Kelly Cronin Komatz
University of Florida, USA
Title: Palliative care before birth – Perinatal hospice through the eyes of the family
Biography
Biography: Kelly Cronin Komatz
Abstract
Development of new technology for pregnant woman has opened new experiences for families who embark on the journey of starting their families. Expectant parents receive more information about their unborn child then in years past. When that news includes congenital anomalies, complex cardiac anomalies and/or chromosomal anomalies, the journey to parenthood takes a sudden turn to unexpectancy. Referral to a perinatal hospice program is paramount in assisting the family through the rest of their journey. I will discuss the start-up of a perinatal hospice program, the key stakeholders who need to be involved, the on-going impact that is made by referrals to both the family as well as the medical team caring for the mother through her pregnancy and delivery and the transition of the unborn child. Case-based stories will be used to demonstrate the key components of the perinatal hospice program from the initial meeting with the family and development of an advance directive for the unborn child, to supporting the family and delivery room personnel during the labor, as well as the potential transition from the hospital to home with the newborn infant under hospice level of care. The roles of the interdisciplinary team members will be highlighted throughout the discussion. Symptom management and end-of-life anticipatory guidance will also be discussed.