorders were potentially amenable to limitation of life-sustaining interventions. Perinatal palliative care may not be considered a universal alternative to termination of pregnancy. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Perinatal palliative care is planned in 10% of continuing pregnancies with a major and incurable fetal condition eligible for TOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- C de Barbeyrac
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - P Roth
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, EA7328, Paris, France
| | - C Noël
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - O Anselem
- Department of Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin - Port-Royal, Paris, France
| | - A Gaudin
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France
| | - C Roumegoux
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy, France
| | - B Azcona
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - C Castel
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy-Saint-Quentin, Poissy, France
| | - M Noret
- Department of Obstetrics, AP-HP, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - E Letamendia
- Maternity Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Antoine Béclère, Clamart, France
| | - J Stirnemann
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - Y Ville
- Department Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier René Dubos, Pontoise, France
| | - A Lapillonne
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - M-L Viallard
- Palliative Medicine Unit, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - E Kermorvant-Duchemin
- Department of Neonatal Medicine, AP-HP, Hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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Tewani KG, Jayagobi PA, Chandran S, Anand AJ, Thia EWH, Bhatia A, Bujal R, Khoo PC, Quek BH, Tagore S, Chua MC. Perinatal Palliative Care Service: Developing a Comprehensive Care Package for Vulnerable Babies with Life Limiting Fetal Conditions. J Palliat Care 2021; 37:471-475. [PMID: 34636715 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211046735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Perinatal Palliative Care provides comprehensive and holistic care for expectant and new parents, who receive a diagnosis of life-limiting fetal condition and opt to continue pregnancy and care for their newborn infant. Aim: To develop a service providing individually tailored holistic care during pregnancy, birth, postnatal and bereavement period. Methods: Following a baseline survey of neonatologists and discussions with key stakeholders we launched the Perinatal Palliative service at the KK Women's and Children's hospital, Singapore in January 2017. The multidisciplinary team, led by a Palliative care specialist comprised of Obstetricians, Neonatologists, nurses and medical social workers. The Birth defect clinic referred parents with antenatally diagnosed 'Lethal' fetal conditions. The team checked the understanding and the decision making process of parents and initiated and finalized advance care plans. The service also embraced deserving postnatal referrals upon request. Results: A total of 41 cases were seen from January 2017 to December 2019. Of these, 26/41(63%) were referred antenatally and had completed advance care plans. 18/41 (44%) died during or shortly after birth and 10/41(24%) continue to survive and are supported by the community palliative team. During this time a workflow was formulated and modified based on parent and team feedback. Conclusion: Awareness of the service has increased over the years and a clear workflow has been formulated. Advance care plans are prepared and documented before birth so as to enable service teams on board to provide well timed pertinent care. Feedbacks from parents about this service were positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal G Tewani
- Perinatal Palliative (PeriPal) Care, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
| | - Pooja A Jayagobi
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Suresh Chandran
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Amudha J Anand
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Edwin W H Thia
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anju Bhatia
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Rahimah Bujal
- KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Poh Choo Khoo
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Bin Huey Quek
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Shephali Tagore
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Mei Chien Chua
- Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore.,KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.,Academic Clinical Programme, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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Veldhuijzen van Zanten S, Ferretti E, MacLean G, Daboval T, Lauzon L, Reuvers E, Vadeboncoeur C. Medications to manage infant pain, distress and end-of-life symptoms in the immediate postpartum period. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 23:43-48. [PMID: 34384318 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1965574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatal palliative care (PnPC) is a growing field where healthcare providers from multiple disciplines are supporting families and providing holistic care for their babies with life-limiting illnesses. It is important to have an approach that includes the standardized management of end-of-life symptoms that are anticipated around the time of birth. AREAS COVERED A need was identified to develop medication orders for the initial pharmacological management of symptoms at end-of-life for infants with life-limiting conditions intended for use outside of an intensive care setting. The choice of medications was based on a review of the literature, discussion with content experts and guided by their ease of use, accessibility and noninvasive route of delivery. The recommendations can be used as a guide for the initial management of common symptoms encountered in perinatal palliative care. EXPERT OPINION There are studies looking at many qualitative aspects of perinatal palliative care including perceptions of care, decision-making, and bereavement; however, few specifically focus on symptom management in the delivery room and postpartum ward settings. There is a need for standardization of the medical management of infants born with life-limiting conditions whose parents choose to pursue palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Veldhuijzen van Zanten
