Development of an in-home standardized end-of-life treatment program for pediatric patients dying of brain tumors

J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2013 Apr;18(2):144-57. doi: 10.1111/jspn.12024. Epub 2013 Mar 24.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate an end-of-life (EOL) program related to specific outcomes (i.e., number of hospitalizations and place of death) for children with brain tumors.

Design and methods: From 1990 to 2005, a retrospective chart review was performed related to specified outcomes for 166 children with admission for pediatric brain tumors.

Results: Patients who received the EOL program were hospitalized less often (n = 114; chi-square = 5.001 with df = 1, p <.05) than patients who did not receive the program.

Practice implications: An EOL program may improve symptom management and decrease required hospital admissions for children with brain tumors.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Colorado
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / education
  • Home Care Services / organization & administration*
  • Hospice Care / organization & administration*
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Length of Stay / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Palliative Care / organization & administration*
  • Patient Admission / statistics & numerical data
  • Pediatric Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Program Development / methods*
  • Program Evaluation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Terminal Care / organization & administration*
  • Young Adult