Abstract

BERNADA, Mercedes et al. Children discharged from the British Hospital under health conditions that allow for palliative care.: Epidemiological study. 2012. Arch. Pediatr. Urug. [online]. 2015, vol.86, n.1, pp.6-13. ISSN 1688-1249.

Summary  Introduction: according to the Ministry of Public Health, In 2011 only 3% of children in need of palliative care (PC) had access to it in Uruguay. Objective: to determine the prevalence and main clinical features of children discharged from the British Hospital (BH) in need of PC. Methodology: descriptive, observational, retrospective study conducted from 1/1 to 31/12/2012. The study considered the following condition: "eligible for PC" children younger than 15 years with life-threatening conditions, included in the "Association for Children with life threatening conditions" classification; "possibly eligible for PC" neonates with severe prematurity, neonatal severe depression or post resuscitated neonates without neurologic sequelae at discharge. Results: of all children discharged from the British Hospital, 3.3% (53/1447) were "eligible or possibly eligible for PC". They were discharged from: pediatric ward 36% (19/53); intensive care unit 64% (34/53). Median age: 3.6 years (range 1 day-14 years). Ninety point five per cent (48/53). of them were readmitted at least once. Upon discharge, 21% (11/53) had prosthesis. During the study period 7.5% of children (4/53) died. Conclusions: children in need of PC are discharged from the British Hosp ital, as well as from other healthcare centers. They often have prosthesis, are subject to multiple readmissions and mortality is higher than that in other pediatric units of the institution. It is necessary for professionals in the different scenarios where these children are seen to be able to provide them and their families with appropriate, humane and dignified care at all stages of life, including death.

Keywords : PALLIATIVE CARE; CHILD, HOSPITALIZED.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )