Completed Research Project
Western Australian Analysis of the supportive and palliative care needs of families of children with life threatening illnesses
Investigators: Monterosso,
L.,
Kristjanson,
L. J., Lucas, R., & White, K.
Funding: Children’s Hospice Association of WA, ECU and the Health Department of WA ($37,000).
Abstract: Preliminary empirical findings from this study provided specific guidelines for the broad delivery of both palliative and supportive care, particularly for this population. The authors recommended the development of a service model that is focused on the provision of home care, which is individualised, responsive to children’s and parents’ needs, and accessible to all families of WA. The service should be receptive to provision of in-home respite support and designated respite beds, and have the potential to cater for longer-term care support and end-of-life care. Preliminary discussions were held with the Health Department of WA, who are committed to the development of a statewide paediatric palliative and supportive care services, based on findings from this project. The project was completed in April 2005.