Description
Perinatal palliative care (PPC) is a completely new field of pediatric palliative care. In Poland pregnant women diagnosed with foetus lethal defects can choose between continuing the pregnancy and giving birth or – what is allowed by Polish law – termination of pregnancy. The main aim of this project is the improvement of availability of PPC thanks to establishing the first in central Poland and the second nationwide perinatal hospice. The specific objective is to increase the number of patients of Palliative Care Center for Children and extending its activity of care before labour. For the first stage of the project set up of an consultation unit is planned for pregnant woman with diagnose or suspicion of lethal foetus disorder. In parallel to creating an advisory spot the project provides educational activities directed to staff of perinatal diagnostics). The project includes a medical and psychological training cycle. Project is directed to: 1) pregnant women with suspected or diagnosed lethal disorder of the foetus; 2) doctors (and nurses) who take care of pregnant women and diagnose the lethal foetus disorders
Summary of project results
The project was implemented according to the schedule. The project’s activities were: 1. The management board consisted of 3 people – project manager, medical manager and accountant. The project manager was responsible for the current issues; the financial issues were constantly consulted with the accountant. Every quarter the meeting dedicated to the evaluation of financial and substantial issues was organized. The project manager was responsible for considering the project on its merits. 2. Information and Promotion. A number of activities dedicated to the medical community and other target audiences were organized. The most important events were: 2 press conferences, publications (1140 printed copies of the manual for parents), public relations activities, the documentary movie – creating and dissemination. 3. Opening the medical office (consultation rooms and reception points) – 24 pieces of special equipment and furniture were bought. 4. Functioning of the medical office. There were 2 target groups of patients: the first one consisted of the pregnant families with the lethal malformations of the fetus already diagnosed. The second one consisted of the pregnant families with the probable lethal defect of the fetus. 1691 diagnostic tests (ultrasound) and 602 biochemical were conducted. There were 1664 medical consultation with the palliative care doctor and the psychologist. The medical office was functioning constantly for the duration of the project. Nowadays all these activities have been continued thanks to the foundation’s money. 5. Training for the medical staff. There were 126 participants. The training range were: medical office functioning rules, the patient management system, psychological consequences of the activities. Trainings were very popular. The movie with the instructions and the manual for the doctors (573 printed copies) were helpful during the educational process. 6. The palliative care for children. The hospices run by the foundation provided palliative care for children to secure spots for new patients and to upgrade the quality of services. The project was not implemented with a partner institution. We did not apply for the Bilateral Cooperation Fund support.
Summary of bilateral results