On February 25, 2025, the Pediatric Hospice Working Group convened to discuss critical issues surrounding pediatric hospice and palliative care services in Connecticut. The meeting highlighted significant gaps in service provision and the challenges faced by home care agencies in delivering these essential services.

The group reviewed survey responses from 26 licensed home care agencies, revealing that only 23% of respondents currently provide pediatric services. This statistic underscores a concerning lack of availability for pediatric hospice care, as 76% of agencies indicated they do not offer such services. The survey also showed that while 53% of agencies provide hospice services approved by the Department of Health, the capacity to deliver pediatric care remains alarmingly low.

A key point of discussion was the need for more comprehensive outreach to home care agencies to encourage participation in the survey. Efforts to increase response rates included personal calls to agencies and reminders sent to members of relevant organizations. Despite these efforts, the response rate remains insufficient, with only 26 out of 88 agencies participating.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by agencies that do provide pediatric services. Respondents cited staffing shortages, low patient volume, and reimbursement issues as significant barriers to expanding pediatric hospice care. Notably, the number of certified pediatric hospice nurses in Connecticut is critically low, with estimates suggesting fewer than 20 qualified professionals in the state. This shortage highlights the urgent need for initiatives aimed at training and certifying more pediatric hospice nurses.

The discussions emphasized the importance of establishing a Center of Excellence in Education to address these workforce challenges and improve service delivery. The group recognized that enhancing education and training for healthcare providers is essential to meet the needs of pediatric patients and their families.

In conclusion, the Pediatric Hospice Working Group's meeting revealed a pressing need for increased support and resources for pediatric hospice services in Connecticut. The low response rate from home care agencies and the identified challenges signal a critical gap in care that must be addressed to ensure that children with serious illnesses receive the compassionate support they require. The group plans to continue outreach efforts and explore solutions to enhance pediatric hospice care in the state.