Pediatric Palliative Care

Effectiveness of a perinatal and pediatric End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) curricula integration

“…Although significant strides have been made in developing education and national practice guidelines, there is a lack of formal education for healthcare professionals (Crozier and Hancock, 2012;Moody et al, 2011;O'Shea and Bennett Kanarek, 2013) resulting in dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of this important care lagging behind (Moody et al, 2011;O'Shea and Bennett Kanarek, 2013). Infusing this education into health professional education programs will help enhance future practices of health care providers.…”

“…Several studies from nursing and medicine describe the lack of adequate preparation and understanding of pediatric palliative care among pediatric health care professionals resulting in lack of effective and timely delivery of specialized care for high need pediatric patients living with potentially fatal conditions (Davies et al, 2008;Docherty et al, 2007;Engler et al, 2004;Moody et al, 2011;O'Shea and Bennett Kanarek, 2013). Several reasons for lack of education include the following: confusion in defining palliative care versus hospice care; inexperience in discussing end-of-life choices and symptom management such as non-pharmacologic pain management; and inexperience in initiation of conversations about what palliative care means (Contro et al, 2004;Kolarik et al, 2006;Thompson et al, 2009;Wolfe et al, 2011).…”

Predictors of Intention to Refer to Pediatric Palliative or Hospice Care

“…13 Additionally, this population needs psychosocial-spiritual support that considers developmental stages and coordination of care across settings. 13 The IOM has recommended that health professionals across disciplines work toward the identification of practices and situations that place individuals, including children, at risk of a ''bad death'' or poorer quality outcomes. 9 Once a clearer picture of the palliative and end-of-life care delivery system has been developed, it can evolve to meet the needs of pediatric patients and their families.…”

Process Improvement for Pediatric Supportive Care

“…11 Although there has been a strong movement to improve supportive care, the literature reveals gaps that exist between the family's needs and the adequacy of care provided by health care professionals. 12 Families benefit from staff members who are knowledgeable and sensitive to family dynamics during stressful situations. 5 Studies also indicate that programs of interdisciplinary supportive care education increase the competence and confidence of health care professionals as well as assist in clinician bereavement.…”

“…5 Studies also indicate that programs of interdisciplinary supportive care education increase the competence and confidence of health care professionals as well as assist in clinician bereavement. 12 Davies et al 5 reported that although families and staff shared common concerns about supportive care, there is a need for additional studies and improved education on this subject for more continuity of care. The Institute of Medicine's report urges health care professionals to educate themselves and gain the knowledge necessary to improve the care for this pediatric population.…”