Perinatal Palliative Care: Support of Mothers, Infants and Families

Walton, Patricia

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Title: Perinatal Palliative Care: Support of Mothers, Infants and Families

Woodrow Wilson (Gaylord National Harbor)

J. Frances Fusco, MHS, BSN, RN , Women's Center, University Community Hospital, Tampa, FL

Theresa Bish, RN, IBCLC , Women's Center, University Community Hospital, Tampa, FL

Patricia Walton, BSN, RNC , Women's Center, Florida Hospital Tampa, Tampa, FL

Margie Boyer, RNC, MS , *, *, FL

Discipline: Newborn Care (N)

Learning Objectives:

Define Perinatal Palliative Care
Identify the nurses'role in the care of this unique group of patients.
Discuss communication of the birth plan and infant advanced directives to all caring for the mother/infant.

Submission Description:

Purpose for the program: To support Mothers,Infants and families through the Perinatal Palliative Care Program

Proposed change: Enhance the existing bereavement program to include infants with low or no viability through palliative care.

Implementation, outcomes and evaluation: Implememntation is in process and awaiting final approval of pertinent policies and procedures to support this program. Evaluation will be patient satisfaction survey of patients discharged from the hospital using telephone follow-up.

Implications for nursing practice: Provide care and support to both infants and mothers going through this experience

Keywords: Perinatal Palliative Care/Infant Advanced Directives