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. 2019 Jan;8(1):3-12.
doi: 10.1002/cam4.1907. Epub 2018 Dec 7.

Palliative care initiation in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review

Brian T Cheng  1 , Michael Rost  2 , Eva De Clercq  2 , Louisa Arnold  3 , Bernice S Elger  2 , Tenzin Wangmo  2
Affiliations

Palliative care initiation in pediatric oncology patients: A systematic review

Brian T Cheng et al. Cancer Med. 2019 Jan.

Abstract

Palliative care (PC) aims to improve quality of life for patients and their families. The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that PC starts at diagnosis for children with cancer. This systematic review describes studies that reported PC timing in the pediatric oncology population. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycInfo databases. Studies that reported time of PC initiation were independently screened and reviewed by 2 researchers. Studies describing pilot initiatives, published prior to 1998, not written in English, or providing no empirical time information on PC were excluded. Extracted data included sample characteristics and timing of PC discussion and initiation. Of 1120 identified citations, 16 articles met the inclusion criteria and comprised the study cohort. Overall, 54.5% of pediatric oncology patients received any palliative service prior to death. Data revealed PC discussion does not occur until late in the illness trajectory, and PC does not begin until close to time of death. Despite efforts to spur earlier initiation, many pediatric oncology patients do not receive any palliative care service, and those who do, predominantly receive it near the time of death. Delays occur both at first PC discussion and at PC initiation. Efforts for early PC integration must recognize the complex determinants of PC utilization across the illness timeline.

Keywords: access; cancer; palliative; pediatric oncology; timing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flowchart for inclusion of studies
Figure 2
Figure 2
Timing and duration of palliative care provided to children with cancer
Figure 3
Figure 3
Proportion receiving palliative care in children with cancer
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. RCPCH . A charter for paediatricians. London, UK: Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH); 2005.

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