Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Facilitate the Standards for Psychosocial Care: Blood and Marrow Transplant Provider Perceptions of Pediatric Palliative Care Involvement
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Pediatric palliative care (PPC), which includes support for social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, is a standard for psychosocial care for childhood cancer. Integration of PPC in the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) population provides additional support for families in a context with high morbidity and mortality. An interdisciplinary approach and early integration of PPC in the BMT population are needed. We sought to characterize BMT provider perceptions, understanding, and value of PPC, concerns and benefits of PPC involvement in the BMT population, and to identify gaps in training in end-of-life communication and advanced care planning in order to identify areas where PPC may be of support within the BMT population. A qualitative approach was used to obtain BMT provider insight and perceptions and develop guides to action. Six BMT providers in a children’s hospital completed 45-minute semi-structured interviews. Topics included BMT provider understanding and value of PPC, perceptions of early integration of PPC, patterns of consultation, concerns/benefits engaging PPC, impact, ensuring collaborative environments, and provider comfort with end-of-life communication and training. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that providers endorsed early integration and valued PPC as complementary support to BMT care, particularly for pain and symptom management, additional layers of family support focusing on holistic aspects of care, and end-of-life care. However, misconceptions about PPC were identified as barriers to effective consultation. Communication and role clarity between BMT and PPC teams also emerged as persistent challenges. Providers reported moderate comfort with end-of-life communication, yet many lacked formal training and relied on observation and hands on experience, though some were open to engage in flexible, self-directed education and training in this area. Mindful collaboration between disciplines that encompasses effective clear communication between teams, shared goals, and provides additional support is key to establish enhanced family-centered care and advocate for patient and family needs. Incorporation of PPC in the BMT population can help facilitate a holistic focus on broader aspects of care and ensure best practices. This research contributes to fostering interdisciplinary care collaboration, addresses identified barriers, and facilitates meeting needs that can be provided by the systematic inclusion of PPC teams. Further, this work promotes incorporation of PPC into the BMT population, which aligns with the standards for psychosocial care and, in turn, promotes optimal outcomes for these patients and families.
Author: Kenney, Ansley
Institution: University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7219219287