Paediatric Palliative Care: Challenges and Opportunities for Nurses: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Paediatric palliative care is a specialized approach designed to improve the quality of life for children facing life-limiting illnesses, and their families. This comprehensive review explores the various interventions implemented within the realm of paediatric palliative care, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Methods : A systematic literature search was conducted across major medical databases, identifying studies, reviews, and guidelines related to paediatric palliative care interventions. The selected articles were critically appraised to extract information on diverse aspects of care, including symptom management, psychosocial support, family-centred approaches, and ethical considerations. Results: The review synthesizes evidence on the holistic nature of paediatric palliative care, highlighting the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams in addressing the complex needs of children and their families. Physical symptom management, encompassing pain control and other symptom alleviation strategies, emerged as a crucial component. Psychosocial support interventions, including counselling and therapeutic approaches, were found to enhance emotional well-being for both children and their caregivers. Discussion: Effective communication emerged as a fundamental aspect, fostering shared decision-making and open dialogue about the child’s illness, prognosis, and treatment options. The family-centred approach recognized the pivotal role of families in the care continuum, emphasizing their needs and preferences. Ethical considerations surrounding end-of-life care were explored, emphasizing the importance of navigating complex decision-making processes with sensitivity and respect for cultural and religious beliefs. Conclusion: Paediatric palliative care, as revealed through this comprehensive review, constitutes a multifaceted and evolving field. The integration of diverse interventions, coupled with ongoing research and advancements, underscores the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for children facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Future directions include continued collaboration between healthcare professionals, increased awareness, and further research to optimize care practices and outcomes in paediatric palliative care. Keywords: paediatric palliative care, multidisciplinary care, symptom management, psychosocial support, family-centred care, ethical considerations