1.Clinical spectrum of children receiving palliative care in Malaysian Hospitals
Lee Ai Chong ; Farah Khalid ; Teik Beng Khoo ; Siao Hean The ; Geok Lan Kuan ; Aina Mariana Abdul Manaf ; Emieliyuza Alias ; Chae Hee Chieng ; Hadibiah Razali ; Gek Bee Ong ; Zainah Shaikh Hedra ; Intan Nor Chahaya Abdul Shukor ; Jia Jia Wong
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2017;72(1):32-36
Introduction: Awareness for paediatric palliative care has
resulted in the impetus for paediatrician-led palliative care
services across Malaysia. However, there is paucity of local
data on patients receiving hospital-based paediatric
palliative care. We aim to review the clinical spectrum of
patients referred to these services.
Methods: An observational study of children aged between
0-18 years receiving palliative care at 13 hospitals between
1st January and 31st December 2014 was carried out.
Results: There were 315 patients analysed, 90 (28.6%) and
46 (14.6%) were neonates and adolescents respectively. The
main ICD-10 diagnostic categories for all patients were
identified to be ‘Congenital malformations, deformations
and chromosomal abnormalities’ 117 (37.1%), ‘Diseases of
nervous system’ 76 (24.1%) and ‘Neoplasms’ 60 (19.0%). At
referral 156 (50%) patients had holistic needs assessments.
Patients with ‘Diseases of nervous system’ were assessed
to have significantly more physical needs than the other two
diagnostic categories. Majority of patients who knew of their
diagnosis and prognosis were those with malignancy. Over
a fifth of referrals were at their terminal admission. Of 144
who died, 111 (77.1%) had advanced care plans. There was
bereavement follow-up in 98 (68.1%) patients.
Conclusion: Patients referred for palliative care have varied
diagnoses and needs. To ensure all paediatricians are
competent to deliver quality care to all children, further
education and training initiatives is imperative.
Palliative Care
Result Analysis
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