- University Of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Pediatric Palliative Care Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Roger Neilson House, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emanuela Ferretti
- Pediatrics, University Of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department Of Pediatrics, Division Of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian MacLean
- Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Thierry Daboval
- University Of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department Of Pediatrics, Division Of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lena Lauzon
- Neonatal Intensive Care Pharmacist, Children's Hospital Of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Reuvers
- Clinical Care Leader, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Vadeboncoeur
- University Of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Pediatric Palliative Care Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and Roger Neilson House, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Jalowska A, Krzeszowiak J, Stembalska A, Szmyd K, Zimmer M, Jagielska G, Raś M, Pasławska A, Szafrańska A, Paluszyńska D, Fuchs T, Pesz K, Sąsiadek M, Królak-Olejnik B, Śmigiel R. Perinatalna opieka paliatywna realizowana w oddziale położniczym i neonatologicznym we współpracy z hospicjum dla dzieci - doświadczenia własne. J Mother Child 2021; 23:253-262. [PMID: 34705354 DOI: 10.34763/devperiodmed.20192304.253262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wady letalne prowadzą do wewnątrzmacicznego zgonu płodu lub dziecka bezpośrednio po urodzeniu lub we wczesnym okresie niemowlęcym, bez względu na zastosowane leczenie. W przypadku wad letalnych nie ma możliwości skutecznej pomocy dziecku, mimo postępu mi zeadsytcoysnoyw ania najnowocześniejszej aparatury lub terapii. Rodzice, którzy decydują się na urodzenie dziecka z wadą letalną mogą być objęci perinatalną opieką hospicyjną, która ma charakter kompleksowy. Polega ona na wsparciu ciężarnej w okresie przygotowania do porodu, w czasie porodu i po porodzie oraz na wsparciu jej rodziny oraz obejmuje udzielenie rodzicom pełnej informacji o chorobie ich dziecka. Opieka nad dzieckiem po urodzeniu jest nastawiona na ochronę przed uporczywą terapią i zapewnienie dziecku opieki paliatywnej. CEL Wykazanie znaczenia perinatalnej opieki paliatywnej dla kobiet w ciąży, u których wyniki badań prenatalnych wskazywały na ciężkie zaburzenie rozwojowe u płodu o potencjalnie letalnym rokowaniu oraz przedstawienie schematu postępowania według modelu wewnątrzszpitalnego hospicjum perinatalnego. MATERIAŁ I METODY Analizą retrospektywną objęto dokumentację 67 pacjentek skierowanych do Programu RAZEM we Wrocławiu w latach 2014-2018 z powodu nieprawidłowych wyników badań prenatalnych (ultrasonograficznych lub/i genetycznych), które wskazywały na ciężkie zaburzenie rozwojowe u płodu o potencjalnie letalnym rokowaniu. Dokonanoanalizy danych socjodemograficznych, danych klinicznych rozpoznania choroby u płodu, przebiegu ciąży i porodu, trybu postępowania w okresie prenatalnym, podczas porodu i po urodzeniu się dziecka. WYNIKI Do Programu zostało skierowanych 67 kobiet w wieku 20-43 lat (średnio 31,2), które zgłaszały się w okresie od 15 do 39 tygodnia ciąży (średnio w 25. tygodniu ciąży). Do opieki paliatywnej zakwalifikowano 57 kobiet, czyli 85% skierowanych do programu. Opiekę paliatywną kontynuowano u 51 pacjentek, ponieważ 6 kobiet w trakcie procesu diagnostycznego zdecydowało się na zakończenie ciąży (10,5%). Najczęstszymi zaburzeniami u płodów były aberracje chromosomowe, wady OUN i wady nerek. W 95% przypadków doszło do obumarcia wewnątrzmacicznego płodu lub śmierci noworodka. WNIOSKI Perinatalna opieka paliatywna jest niezbędną formą opieki dla kobiet w ciąży, u których wyniki badań prenatalnych wskazują na ciężkie zaburzenie rozwojowe u płodu o potencjalnie letalnym rokowaniu. Model wewnątrzszpitalny hospicjum perinatalnego jest korzystną formą opieki, zapewnia jej spójność i dobrą komunikację w zespole, co wpływa na dobrą jakość opieki. INTRODUCTION Lethal defects lead to the intrauterine death of the fetus or the passing away of the child immediately after birth or in early infancy, regardless of the treatment used. In the case of lethal defects, it is not possible to effectively help the child, despite using the most modern equipment or medicines in the treatment or the progress made by medicine. Parents, who decide to continue the pregnancy, although the fetus has a lethal defect that cannot be cured, may be covered by perinatal hospice care, which is comprehensive and consists in supporting the pregnant woman during the prenatal time, during delivery and after delivery and support of her family, giving full information to the parents about their child's illness. Childcare after birth is focused on protecting the infant from persistent therapy and providing him with appropriate conditions. AIM To demonstrate the role of perinatal palliative care for pregnant women in whom the results of prenatal tests pointed to a severe developmental disorder in the fetus with a potentially lethal prognosis, and to present a pattern of behavior for their hospitalization in the perinatal hospice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The retrospective analysis included documentation of 67 patients referred to the RAZEM (TOGETHER) Program in Wrocław in 2014-2018 due to abnormal results of (ultrasound and / or genetic) prenatal tests, which indicated a serious developmental