Related Experiment Videos

Impact of palliative care consultation on neonatal end-of-life care utilization

Matthew Lin1,2, Olivia Bosworth3, Sadaf Kazmi3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. matthew.lin@nyulangone.org.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|July 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) in the NICU is linked to longer hospital stays and more specialists, but less intensive care at the end-of-life (EOL). This impacts overall care utilization for infants receiving PPC.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care
  • Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC)
  • Healthcare Utilization

Background:

  • Limited research exists on the impact of pediatric palliative care (PPC) consultations on care utilization within the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
  • Understanding these impacts is crucial for optimizing care for critically ill infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the effect of PPC on care utilization during infant admissions.
  • To analyze the impact of PPC on end-of-life (EOL) care utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of infants who died in a level IV NICU from 2014-2024.
  • Statistical analyses including Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, and regression analysis were employed.
  • Evaluated associations between PPC and medical intensity.

Main Results:

  • 51.2% of infants received PPC.
  • Infants with PPC had longer lengths of stay (LOS), more subspecialty consultations, and more do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders.
  • PPC predicted higher odds of DNR orders and fewer EOL ICU/surgical interventions and codes.

Conclusions:

  • PPC is associated with increased LOS and subspecialty involvement throughout admission.
  • PPC correlates with decreased medical intensity at the end-of-life.
  • Care utilization metrics may reflect complex interactions between PPC and medically complex infants.
Abstract

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...
Ethical Dilemmas II01:30

Ethical Dilemmas II

Resolving an ethical dilemma in healthcare involves a systematic approach that considers every aspect of the issue, respecting both the patient's needs and values and the healthcare professional's ethical obligations. Here are potential steps to resolve an ethical dilemma:
Nursing Ethical Principles II01:27

Nursing Ethical Principles II

Ethical principles are essential in guiding nurses to fulfill their responsibilities, focusing on the quality of nursing care and decision-making. These principles, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and fidelity, shape the ethical framework within healthcare settings.
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's cancer...
Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model01:15

Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model

The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic illness...