Pediatric clinics of North America
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Pediatr. Clin. North Am. · Aug 2014
ReviewPediatric palliative care for children with complex chronic medical conditions.
Children with complex chronic medical conditions are at risk for significant distress during multiple points in their life. Pediatric palliative care can meaningfully assist in providing support to the child and family throughout their complex care, managing distressing symptoms, anticipating future decision points, and helping the child and family to thrive in their local community.
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Family-centered rounds (FCRs) are multidisciplinary rounds that involve medical teams partnering with patients and families in daily medical decision-making. Multiple FCR benefits have been identified including improving patient satisfaction, communication, discharge planning, medical education, and patient safety. ⋯ In the last decade, many programs have incorporated FCRs into daily practice due to their multiple perceived benefits. Future FCRs should focus on better operationalizing of FCRs and reporting on objective outcomes measures such as improved communication, coordination, and patient satisfaction that are crucial for healthcare.
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Pediatric hospitalists are increasingly common in community hospitals and are playing increasingly important roles. Scope of practice and staffing models vary significantly by program. Unique aspects of small pediatric hospital medicine programs in hospitals with limited pediatric subspecialty and surgical support are discussed, including clinical and logistic considerations, training needs, and advocacy roles.