Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
10:02

Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter

Published on: December 19, 2017

Where health care dollars are spent when pediatric palliative care is provided

Peggy Ward-Smith1, Rebecca M Korphage, C J Hutto

  • 1University of Missouri, School of Nursing, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Nursing Economic$
|July 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric palliative care may not increase hospital costs. Children receiving palliative services had fewer radiology procedures and more pharmacologic support, indicating focused comfort care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric healthcare research
  • Palliative care economics
  • Inpatient hospital services

Background:

  • Pediatric palliative care (PPC) has expanded, yet its financial implications in inpatient settings remain understudied.
  • Existing research lacks focus on the economic impact of PPC.
  • Understanding PPC costs is crucial for resource allocation and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the financial impact of PPC in an inpatient hospital setting.
  • To compare healthcare costs between children receiving PPC and matched controls.
  • To analyze the distribution of costs associated with PPC.

Main Methods:

  • A case-controlled study comparing children who received PPC to those who did not.
  • Analysis of healthcare costs and cost distribution.
  • Utilizing inpatient hospital data.

Main Results:

  • Children receiving PPC showed striking similarities in overall costs compared to controls.
  • Significant differences included fewer radiology procedures in the PPC group.
  • The PPC group received greater pharmacologic services, reflecting enhanced pain and symptom management.

Conclusions:

  • PPC in an inpatient setting does not appear to significantly increase overall healthcare costs.
  • PPC may lead to a reallocation of resources towards symptom management and comfort.
  • These findings support the integration of PPC without substantial financial burden.

Related Concept Videos

Continuing Care01:25

Continuing Care

Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
Ethical Issues01:27

Ethical Issues

Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Patient-centered Care01:13

Patient-centered Care

Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II01:30

Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II

Rural Health Centers
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Healthcare Agencies II01:17

Healthcare Agencies II

There are various healthcare agencies in the United States—some of which are managed by religious institutions and others by different government branches.
Parish nursing is a growing specialty nursing profession that focuses on holistic healthcare, health promotion, and illness prevention. It blends professional nursing practice with a health ministry, focusing on health and healing within the context of a Christian community. Parish nurses serve as health educators, referral sources, and lay...
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System01:26

Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System

At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...