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. 2023 Mar 13:41:e2022020.
doi: 10.1590/1984-0462/2023/41/2022020. eCollection 2023.

Exploring the Brazilian pediatric palliative care network: a quantitative analysis of a survey data

Esther Angélica Luiz Ferreira  1 , Cristina Ortiz Sobrinho Valete  1 , Silvia Maria de Macedo Barbosa  2 , Graziela de Araujo Costa  3 , Poliana Cristina Carmona Molinari  4   5 , Simone Brasil de Oliveira Iglesias  6 , Ana Cristina Pugliese de Castro  3
Affiliations

Exploring the Brazilian pediatric palliative care network: a quantitative analysis of a survey data

Esther Angélica Luiz Ferreira et al. Rev Paul Pediatr. .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of services in Brazil that compound the Brazilian Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) Network.

Methods: An online survey was conducted among representatives from PPC services. A total of 90 services from Brazil completed the online survey and answered a questionnaire about the service's characterization, health professionals working in PPC, access to opioid prescription and education, and research in PPC.

Results: In total, 80 services (88.9%) were created after 2010, 52 (57.9%) were in the southeast region, 56 (62.2%) were in public hospitals, 63 (70%) had up to 100 beds, and 57 (63.3%) were at the tertiary level. Notably, 88 (97.8%) had a physician in the team and 68 (75.5%) dedicated part-time to PPC. Also, 33 (36.7%) revealed concern with the care of health professionals and 36 (40%) reported difficulty or no access to opioid prescription. Research studies were reported to be conducted in 29 (32.2%) services.

Conclusions: This mapping points out to a concentration of PPC services in the southeast region, with part-time professional dedication, and the need to improve professionals' care. Difficulty in opioid access was reported. It is necessary to extend PPC participation to other Brazilian regions, increase time dedicated to PPC, improve professionals' care and improve access to opioid prescription.

Objetivo:: Identificar as características dos serviços que compõem a Rede Brasileira de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos (CPP).

Métodos:: Estudo do tipo survey online entre representantes de serviços de CPP. O total de 90 serviços do Brasil participaram da pesquisa e responderam a um questionário sobre a caracterização do serviço, os profissionais de saúde que nele atuam, o acesso à prescrição de opioides e a educação e pesquisa em CPP.

Resultados:: Oitenta serviços (88,9) foram criados após 2010, 52 (57,9%) estão na Região Sudeste, 56 (62,2%) em hospitais públicos, 63 (70%) têm até cem leitos e 57 (63,3%) estão no nível terciário. Oitenta e oito serviços (97,8%) tinham um médico na equipe e, em 68 (75,5%), os profissionais dedicavam parte de seu tempo aos CPP. Trinta e três serviços (36,7%) revelaram preocupação com o atendimento aos profissionais de saúde. Trinta e seis (40%) relataram dificuldade ou nenhum acesso à prescrição de opioides. Foi reportada a realização de pesquisas em 29 (32,2%).

Conclusões:: Este mapeamento aponta para a concentração dos serviços de CPP na Região Sudeste, com dedicação parcial dos profissionais, e para a necessidade de cuidar deles. Foi relatada dificuldade no acesso aos opioides. É necessário estender a participação na rede de CPP para outras regiões do Brasil, aumentar o tempo dedicado aos CPP pelos profissionais e cuidar destes, além de melhorar o acesso à prescrição de opioides.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interests The authors declare there is no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Level of access to opioids in the Pediatric Palliative Care services in Brazil.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Health education in Pediatric Palliative Care services in Brazil.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Ferreira EA, Gramasco H, Iglesias SB. Pediatric reumathology and palliative care for children: a most relevant match. Residência Pediátrica. 2019;9:189–92. doi: 10.25060/residpediatr-2019.v9n2-21. - DOI
    1. World Health Organization . Integrating palliative care and symptom relief into paediatrics: a WHO guide for health care planners, implementers and managers. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018.
    1. International Children’s Palliative Care Network [homepage on the Internet] Some ICPCN Statistics. England & Wales: ICPCN; [[cited 2021 Sep 09]]. Available from: http://www.icpcn.org/some-icpcn-statistics/
    1. Santos AF, Ferreira EA, Guirro UB. Atlas dos cuidados paliativos no Brasil 2019. São Paulo: ANCP; 2020.
    1. Brazil. Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de São Paulo. [homepage on the Internet] Lei no 17.292, de 13 de outubro de 2020. Institui a Política Estadual de Cuidados Paliativos e dá outras providências. São Paulo: [[cited 2022 Mar 18]]. 13 de outubro de 2020. Available from: https://www.al.sp.gov.br/norma/195700 .

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