Compassionate Design: Applying Design Thinking Principles to Pediatric End-of-Life Care (FR452)

Approximately 70% of pediatric deaths at Cincinnati Children ’s (CCHMC) occur in an intensive care unit (ICU). Memories of the child’s death critically impact the grieving process. Yet, ICU rooms are not designed for end-of-life (EOL) care. Space and privacy are limited; families may feel pressured to leave quickly after the child dies. Visitation policie s limit family presence. Ritual bathing is difficult to accommodate. Some families desire to accompany the child through the basement to the morgue, a walk described as “unceremonious” and “stark”.
Source: Journal of Pain and Symptom Management - Category: Palliative Care Authors: Source Type: research