Attitudes About Palliative Care: A Comparison of Pediatric Critical Care and Oncology Providers. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Atwood, Melissa A.; Hoffmann, Raymond G.; Yan, Ke; Lee, K. Jane
• Is Part Of: American journal of hospice & palliative care. Volume 31:Number 6(2014)
• Page Start: 665
• Page End: 671
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: pediatrics -- palliative care -- critical care -- survey -- oncology -- education; Hospice care -- Periodicals; Palliative treatment -- Periodicals; 362.175
• DOI: 10.1177/1049909113500844
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-9091

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric critical care and oncology providers care for patients who have life-threatening or serious illness, yet they receive little palliative care education. Objective: Compare oncology and critical care providers' attitudes regarding palliative care. Methods: An electronic survey assessed respondents' opinions of whether, when, and why palliative care should be utilized. Results: Response rate was 49%. Critical care physicians were more likely to incorporate palliative care for psychosocial support; oncologists for symptom control. Those with palliative care education were more likely to involve in palliative care, did so earlier and for reasons other than end-of-life planning. Conclusions: Oncology and critical care providers utilized palliative care for different reasons.