A Unique Approach to Interdisciplinary Programmatic Palliative Care Development: Extending Into the Realm of...

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Pediatric Oncology
• Healthcare Program Development

Background:

• Barriers to pediatric palliative care (PPC) integration in pediatric oncology include resource limitations, provider attitudes, patient/family hesitancy, and timing.
• Effective PPC integration is crucial for improving quality of life for children with cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on a unique, multistep approach for establishing a pediatric palliative oncology program.
• To optimize PPC delivery across diverse resource settings and ensure continuity of care.
• To enhance PPC equity and foster collaboration.

Main Methods:

• Developed a model for PPC delivery optimized for various resource settings.
• Ensured continuity of care across inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Implemented standardized referral practices and tools to introduce PPC to patients/families.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated objective increases in PPC consultations.
• Reported high satisfaction levels from patients, families, and oncologists.
• The model successfully addressed barriers to PPC integration.

Conclusions:

• The developed model successfully established a pediatric palliative oncology program.
• This approach enhances PPC equity, collaboration, and patient/family-centered care.
• Successful integration of PPC leads to improved outcomes and satisfaction in pediatric oncology.