What Is Pediatric Palliative Care?

Pediatric palliative care aims to improve the quality of life of patients (and their families) facing life-threatening illnesses through the prevention and relief of suffering by early identification and treatment of pain and other problems, whether physical, psychosocial, or spiritual.1 It is comprehensive care provided throughout the child’s illness, not solely at the very end of life.

“Palliative care for children is the active total care of the child’s body, mind, and spirit, and also involves giving support to the family.”

Families may wish to consider palliative care if their child is facing an illness that limits quality of life or significantly lowers the normal life expectancy. Pediatric palliative care can ease the symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illnesses, including:

• Cancer and blood disorders
• Cystic fibrosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Major organ failure
• Progressive genetic, neurologic, and metabolic disorders
• Severe cerebral palsy

Our team of compassionate, experienced caregivers will work closely with your family to determine the best way forward. Our goal is to improve quality of life for your child and your family.

“Palliative care begins when illness is diagnosed, and continues irrespective of whether or not a child receives disease-directed treatment.”

“Health providers should evaluate and alleviate a child’s physical, psychological, and social distress.”

“Effective palliative care requires a broad multidisciplinary approach that includes the family and makes use of available community resources; it can be successfully implemented even if resources are limited.”

“Palliative care can be provided in tertiary care facilities, community health centers, and at home.”