disorder in the fetus with potentially lethal prognosis. Analysis was conducted of sociodemographic data, clinical data on fetal diagnosis, pregnancy and delivery, the procedure for prenatal delivery and postnatal birth. RESULTS 67 women aged 20-43 years (mean 31.2) were referred to the RAZEM Program. Out of these, 57 women were enrolled for palliative care, which accounted for 85% of those referred to the program. Palliative care was continued in 51 patients, because 6 women decided to terminate their pregnancy during the diagnostic process (10.5%). The most common abnormalities in the fetuses were chromosomal aberrations, CNS defects and kidney defects. In 95% of the cases, intrauterine fetal death or neonatal death occurred. CONCLUSIONS Perinatal palliative care is an indispensable form of care for pregnant women in whom the results of prenatal tests indicate a serious developmental disorder in the fetus with potentially lethal prognosis. The in-hospital model of a perinatal hospice is a beneficial form of care, as it ensures consistency and good communication in the team, which favourably affects its quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Jalowska
- Katedra i Klinika Neonatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Joanna Krzeszowiak
- Katedra Pediatrii, Zakład Propedeutyki Pediatrii i Chorób Rzadkich, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | | | - Krzysztof Szmyd
- Stowarzyszenie Hospicjum dla Dzieci Dolnego Śląska " Formuła Dobra'', Wrocław, Polska
| | - Mariusz Zimmer
- Katedra i Klinika Ginekologii i Położnictwa, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Gizela Jagielska
- Oddział Ginekologii i Położnictwa, Powiatowy Zespół Szpitali w Oleśnicy, Oleśnicy Polska
| | - Małgorzata Raś
- Oddział Kardiologii Dziecięcej, Wojewódzki Szpital Specjalistyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Agnieszka Pasławska
- Stowarzyszenie Hospicjum dla Dzieci Dolnego Śląska " Formuła Dobra'', Wrocław, Polska
| | - Agnieszka Szafrańska
- Katedra i Klinika Neonatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Dorota Paluszyńska
- Katedra i Klinika Neonatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Tomasz Fuchs
- Katedra i Klinika Ginekologii i Położnictwa, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Karolina Pesz
- Katedra Genetyki, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | - Maria Sąsiadek
- Katedra Genetyki, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
| | | | - Robert Śmigiel
- Katedra Pediatrii, Zakład Propedeutyki Pediatrii i Chorób Rzadkich, Uniwersytet Medyczny we Wrocławiu, Wrocławiu Polska
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Boan Pion A, Baenziger J, Fauchère JC, Gubler D, Hendriks MJ. National Divergences in Perinatal Palliative Care Guidelines and Training in Tertiary NICUs. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:673545. [PMID: 34336737 PMCID: PMC8316587 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.673545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Despite established principles of perinatal palliative care (PnPC), implementation into practice has shown inconsistencies. The aim of this study was to assess PnPC services, examine healthcare professionals (HCPs) awareness and availability of PnPC guidelines, and describe HCPs satisfaction with PC and guidelines. Material and Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted in Swiss tertiary NICUs between April-November 2019. Data were examined by descriptive statistics and linear regression models. Results: Overall response rate was 54% (65% physicians; 49% nurses; 72% psychosocial staff). Half of professionals (50%) received education in PC during their medical/nursing school, whereas 36% indicated they obtained further training in PnPC at their center. PnPC guidelines were available in 4/9 centers, with 68% HCPs being aware of the guideline. Professionals who had access to a PnPC team (P = 0.001) or were part of the nursing (P = 0.003) or psychosocial staff (P = 0.001) were more likely aware of having a guideline. Twenty-eight percent indicated being satisfied with PC in their center. Professionals with guideline awareness (P = 0.025), further training (P = 0.001), and access to a PnPC team (P < 0.001) were more likely to be satisfied, whereas HCPs with a nursing background (P < 0.001) were more likely to be dissatisfied. A majority expressed the need for a PnPC guideline (80%) and further PC training (94%). Conclusion: This study reveals lacking PnPC guidelines and divergences regarding onsite opportunities for continued training across Swiss level III NICUs. Extending PnPC guidelines and training services to all centers can help bridge the barriers created by fragmented practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Boan Pion
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Baenziger
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, 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.,Pediatric Palliative Care, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manya J Hendriks
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland.,Clinical Ethics, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kain VJ. Perinatal Palliative Care: Cultural, Spiritual, and Religious Considerations for Parents-What Clinicians Need to Know. