Enhancing pediatric home care in Nova Scotia: resources for home health professionals

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Pediatric patients are a growing population in the home health care sector in Nova Scotia. As a specialty domain of health care, the care of pediatric patients and their families presents challenges to home health professionals with an adult-focused practice. To enhance pediatric home care, it is necessary to identify and develop resources to optimize home care professionals’ practice and improve patient outcomes. Methods: I conducted a literature review to identify recent prescriptive pediatric home care research, then did an environmental scan of pediatric health centers and government home care programs in Canada to identify how pediatric home care education is provided. I also engaged in detailed consultation with home health professionals in Nova Scotia. As I compiled the results of my endeavors, I determined key subjects for pediatric home care resource development and identified relevant theoretical frameworks. Results: Pediatric home care resources are needed for the care of rare and complex pediatric populations, and for more common home care situations that require a pediatric lens. Specifically, this includes the care of children and youth with complex health conditions, patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care, family assessment, and effective communication. By searching the literature and reputable websites, and by leveraging existing materials, I identified, evaluated, and compiled resources. I also developed several resources where no suitable options existed. All identified resources were evaluated in light of relevant theoretical frameworks. Conclusion: The development of pediatric home care resources, though challenged by the emerging nature of this population, is essential to optimize care for patients and families.