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Outcomes following perinatal palliative care consultation: a retrospective review

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 2196–2200 (2021)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

To inform clinical practice by describing a model of perinatal palliative care delivery within a fully staffed fetal health center (FHC) inside a freestanding children’s hospital.

Study design

The team conducted a retrospective chart review of the palliative care team (PaCT) database from FHC’s inception in 2010 to 31 December, 2018, and surveyed the FHC neonatologists.

Results

PaCT consults in the FHC increased from 1 in 2010 to 102 in 2018. PaCT met 430 mothers for prenatal consultation. Of the 390 live-born infants, 172 died; 48 received comfort care only from birth; and 19 survived to discharge home with hospice. At the time of review, PaCT still follows 109 children met prenatally. PaCT discharged 96 patients that no longer required PaCT services.

Conclusions

PaCT provides an integral service within the FHC as evidenced by the increasing volume of consultations, variety of care provided and perceived value by FHC neonatologists.

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Fig. 1: Length of survival for PaCT FHC infant deaths.
Fig. 2: Outcomes for Live-born PaCT FHC Infants.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Malinda Hoyt, Allie Wayne, and Jill Curruth for their help with data support. We would also like to acknowledge the FHC staff, the Palliative Care Team members, and most importantly, the families served.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neonatology, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Megan H. Tucker

  2. Section of Palliative Care, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Kelstan Ellis & Jennifer Linebarger

Authors
  1. Megan H. Tucker
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  2. Kelstan Ellis
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  3. Jennifer Linebarger
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Contributions

MHT conceptualized and designed the study, acquired data, played an important role in interpreting the results, drafted the initial manuscript, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final version. KE conceptualized and designed the study, acquired data, played an important role in interpreting the results, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final version. JL conceptualized and designed the study, coordinated and supervised data collection, played an important role in interpreting the results, drafted the initial manuscript, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final version. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Megan H. Tucker.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Supplementary information

41372_2021_966_MOESM1_ESM.docx

Process Overview of the Palliative Care Team (PaCT) within the Fetal Health Center (FHC) at Children’s Mercy Kansas City

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Tucker, M.H., Ellis, K. & Linebarger, J. Outcomes following perinatal palliative care consultation: a retrospective review. J Perinatol 41, 2196–2200 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-021-00966-2

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