Connecticut pediatric hospice work group readies March report, flags gaps in access, workforce and funding

The pediatric task force work group charged with recommending how to provide pediatric hospice services across Connecticut said it will file a report on March 1 and is preparing recommendations that address access, workforce training and funding.

Barbara, a work group member and hospice provider, told colleagues, “we've been asked to recommend how we think we can get here providing pediatric hospice in the state of Connecticut.” That summary of the group's charge framed much of the hour-and-a-half meeting: review existing services, propose appropriate levels of hospice and palliative care for children statewide, and evaluate payment and funding options.

The work group said it has surveyed 88 licensed home-care agencies and had received eight responses at the time of the meeting; of those respondents, 24 reported providing hospice services. Melissa, a staff member assisting the group, and others said they will perform GIS mapping to show agency locations and service types so members can visualize gaps in coverage.

Members described persistent barriers to placing children on hospice at home. Dr. Wolfgruber, a physician at Connecticut Children's who also oversees pediatrics at Danbury Hospital, said families often are “petrified to go home” because they fear managing complex equipment and medications without…