HOME CARE FOR THE DYING CHILD WITH CANCER - AN ALTERNATIVE TO HOSPITALIZATION

Abstract

To identify both the feasibility and desirability of home care for dying children as a health care service, a field research study was set up in August, 1976. During the first five months of this study, 14 families have been supported by professional nurses in caring at home for their dying child. Both rural and urban families have been included in the study population. Support has included from two to twelve home visits to the families while the total number of days of involvement with each family ranges from two to forty days. The average length of involvement has been ten days.The major problems identified thus far in maintaining the child's comfort have been pain, hemorrhage, hypoxia and dehydration. With such support, eleven of the fourteen families have been able to care for their child at home through his/her death and have been present at the time of death. Two children with hemorrhage and one with pain died in the hospital. Post-death interviews with parents has indicated the need for extension of the care by health professionals beyond the death itself. Though our experience is limited, home care for the dying child appears to be a feasible and a less expensive alternative to hospitalization that still provides the necessary support for the family and patients. Supported by NCI Grant #CA19490-01