Three years' experience with the first pediatric hospice in Asia

Pediatric hospice has been the adoption of several service provision models in highly developed countries such as UK, Germany, Australia or Canada for a few decades, yet it has seldom been the case in the Asian Continent. This study aimed to evaluate the newest challenge for the children with Life-threatening illness (LTI) and described the characteristic of pediatric palliative care at the first pediatric hospice in Japan.

A retrospective review of all patients at our pediatric hospice in these three years was conducted. Of the 294 cases reviewed, 269 cases were eligible for analysis.

We reviewed 269 patients admitted during the first three years. Most patients required intensive medical intervention. Patients were hospitalized in our pediatric hospice not only for end-of-life care (EOL), but also for respite care. Only 7% of the patients were with cancer. To support children and family to make the most of their time together, we provided a range of medical and recreational care. It is expected that the pediatric hospice will extend and establish cooperation with other hospitals or community services.

Three years' experience of pediatric palliative care at the first pediatric hospice in the Asian Continent is encouraging. Further experience and improved communication with other pediatric service providers as well as their education in palliative care will enhance the recognition of the capacity of our hospice and support the needs of more children. Furthermore, we would like to introduce the idea of pediatric hospice and spread it throughout the Asian Continent in the future.