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:597519. [PMID: 33859968 PMCID: PMC8042426 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.597519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For perinatal palliative care (PPC) to be truly holistic, it is imperative that clinicians are conversant in the cultural, spiritual and religious needs of parents. That cultural, spiritual and religious needs for parents should be sensitively attended to are widely touted in the PPC literature and extant protocols, however there is little guidance available to the clinician as to how to meet these needs. The objective of this review article is to report what is known about the cultural, spiritual and religious practices of parents and how this might impact neonates who are born with a life-limiting fetal diagnosis (LLFD). The following religions will be considered-Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity-in terms of what may be helpful for clinicians to consider regarding rituals and doctrine related to PPC. Data Sources include PubMed, Ovid, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Medline from Jan 2000-June 2020 using the terms "perinatal palliative care," "perinatal hospice," "cultur*," and "religiou*." Inclusion criteria includes all empirical and research studies published in English that focus on the cultural and religious needs of parents who opted to continue a pregnancy in which the fetus had a life-limiting condition or had received perinatal palliative care. Gray literature from religious leaders about the Great Religions were also considered. Results from these sources contributing to the knowledge base of cultural, spiritual and religious dimensions of perinatal palliative care are considered in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Kain
- Griffith Health, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of publications related to perinatal palliative care to identify scientific output and research trends at a global level. METHODS The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched to retrieve publications focusing on perinatal palliative care published between 2001 and 2020. All retrieved publications were identified by title and abstract for their relevance to perinatal palliative care. These eligible publications were extracted from the following data: title, abstract, year, keywords, author, organization, journal and cited literature. VOSviewer software was used to conduct bibliographic coupling, coauthorship, and cooccurrence analyses and to detect publication trends in perinatal palliative care research. RESULTS A total of 114 publications concerning perinatal palliative care were included. The annual number of publications has increased dramatically in recent years. The United States has made the largest contribution to this field with the majority of publications (68, 59.6%) and citations (1,091, 70.5%) and with close collaborations with researchers in Canada, Portugal and Australia. Wool C and her institution, York College of Pennsylvania, are the respectively, most prolific author and institution in this field, publishing 18 papers (15.8%). Journal of Palliative Medicine is the leading and main journal in this field. According to the cooccurrence network analysis, five main research topics were identified: the candidates for PPC, service models and forms, framework components, parental perspectives and satisfaction, and challenges and needs of health care providers. CONCLUSION The findings of this bibliometric study illustrate the current state and global trends of perinatal palliative care for the past two decades, which will help researchers determine areas of research focus and explore new directions for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunjian Shan
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Tian
- Department of Neonatology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Congshan Pu
- Department of Obstetrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
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20
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Locatelli C, Corvaglia L, Simonazzi G, Bisulli M, Paolini L, Faldella G. "Percorso Giacomo": An Italian Innovative Service of Perinatal Palliative Care. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:589559. [PMID: 33330283 PMCID: PMC7710893 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.589559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The perspective proposed by this article will focus on perinatal palliative care as a strategy for improving the quality of life of neonates with life-limiting conditions when extending the patient's life is no longer the goal of care. This manuscript reports the creation of an innovative program of perinatal palliative care called "Percorso Giacomo" (Giacomo's Pathway) at Sant'Orsola Hospital in Bologna, Italy in 2013. Key features include interdisciplinary collaboration between professionals from obstetrics, neonatology and other specialties aiming to reach the most detailed fetal and neonatal diagnosis and prognosis; communication and engagement with the family to discuss goals of care and prepare a birthing plan that follows the family's desires and expectations; and personalized care to achieve comfort for each newborn and support for families according to their social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Locatelli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Corvaglia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuliana Simonazzi
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Bisulli
- Obstetric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Faldella
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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21
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Moore B, Sprague R, Harmon CM, Davis S. Walk with Me: A Bridge Program for Assisting Families Expecting Babies with Fetal Anomalies and/or a Terminal Diagnosis. Neonatal Netw 2020; 39:24-28. [PMID: 31919290 DOI: 10.1891/0730-0832.39.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
When an expectant mother hears the news that her infant has a fetal anomaly, she may feel unsure of the future. A RN recognized the needs of women (and their families) expecting infants with critical fetal diagnoses and reached out to help them through their journey-through the pregnancy, delivery, and beyond. The act of walking alongside the mothers through their experience has grown into a formal program at a specialized children's and womens' hospital in the southeastern United States. This article describes the purpose of the program, how the program came into existence, and what services the program provides to this special population. The program continues to evolve, and the team members have worked with over 169 mothers to date.
