Abstract
Context
Pediatric palliative care (PPC) can improve quality of life of children with life-threatening
conditions and their families. However, PPC resources vary by state and within a state,
and PPC resources and personnel are often inequitably distributed toward urban areas
with major hospital systems. A community needs assessment (CNA) that evaluates the
current status of PPC and pediatric hospice care can help identify gaps and opportunities
to improve PPC access.
Objectives
A CNA was performed in the state of Georgia to explore the scope and gaps of PPC and
hospice services and plan for what is needed to grow PPC and hospice services.
Methods
The CNA used a mixed-methods approach, including a community profile, literature search,
windshield survey, key informant interviews, and a quantitative online survey. The
methodology is outlined in a companion article, entitled “A methodological approach
to conducting a statewide community needs assessment of pediatric palliative care
and hospice resources.”
Results
Four key themes were identified from synthesis of primary and secondary data collection:
defining and providing PPC, the environment for PPC in Georgia, coordination and collaboration,
and the future of PPC in Georgia. Recommendations to improve PPC services in Georgia
were categorized by feasibility and importance. High feasibility and high importance
recommendations included expanding PPC education for both providers and patients and
creating a formal network or coalition of PPC providers and allies who can work collaboratively
at multiple care levels across Georgia in expanding PPC services.
Conclusion
In Georgia, this assessment provides the foundation for next steps in coordinated
efforts between hospital-based clinicians, state hospice and palliative care organizations,
and state policy makers to ultimately expand PPC care available to children and families.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 20, 2020
Accepted:
April 7,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
