Publication
Impacts of a Novel Pediatric Neuropalliative Medicine Clinic: Characterization of Referrer Feedback
Lin G, Treat L · SSRN · 2025
PurposeChild neurologists provide care for children with complex chronic health conditions often accompanied by logistical, emotional, and societal challenges. Pediatric neuropalliative medicine is a nascent subspecialty that aims to augment standard child neurology practice by attending to not only the physical domains of neurologic disease but also the non-physical issues that accompany advancing illness. The perceptions of clinicians who refer families for this kind of care have not previously been elucidated.MethodsThis survey project queried referrers to a newly established pediatric neuropalliative medicine clinic to characterize their perceptions, including barriers and facilitators of referral and the impact of this resource on clinicians. Specifically, the authors asked whether neurologists viewed this clinic differently than other referring clinicians.Results94 surveys were completed, with 22% (n=21) of respondents being neurology clinicians and 78% (n=73) representing other pediatric specialties. Neurology clinicians were significantly more likely to report a preference for a neurologist in the palliative medicine role (76% of neurologists vs 16% of non-neurologists, p < 0.001). While all referrers identified at least one benefit of referral to this clinic, neurologists were more likely to report that this new resource positively impacted their understanding of palliative medicine (2.57 vs 2.08, p < 0.05) and their ability to devote more energy to their area of focus (2.52 vs 2.16, p < 0.05).ConclusionsPediatric neuropalliative expertise is valued by referring clinicians, with the greatest impact described by neurologists. Referrers noted benefit to patient care as well as enhancement in professional domains.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.