Kapi'olani Palliative Care

When a life-threatening or serious illness strikes a child or teen,

the news can often leave the patient’s family at a loss for how to help their child.

At the children’s hospital, we offer patients and their families support services to help them cope and accept a child’s illness

What is Kapi'olani Palliative Care?

The goal of our Kapi‘olani Palliative Care team is to ensure the child is as comfortable as possible, and to enhance the quality of life of our patients, their parents, and their siblings.

The purpose is to ease a patient’s pain and suffering, addressing not only the physical discomfort, but the emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of our patients and families. Because the services are so broad, it is critical to identify families early, so the patient can benefit fully and receive support throughout the treatment process, not just at times of crisis.

Who can benefit from Kapi'olani Palliative Care?

If you have a friend whose family is going through a difficult illness, or perhaps it’s an extended member of your family, let them know that support is available. Or it may be your own child that was recently diagnosed. Common diagnoses include:

• Conditions for which a cure is possible but not certain, such as some cancers.
  
• Conditions for which no cure is known, but where treatment may extend the child’s life and enhance quality of life such as medically complex patients, infants with extreme prematurity, or patients with traumatic injury.
  
• Conditions for which treatment is palliative from the beginning, such as genetic or neurodegenerative disorders.
  
• Conditions that are not progressive, but can cause life-limiting complications, such as severe cerebral palsy or brain trauma from birth injury or later injury.

What services are available?

A wide range of therapies, treatment and support are available to assist our patients and families. For example, staff will continually monitor the patient’s condition to ensure his or her comfort. Pain management can include medication as well as other complementary therapies such as healing touch. Our team includes behavioral health therapists who specialize in working with children and families faced with a serious illness. Through counseling and educational support, parents are better able to make treatment decisions for their child. Most importantly, support can give patients and families hope and dignity.

Who is on the Kapi'olani Team?

Our Palliative Care Team works closely with a child’s physician to provide valuable and ongoing support throughout the treatment process. Depending on the patient’s need, the team may include nursing, physician specialists, behavioral health specialists, social workers, child life specialists, chaplains, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists, case managers, and community resources as necessary.

Meet our Team. Each patient is seen by the Palliative Care Coordinator and/or Physician to detemine their needs. Other specialists are available according to the needs of the child and family.

	Aparajita Adhikary, D.O. Internal Medicine/Pediatricsj Palliative Care Medical Director
	Dianne Fochtman, APRN Palliative Care Coordinator
	Wendi Hirsch, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist
	Bart Pillen, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist
	Steve Murphy Chaplain
	Robyn Chow-Hoy, MS, CCLS Child Life Specialist

How does a family sign up for Kapi'olani Palliative Care?

Please talk to the child’s doctor or nurse and ask him or her to make a referral. Our program coordinator can be reached at 983-8676 should you have any questions.

Does insurance cover Kapi'olani Palliative Care services?

Most insurance plans cover services while in the hospital. This includes Medicare and Medicaid. Drugs, medical supplies and equipment may also be covered. If costs are a concern, a social worker, case manager, or financial consultant can work with you to develop a payment plan.