State of the Science: Perinatal Palliative Care

Purpose: The development of perinatal palliative care models are increasing across the country and evidence about this novel domain is emerging. This presentation will present results from 3 empirical studies that examined the experiences of both families and providers when parents opt to continue a pregnancy in which their fetus was diagnosed with a life limiting condition.

Methods: Several studies conducted by the author will be summarized to present a state of the science on antenatal palliative care, including families needs (Wool, 2011), providers beliefs (Wool, dissertation, 2011), nursing advocacy methods (Wool, JOGNN, in press, 2013). The studies included literature synthesis, on line Delphi survey, and inteviews.  

Results: Families face numerous challenges upon receiving a poor prenatal diagnosis and this session will provide information about palliative care and appropriate nurse-initiated interventions. Providers are inconsistant in responses to the family wishing to give birth to an impaired fetus. The use of preplanning, coordination between obstetrics, neonatology, bereavement and spiritual services will be discussed. What is currently being provided and what improvements can be offered will be delineated.

Conclusion: This is a new field of nursing to be developed. We have made strides in palliative care for adults and some inroads with dying children and newborns, Moving palliative care into the prenatal period is the next advancement in this field.