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22
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Carroll RS, Duker AL, Schelhaas AJ, Little ME, Miller EG, Bober MB. Should We Stop Calling Thanatophoric Dysplasia a Lethal Condition? A Case Report of a Long-Term Survivor. Palliat Med Rep 2020; 1:32-39. [PMID: 34223453 PMCID: PMC8241327 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) is a rare skeletal dysplasia commonly thought to be lethal. In this case report, we discuss a nine-year-old male with TD and review his parents' decision making shortly after their son was born, the technology needed to sustain him, and his parents' perception of his quality of life. We also summarize the clinical course of published long-term survivors with TD. Pediatric Palliative Care teams, especially those conducting perinatal palliative care consultations, are often asked to support families in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Our case report and review of the literature adds to the uncertainty of prognosis in TD and suggests that pediatric palliative care providers should be wary of the label “lethal.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricki S Carroll
- Division of Orthogenetics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Division of Palliative Medicine, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Angela L Duker
- Division of Orthogenetics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Andrea J Schelhaas
- Division of Orthogenetics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Little
- Division of Orthogenetics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Elissa G Miller
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael B Bober
- Division of Orthogenetics, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA.,Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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23
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Rutkowska M, Szczepaniak S, Maciejewski TM, Jaczyńska R, Helwich E, Reśko-Zachara M. [25 years of work: The Interdisciplinary Team for Fetal Malformation at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw - from counselling to clinical ethics]. Dev Period Med 2020; 23:246-252. [PMID: 31913140 DOI: 10.34763/devperiodmed.20192304.246252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Perinatology is a dynamically developing field of medicine. The progress of technology in recent decades has made it possible to recognize birth defects very early, including those which are lethal or genetically determined. In many clinical situations, it is no longer possible to work alone to reach a definitive diagnosis, plan treatment or predict the clinical course of the affected fetus/newborn. There is a need for teamwork, which ensures the proper, early care starting in the fetal period, not only in the delivery room or NICU. This paper discusses the ethical foundations of creating interdisciplinary teams, taking as an example the Interdisciplinary Team for Fetal Malformation at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, which has been active for 25 years, and presents how it works in practice. On the basis of the clinical cases that are examined, practical guidelines were formulated for both the work of medical teams and the way parents are informed about the clinical situation of their child and about sharing the care after the birth of the child. A document was also proposed with information on prenatal diagnosis, decisions made by the interdisciplinary team regarding the mother and child, as well as the conclusions resulting from discussions with parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rutkowska
- Klinika Neonatologii i Intensywnej Terapii Noworodka, Instytut Matki i Dziecka, Warszawa, Polska
| | | | | | - Renata Jaczyńska
- Klinika Położnictwa i Ginekologii, Instytut Matki i Dziecka, Warszawa, Polska
| | - Ewa Helwich
- Klinika Neonatologii i Intensywnej Terapii Noworodka, Instytut Matki i Dziecka, Warszawa, Polska
| | - Marzanna Reśko-Zachara
- Klinika Neonatologii i Intensywnej Terapii Noworodka, Instytut Matki i Dziecka, Warszawa, Polska
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24
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Bolognani M, Morelli PD, Scolari I, Dolci C, Fiorito V, Uez F, Graziani S, Stefani B, Zeni F, Gobber G, Bravi E, Tateo S, Soffiati M. Development of a Perinatal Palliative Care Model at a Level II Perinatal Center Supported by a Pediatric Palliative Care Network. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:574397. [PMID: 33520884 PMCID: PMC7845291 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.574397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To describe the model build up to take care of fetuses and newborns eligible to perinatal palliative care (PnPC) followed in an Italian II level perinatal center. Methods: Retrospective chart review of all fetuses and newborn infants eligible to PnPC admitted to level II perinatal center within a 4 years period. Results: Forty-five of 848 infants (0.5%) referred to II level NICU were eligible to PnPC. Twenty-seven percentage had fetal diagnosis. Twenty percentage were preterm infants at the limit of viability, 35% were newborns with life limiting or life threatening disease diagnosed in utero or at the postnatal ward, 45% were newborns not responding to intensive care intervention with high health care needs or medical complexity. Fifty-seven percentage of neonates admitted to NICU died before discharge, while 16 (35% of population considered) were discharged home. Median age at death was 4 days after birth, and delivery room death immediately after birth occurred in six patients (13%). Conclusions: Despite the paucity of our population and the high variability in disease trajectories the perinatal palliative care program build up in our region provides a reproducible method for a structured taking in charge of fetuses and neonates eligible to PnPC and their families, from the time of diagnosis to bereavement, in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bolognani
- Department of Neonatology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy.,Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Scolari
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Cristina Dolci
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Uez
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Silvia Graziani
- Department of Neonatology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Barbara Stefani
- Department of Neonatology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy.,Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Zeni
- Department of Neonatology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy.,Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Gino Gobber
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Elena Bravi
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Saverio Tateo
- Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
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Abstract
Purpose of Review: A significant number of pregnancies are complicated by a fetus with a life-limiting diagnosis. As diagnoses are made earlier in the pregnancy, families experience anticipatory grief and are faced with navigating goals of care for a baby that has yet to be born. With the support of the care team, families can begin to grieve, plan, and make meaningful memories during the duration of the pregnancy, the birth of their baby, and life of the child. Creating a palliative care birth plan, which expands beyond the traditional concept for delivery planning to include prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal care has become an important method for parents to process the diagnosis, for parents to document their wishes, and for members of the care team to communicate with the goal of supporting and enhancing the experience of the family. This articles reviews recent and relevant literature on the importance of birth planning and the role of perinatal palliative care when a life-limiting fetal diagnosis is made. Recent Findings: The process of birth planning is an important component of perinatal palliative care. Through this process, families can express their fears, values, hopes, and wishes. It also offers an opportunity for providers to communicate these wishes for the remainder of the pregnancy, the delivery, birth, and time afterwards. This has been demonstrated to decrease maternal stress and promote family centered care. Summary: Perinatal birth planning is an important component of perinatal palliative care when a fetus has a life-limiting diagnosis. The process of birth planning can be supportive and therapeutic as well as an important communication tool. With multiple practices and designs of perinatal palliative care programs, there are no standard tools even though important components have been identified. Ultimately, the strategies outlined here can be used as advance care planning tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- DonnaMaria E Cortezzo
- Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kelstan Ellis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States.,Section on Palliative Care, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Amy Schlegel
- Division of Neonatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Ohio State University of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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26
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Lago P, Cavicchiolo ME, Rusalen F, Benini F. Summary of the Key Concepts on How to Develop a Perinatal Palliative Care Program. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:596744. [PMID: 33344387 PMCID: PMC7744474 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.596744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review: The aim of this study is to assess the most significant Perinatal Palliative Care (PnPC) development projects in the literature and summarize the shared key principles. Recent findings: PnPC is a new concept in neonatal intensive care approach. Advancements in perinatal diagnostics and medical technology have changed the landscape of the perinatal world. The threshold of viability continues to decrease, and diagnostic information is available earlier in pregnancy and more rapidly at the bedside; overall outcomes continue to improve. This rapid technological improvement brings ethical debates on the quality of life of patients with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions and the need to involve the family in the decision-making process, according to their wishes and cultural beliefs. Although the Perinatal Hospice concept was developed in the 1980s in the US, the first recommendations on how to develop a PnPC pathway were published in the early 2000s. We considered the most relevant position statements or guidelines on PnPC published in the last two decades. Some of them were more pertinent to pediatrics but still useful for the fundamental concepts and PnPC project's development. Summary: Health care providers and institutions are encouraged to develop PnPC programs, which have the goal of maximizing the quality of life of infants with non-curable conditions. These may generally include the following: a formal prenatal consultation; development of a coordinated birth plan between obstetrician, newborn care, and family; access to other neonatal and pediatric specialties, as needed; comfort palliative care during the prenatal, birth, and postnatal periods; and psychosocial and spiritual support for families, siblings, and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Lago
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ca' Foncello Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cavicchiolo
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Rusalen
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Department of Woman and Child Health, Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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27
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Affiliation(s)
- Franca Benini
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabrina Congedi
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Rusalen
- Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cavicchiolo
- Woman's and Child's Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Lago
