Abstract
This statement presents an integrated model for providing palliative care for children living with a life-threatening or terminal condition. Advice on the development of a palliative care plan and on working with parents and children is also provided. Barriers to the provision of effective pediatric palliative care and potential solutions are identified. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the development and broad availability of pediatric palliative care services based on child-specific guidelines and standards. Such services will require widely distributed and effective palliative care education of pediatric health care professionals. The Academy offers guidance on responding to requests for hastening death, but does not support the practice of physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia for children.
Highlights
In recent years the incidence of incurable disease and disability has been on the increase in developed and developing countries which in turn is increasing the need for pediatric palliative care all over the world (Gwyther & Cohen, 2009; Rogers et al, 2011)
For many years palliative care was not offered to pediatric patients and, even today, only a small percentage of children with incurable illness can benefit from palliative care services
Children have complex palliative care needs that require the interventions of an expert multi-disciplinary team
Summary
In recent years the incidence of incurable disease and disability has been on the increase in developed and developing countries which in turn is increasing the need for pediatric palliative care all over the world (Gwyther & Cohen, 2009; Rogers et al, 2011). Medical and technological advances have certainly reduced infant and child mortality rates and, at the same time, have improved the survival rate of children with severe and potentially lethal pathologies, not always, offering the hope of a cure This has produced an increase in the overall number of gravely ill children who continue to suffer from life-threatening problems. For many years palliative care was not offered to pediatric patients and, even today, only a small percentage of children with incurable illness can benefit from palliative care services. Many of these children will die in inadequate conditions; without relief from distressing symptoms, usually in a hospital setting and rarely in their own home (Feudtner et al, 2011; Gwyther & Cohen, 2009). It sets out evidence for policy development, documents the importance of palliative care for children, describes the needs of children and their families, provides arguments for integrating palliative care across health services, summarizes evidence for effective care solutions, and formulates recommendations for health care policy
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