Abstract
Aims & Objectives: To develop three linked projects to enumerate, reflect upon and identify ways to improve the experience of children with life limiting conditions (LLC) admitted to PICU without previous contact with palliative care services or existing advance care plans (ACP). Methods Three projects included local education, regional data collection and contribution to national debate. • An ACP in PICU simulation programme for clinicians in our large quaternary centre. • A clinical audit to identify children with pre-existing LLCs with and without ACPs retrieved to PICU by a regional retrieval service in southeast England and who died during the admission for which they were transferred. • A national review article engaging palliative care teams and intensivists in considering the current landscape for children with LLC in PICU and analysing the ACP as part of a means to improved care. Results All three projects identified significant areas for further work. The education project outcome was positive, identifying a particular need for ongoing training in handling complex conversations around death and dying. The clinical audit found that the overwhelming majority of patients with LLCs retrieved had no ACP in place. The review piece was more reflective and generated considerable debate amongst the PICU community. Conclusions ACP and end of life care planning is vital for children with LLCs, their families and those who care for them in PICU. There is significant unmet need and significant will to improve the quality of the conversations and services we offer these children and their families and to increase the numbers offered timely ACPs.
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