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Treviso's Hospital, Treviso, Italy
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Elena Cavicchiolo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Rusalen
- Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eugenio Baraldi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paola Lago
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Woman's and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.,Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Ca' Foncello Hospital, Treviso, Italy
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29
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Rusalen F, Cavicchiolo ME, Lago P, Salvadori S, Benini F. Perinatal palliative care: a dedicated care pathway. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 11:329-334. [PMID: 31324614 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ensure access to perinatal palliative care (PnPC) to all eligible fetuses/infants/parents. DESIGN During 12 meetings in 2016, a multidisciplinary work-group (WG) performed literature review (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) method was applied), including the ethical and legal references, in order to propose shared care pathway. SETTING Maternal-Infant Department of Padua's University Hospital. PATIENTS PnPC eligible population has been divided into three main groups: extremely preterm newborns (first group), newborns with prenatal/postnatal diagnosis of life-limiting and/or life-threatening disease and poor prognosis (second group) and newborns for whom a shift to PnPC is appropriate after the initial intensive care (third group). INTERVENTIONS The multidisciplinary WG has shared care pathway for these three groups and defined roles and responsibilities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prenatal and postnatal management, symptom's treatment, end-of-life care. RESULTS The best care setting and the best practice for PnPC have been defined, as well as the indications for family support, corpse management and postmortem counselling, as well suggestion for conflicts' mediation. CONCLUSIONS PnPC represents an emerging field within the paediatric palliative care and calls for the development of dedicated shared pathways, in order to ensure accessibility and quality of care to this specific population of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Rusalen
- Woman's and Child's Department, Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Cavicchiolo
- Woman's and Child's Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Paola Lago
- Woman's and Child's Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salvadori
- Woman's and Child's Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Padua, Padova, Veneto, Italy
| | - Franca Benini
- Woman's and Child's Department, Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Service, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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30
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Cortezzo DE, Bowers K, Cameron Meyer M. Birth Planning in Uncertain or Life-Limiting Fetal Diagnoses: Perspectives of Physicians and Parents. J Palliat Med 2019; 22:1337-1345. [PMID: 31063010 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Providers often use birth plans to document parents' wishes for their fetus with a life-limiting condition. Objective: The objective of the study was to (1) discover important components of a birth plan for parents and providers who carry them out, and (2) understand the experience of parents and providers with birth plans. Methods: The study design involves mixed-methods, descriptive, exploratory survey. This involves parents (n = 20) of a pregnancy complicated by a life-limiting diagnosis and providers who care for them (n = 116). The approach involves descriptive and univariate analyses for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: Consistent components for families and physicians were diagnosis and medical management of the infant. Families gave greater emphasis on memory-making preferences. Parents feel birth plans give them a sense of control. Themes emerged from parents' experience of creating a birth plan are as follows: sense of control, therapeutic, memory making, effective communication, feeling prepared, and unexpected events. Most physicians feel comfortable discussing goals of care with families but report insufficient time. The importance of components of birth plans and perception of the parents' understanding of the prognosis varied by specialty. Discussion: Birth plans are beneficial and provide a greater sense of control for parents. Most physicians feel comfortable utilizing them. More than one-third of the physicians do not feel that they have time to complete a birth plan with parents. Communication between physicians and families about limitations of the plan and the potential trajectories could be improved. Communication between maternal and neonatal care providers regarding parent expectations and understanding could also be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- DonnaMaria E Cortezzo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Division of Neonatal and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Division of Pain and Palliative Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Katherine Bowers
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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31
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Kuchemba-Hunter J. Compassion and Community in Perinatal Palliative Care: Understanding the Necessity of the Patient Perspective Through Narrative Illustration. J Palliat Care 2019; 34:160-163. [PMID: 30776963 DOI: 10.1177/0825859719827020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Advancing technology in reproductive medicine has led to more frequent perinatal diagnoses of fatal or life-limiting anomaly. For those parents who choose to continue pregnancies while facing such a diagnosis, compassionate and communal perinatal palliative care provides beneficial physical and psycho-socio-emotional support for these families, so that they may preserve and acknowledge the relationship with their child, no matter how brief his/her life.
