Research in Pediatric Palliative Care

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines palliative care as the active total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Control of pain, other symptoms, and psychological, social, and spiritual problems is paramount. Multiple perspectives, obtained through a variety of research methods, are necessary to provide a greater understanding of the whole person. The goal of palliative care is to achieve the best quality of life for patients and their families. In pediatric palliative care, where systematic knowledge development is only in its infancy, such perspectives become even more critical. This chapter identifies extant research in pediatric palliative care and suggests additional methods or approaches for gaining multiple perspectives.