Analysis of the Hospital Node in the Management of Acute Events of Patients Referred to Pediatric Palliative Care

Overview

This study aims to analyze the role of the hospital node in the acute event management of pediatric patients referred to Pediatric Palliative Care. Patients eligible for pediatric palliative care experience frequent hospitalizations. In oncology patients, hospitalizations are mainly for the treatment of the disease and the performance of diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures, whereas in the case of non-oncology children, admissions occur particularly for the occurrence of complications, which may affect different organs and systems. Hospitalization times are on average longer, so much so that in some cases they can even exceed 100 consecutive days, and have a high risk of re-hospitalization.

In Italy, the prevalence of children needing CPP is estimated at 34-54 per 100,000 population, for a total number between 20,000 and 35,000 children. Prevalence data and projections performed on the British population show that children with life-limiting conditions are progressively increasing. The reason for this increase can be attributed to medical and technological advances that have enabled reductions in neonatal and pediatric mortality and increased the survival of pediatric patients with severe and life-threatening disease. Caring for these patients is complex as they require specific medical and management knowledge and coordination within the health care system. The care of children with medical complexity is interdisciplinary, with different professionals playing a central role for these children. Teamwork is necessary not only for responding to clinical problems but also for defining goals of care and for communication to the patient and family.

Conditions

Eligibility