Assessment of need for a children's hospice program

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Palliative Care
• Hospice Services
• Child Health Services

Background:

• Established in 1995, Canuck Place is North America's first free-standing pediatric hospice.
• The program offers province-wide community-based care, respite, and palliative services.
• Loss and grief support are integral components of the pediatric hospice model.

Observation:

• The development of pediatric hospice care is predicated on the demonstrated need within a community.
• Assessing this need involved both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
• This approach aimed to build a strong case for establishing a children's hospice program.

Findings:

• Data collection confirmed the necessity for a dedicated pediatric hospice program.
• Both traditional and non-traditional research methods were effective in needs assessment.
• The findings supported the argument for Canuck Place's development and expansion.

Implications:

• This needs assessment methodology can guide the creation of similar programs globally.
• Demonstrating need is a critical first step in establishing pediatric palliative care services.
• The Canuck Place model provides a framework for supporting children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.