Publication
Japanese physicians' attitudes toward end-of-life discussion with pediatric patients with cancer
Yoshida S, Ogawa C, Shimizu K, Kobayashi M, Inoguchi H, Oshima Y, Dotani C, Nakahara R, Kato M · Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2018
PURPOSE: We explored pediatricians' practices and attitudes concerning end-of-life discussions (EOLds) with pediatric patients with cancer, and identified the determinants of pediatricians' positive attitude toward having EOLds with pediatric patients. METHODS: A multicenter questionnaire survey was conducted with 127 pediatricians specializing in the treatment of pediatric cancer. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of participants reported that EOLds should be held with the young group of children (6-9 years old), 68% with the middle group (10-15 years old), and 93% with the old group (16-18 years old). Meanwhile, 6, 20, and 35% of participants answered that they "always" or "usually" discussed the incurability of the disease with the young, middle, and old groups, respectively; for the patient's imminent death, the rates were 2, 11, and 24%. Pediatricians' attitude that they "should have" EOLds with the young group was predicted by more clinical experience (odds ratio [OR] 1.077; p=0.007), more confidence in addressing children's anxiety after EOLd (OR 1.756; p=0.050), weaker belief in the demand for EOLd (OR 0.456; p=0.015), weaker belief in the necessity of the EOLd for children to enjoy their time until death (OR, 0.506; p=0.021), and weaker belief in the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the parents (OR 0.381; p=0.025). CONCLUSIONS: While pediatricians nearly reached consensus on EOLds for the old group, EOLds with the young group remain a controversial subject. While pediatricians who supported EOLds believed in their effectiveness or necessity, those who were against EOLds tended to consider the benefits of not engaging in them.
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