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32
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Stenekes S, Penner JL, Harlos M, Proulx MC, Shepherd E, Liben S, Thompson G, MacConnell G, Grégoire MC, Siden HH. Development and Implementation of a Survey to Assess Health-Care Provider's Competency, Attitudes, and Knowledge About Perinatal Palliative Care. J Palliat Care 2018; 34:151-159. [PMID: 30060727 DOI: 10.1177/0825859718790627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal palliative care is an emerging area of health care. To date, no published tools assess health-care provider's knowledge and level of comfort in providing such care. A 2-phase study was undertaken to develop and implement a survey to evaluate the self-assessed competency, attitudes, and knowledge of health-care providers working in perinatal palliative care. Phase 1 included a review of the literature and appraisal of palliative and death-related instruments to inform the initial draft of the Perinatal Palliative Care Survey (PPCS). Twenty-four Canadian pediatric palliative care specialists critiqued the PPCS, establishing its face and content validity. Phase 2 involved administering the PPCS at 4 sites across Canada, resulting in 167 responses from nurses, physicians, and midwives. The majority of participants responded that they possessed a degree of comfort in providing perinatal palliative care, particularly with assessing pain (76%), managing pain (69%), assessing other symptoms (85%), and managing other symptoms (78%). Two areas where participants level of confidence or extreme confidence was diminished included having conversations with families about the possibility of their infant dying (55%) and knowing and accessing community palliative care resources (32%). Responses in the knowledge section identified gaps related to opioid use, pharmacological interventions for breathlessness, pain behaviors, and tolerance developed to opioids and sedatives. Eighty-six percent of respondents stated that if education about palliative care was made available, they would participate with priority topics identified as communication with families (75%), managing symptoms (69%), pain management (69%), and ethical issues (66%). The PPCS provides a useful assessment to determine the educational needs of health-care providers delivering perinatal palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Stenekes
- 1 Pediatric Palliative Care Service, Palliative Care Program, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jamie L Penner
- 2 College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael Harlos
- 3 Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Proulx
- 4 Pediatric Palliative Care, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erin Shepherd
- 5 LauraLynn Ireland's Children's Hospice, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Liben
- 4 Pediatric Palliative Care, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Genevieve Thompson
- 2 College of Nursing, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Claude Grégoire
- 7 Department of Pediatrics, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada
| | - Harold Hal Siden
- 8 Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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33
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between nurse knowledge, work environment, and registered nurse (RN) turnover in perinatal hospice and palliative care organizations. METHODS Using nurse intellectual capital theory, a multivariate analysis was conducted with 2007 National Home and Hospice Care Survey data. RESULTS Perinatal hospice and palliative care organizations experienced a 5% turnover rate. The professional experience of advanced practice nurses (APNs) was significantly related to turnover among RNs (β = -.032, P < .05). Compared to organizations with no APNs professional experience, clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners significantly reduced RN turnover by 3 percentage points. No other nurse knowledge or work environment variables were associated with RN turnover. Several of the control variables were also associated with RN turnover in the study; Organizations serving micropolitan (β = -.041, P < .05) and rural areas (β = -.037, P < .05) had lower RN turnover compared to urban areas. Organizations with a technology climate where nurses used electronic medical records had a higher turnover rate than those without (β = .036, P < .05). CONCLUSION The findings revealed that advanced professional experience in the form of APNs was associated with reductions in RN turnover. This suggests that having a clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner on staff may provide knowledge and experience to other RNs, creating stability within the organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Lindley
- 1 College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Melanie J Cozad
- 2 Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Center for Effectiveness Research in Orthopedics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
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Tucker Edmonds B, McKenzie F, Panoch JE, White DB, Barnato AE. A Pilot Study of Neonatologists' Decision-Making Roles in Delivery Room Resuscitation Counseling for Periviable Births. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2015; 7:175-182. [PMID: 27547778 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2015.1085460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relatively little is known about neonatologists' roles in helping families navigate the difficult decision to attempt or withhold resuscitation for a neonate delivering at the threshold of viability. Therefore, we aimed to describe the "decision-making role" of neonatologists in simulated periviable counseling sessions. METHODS We conducted a qualitative content analysis of audio-recorded simulation encounters and post-encounter debriefing interviews collected as part of a single-center simulation study of neonatologists' resuscitation counseling practices in the face of ruptured membranes at 23 weeks gestation. We trained standardized patients to request a recommendation if the physician presented multiple treatment options. We coded each encounter for communication behaviors, applying an adapted, previously developed coding scheme to classify physicians into four decision-making roles (informative, facilitative, collaborative, or directive). We also coded post-simulation debriefing interviews for responses to the open-ended prompt: "During this encounter, what did you feel was your role in the management decision-making process?" RESULTS Fifteen neonatologists (33% of the division) participated in the study; audio-recorded debriefing interviews were available for 13. We observed 9 (60%) take an informative role, providing medical information only; 2 (13%) take a facilitative role, additionally eliciting the patient's values; 3 (20%) take a collaborative role, additionally engaging the patient in deliberation and providing a recommendation; and 1 (7%) take a directive role, making a treatment decision independent of the patient. Almost all (10/13, 77%) of the neonatologists described their intended role as informative. CONCLUSIONS Neonatologists did not routinely elicit preferences, engage in deliberation, or provide treatment recommendations-even in response to requests for recommendations. These findings suggest there may be a gap between policy recommendations calling for shared decision making and actual clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima McKenzie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Janet E Panoch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Douglas B White
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Amber E Barnato
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
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