Looking to the Future of Compassionate Care: Implementation of a Holistic Perinatal Palliative Care Program

The Johns Hopkins perinatal staff provides palliative care for approximately 100 families each year. This includes all patients who have a prenatal diagnosis of a fetal life limiting condition, unexpected fetal deaths, and missed abortions. Although the care of PPC patients is emotionally daunting, nursing staff have developed crucial palliative care skills obtained through PPC education. Nurses identify and have access to PPC support resources. Evidence-based coordination of services allows for nursing to provide holistic family-centered care. PPC skills and interprofessional support empower nurses to advocate for their palliative care patients. Opportunities exist for continual evaluation, development, and research of the effect of services on patients and their families.