Predictors of Intention to Refer to Pediatric Palliative or Hospice Care

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was to determine whether nurse characteristics, level of comfort with care of the dying, and spirituality predict intention to refer and timing of referral to pediatric palliative/hospice care. The Behavioral Model of Health Services Use served as the framework for this study. Data were collected from 105 pediatric nurses recruited from 7 patient units of one pediatric hospital. Regression analysis revealed several nurse factors (practice unit, years of experience, age, race/ethnicity) that predicted intent to refer and timing of referral to pediatric palliative/hospice care. The relationship between nurse characteristics and intent to refer was specific to certain medical conditions (HIV, extreme prematurity, brain injuries). Healthcare providers can use these findings to improve care for children with life-limiting illnesses.