Journal of palliative medicine
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Few previous studies have explored how pediatric palliative care (PPC) influences hospital utilization. We evaluated this among PPC recipients in a single center. ⋯ PPC involvement may contribute to decreased hospital and ED use, without escalating costs. These outcomes are most evident in survivors. Hence, PPC may have a measurable long-term impact on hospital use in seriously ill children.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Implementing an Advance Care Planning Intervention in Community Settings with Older Latinos: A Feasibility Study.
Older Latinos with serious medical conditions such as cancer and other chronic diseases lack information about advance care planning (ACP). ACP Intervention (ACP-I Plan) was designed for informational and communication needs of older Latinos to improve communication and advance directives (ADs). ⋯ Based on enrollment and intervention completion rates, time to completion tests, and feedback from qualitative post-study, follow-up interviews, the ACP-I Plan was demonstrated to be feasible and perceived as extremely helpful.
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Fetal malformations occur in 2% of gestations and are the fifth most common cause of neonatal death in the world. In many cases, fetal malformations result in neonatal death or long stay in intensive care facilities. Families that continue the pregnancy in such a situation need to make choices and cope with an overwhelming number of potential issues. Palliative care starting at the prenatal period is a growing field that allows the entire family to prepare for this difficult situation. ⋯ Prenatal palliative care is a growing field and an important supportive care measure that can help grieving parents and families who do not want to or cannot interrupt their pregnancy. More studies should be carried out, specifically concerning long-term impact of prenatal palliative care. Guidelines and training of health professionals must be developed so that more families can benefit from this type of care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Letter Project Advance Directive to Traditional Advance Directive.
Simpler alternatives to traditional advance directives that are easy to understand and available in multiple formats and can be initiated by patients and families will help facilitate advance care planning. The goal of this study was to compare the acceptability of the letter advance directive (LAD) to the traditional advance directive (TAD) of the state of California. ⋯ Patients reported the letter advance directive to be a better alternative to the traditional advance directive form.