Background

Starlight Moments is a program that supports palliative children, adolescents and their families through the provision of on-going, tailored, positive experiences or “moments”. The Moments program team works in partnership with the family’s paediatric palliative care team, collaborating to help create and provide experiences specific to each family’s needs and interests. 

Aim

The Starlight Moments program aims to meet the challenge of positively impacting the everyday life of families with palliative children/adolescents. It specifically aims to include all members of the immediate family, not just the palliative child, in joint and individual moments. This is in acknowledgement of the existing research about the importance of ensuring their needs and interests are also validated. A concerted effort to involve siblings is a particular aim of the program and focus of this research.

Methodology

Semi-structured interviews are conducted with parents and carers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of, and satisfaction with, the program. All families who have been involved for over six months are invited to participate. The interview transcripts are then analysed using an inductive thematic approach, with the findings used for team reflection and ongoing program innovation.

Findings

This presentation will specifically share findings discussing the impact of the Moments program on the broader family. A number of key elements for its success with different family members have been identified. These include the acknowledgement of siblings, perceived improved parental wellbeing, creation of hope and increased family connection.  Stories and insights from the families will help to illustrate and bring alive the findings. 

Conclusions

The deliberate targeting of all members of a family with a child with a life limiting diagnosis ensures that parents/carers and siblings also benefit from the Moments program. The tailored nature of the program lends itself to ensuring that joy, anticipation, and increased connection ensure a more positive palliative care experience.