Lack of Trained Staff Common Barrier in Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care

Common barriers to serving seriously ill children and families include a lack of trained staff and financial resources, according to pediatric hospice and palliative care clinicians in the Northwest United States. Researchers reporting their findings online ahead of print in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

“This study provides the first multi-state analysis of pediatric hospice and palliative care services, training, staffing, and education needs among participants of the inaugural Northwest Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition,” researchers explained.

As part of an email invitation to join the regional coalition, pediatric hospice and palliative care clinicians received an electronic survey about their program’s services, training, and education needs. A total 66 professionals, representing 37 different programs, responded to the survey, which provided data for the study. Respondents were from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, Colorado, and Nevada.

According to the study, 42% of programs provided pediatric hospice care and 30% provided pediatric palliative care services. Some 40% of respondents served fewer than 5 pediatric patients annually.

Specific services provided included pediatric bereavement support, telehealth, and respite. Barriers described as occurring always, often, or sometimes included lack of trained staff, financial support, and access to home infusions, the study found.

Respondents said they would most like the coalition to provide education on symptom management, goals of care communication, and parent/caregiver psychosocial support.

“Pediatric hospice and palliative care clinicians face numerous barriers,” researchers concluded, “and may benefit from a coalition that provides networking and tailored education.”

Reference:
Bogetz JF, Anderson A, Holland M, Macauley R. Pediatric hospice and palliative care services and needs across the Northwest United States. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2022;S0885-3924(22)00105-1. doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.02.015