Palliative care afterhours: a review of a phone support service

J Pediatr Oncol Nurs. 2012 May-Jun;29(3):141-50. doi: 10.1177/1043454212446023.

Abstract

Families caring for a child with incurable cancer require access to support and advice round the clock. In Brisbane, Australia, an after-hours phone service was established to support these families. This service is operated by oncology clinical nurse consultants (CNCs) experienced in pediatric palliative care. This is the first review of 8 years of activity, totaling 106 patients and 1954 calls. The majority of calls were between parents and CNCs (51%). Updating of the patient's condition (18%) was the primary reason for calls, with support and reassurance (16%), and symptom management of pain (10%) being the other frequent reasons. The majority of calls occurred over the weekends in the morning, with only 11% (n = 209) of calls occurring between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am. Of all the calls made, 43% (n = 814) were calls managed by the CNC without requiring further intervention. Calls were received from throughout Queensland, indicating the value of the service in supporting families throughout the state. The after-hours phone service has proven to be a simple, effective, and valuable service, which is consistently accessed by families, regardless of distance from the hospital.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • After-Hours Care / methods*
  • Australia
  • Child
  • Hotlines*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / nursing*
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Nursing Evaluation Research
  • Nursing Methodology Research
  • Oncology Nursing
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Social Support*