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Impact of a pediatric palliative care program.
Johannes Wolff1, Rhonda Robert, Andre Sommerer
1Krankenhaus Barmherzige Brüder, University of Regensburg, Germany. jwolff@mdanderson.org
Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Implementing a palliative care program significantly increased the number of families preferring home-based end-of-life care for their children. This shift improved the overall quality of care, with high satisfaction reported by caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- End-of-Life Planning
- Family-Centered Care
Background:
- Debate exists regarding optimal end-of-life care location for children: home versus hospital.
- A palliative care program with advanced end-of-life planning was implemented.
- Hypothesized increased preference for home-based care and improved quality of care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a palliative care program on family preferences for end-of-life care location.
- To assess the effect of the program on the quality of care received by children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study design using parent/caregiver satisfaction surveys.
- Involved 51 families experiencing a child's death between 2001-2003.
- Assessed caregiver preference for end-of-life location before and after program implementation.
Main Results:
- A palliative care program led to a significant increase in preference for home-based end-of-life care (69% after vs. 18% before; P=0.0049).
- The majority of patients had cancer (57%), followed by cystic fibrosis.
- Caregiver satisfaction with medical services was high, irrespective of care location.
Conclusions:
- Palliative care programs facilitate a greater number of children dying at home.
- Offering palliative care at home or hospital resulted in increased home-based care utilization.
- The program positively influenced family preferences and satisfaction with end-of-life care.
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