Cost Implication of a Community-Based Pediatric Palliative Care Program
In a study published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, researchers examined whether a Massachusetts community-based pediatric palliative care (CBPPC) program could maintain or reduce health care utilization and costs for children with serious illness. Compared to a matched group, children enrolled in the CBPPC program had shorter hospital stays and lower ICU admission and ventilator use rates, with cost savings observed among children with the most complex conditions. The authors conclude the program maintains or reduces health care utilization and costs, and potentially saves costs for children with the most complex conditions, supporting the case for continued investment in these programs.