Healthcare personnel’s perspectives on health technology in home-based pediatric palliative care: a qualitative study
Abstract
Background In the context of pediatric palliative care, where the quality of life of children with life-limiting or life-
threatening conditions is of utmost importance, the integration of health technology must support the provision
of care. Research has highlighted the role of healthcare personnel when utilizing health technology in home-based
pediatric palliative care, but specific knowledge of healthcare personnel’s views on the technological relevance
remains limited. Therefore, our study has explored potentials and limitations of health technology in home-based
pediatric palliative care from the perspectives of healthcare personnel.
Methods Our study utilized a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory design, including five focus groups with a
total of 22 healthcare personnel. The participants were selected from various health regions in Norway and were
experienced in providing home-based pediatric palliative care. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we interpreted data
obtained from focus groups, identified patterns, and developed themes.
Results The analysis resulted in the development of three intersecting themes: balancing in-person interaction
and time in home-based pediatric palliative care; exchange of information can improve timely and appropriate care; and
the power of visual documentation in pediatric palliative care. The healthcare personnel acknowledged difficulties in
fully replacing in-person interaction with health technology. However, they also emphasized potentials of health
technology to facilitate information sharing and the ability to access a child’s health record within interdisciplinary
teams.
Conclusion The results underscored that technology can support pediatric palliative care but must be thoughtfully
integrated to ensure an individualized patient-centered approach. To maximize the benefits of health technology
in enhancing home-based pediatric palliative care, future research should address the limitations of current health
technology and consider the opinions for information sharing between relevant healthcare team members, the child,
and their family.