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More hospitals move to palliative care for terminal infants

Case Management Weekly, August 3, 2005

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More hospitals are offering palliative care for infants born with terminal illnesses. Proponents of the move say it allows infants to die without pain and gives parents a better chance to deal with the loss. It also frees up space in the neonatal intensive care unit, according to a report in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Most terminal infants are kept in the NICU for care, even though they are likely to die. Palliative care spares the infant a prolonged, painful death. Although not the goal, it also creates more room in the acute care unit and can save costs in caring for the ill infant. Some parents resist the programs, saying they don't want to give up hope for their newborn child. They welcome medications to help reduce pain, but want all efforts made to save the baby, even in the worst circumstances. Other hospitals are trying a mixed approach, using slightly less-effective ventilators that allow parents to hold their infant. Some plan care for in utero infants that are diagnosed with terminal conditions.

To read the complete report, click here.

Source: Patient Flow Weekly, HCPro, Inc.

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