Hospice Use for Infants With Life-Threatening Health Conditions, 2007 to 2010.

BACKGROUND: Infant deaths account for a majority of all pediatric deaths. However, little is known about the factors that influence parents to use hospice care for their infant with a life-threatening health condition.

METHODS: Data were used from 2007 to 2010 California Medicaid claims files (N = 207). Analyses included logistic and negative binomial multivariate regression models.

RESULTS: More than 15% of infants enrolled in hospice care for an average of 5 days. Infant girls and infants with congenital anomalies were more likely to enroll in hospice care and to have longer stays. However, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions were negatively related to hospice enrollment and hospice length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights for nurses and other clinicians who care for infants and their families at end of life and suggests that nurses can assist families in identifying infant hospice providers who may help families understand their options for end-of-life care.