The needs of children receiving end of life care and the impact of a paediatric palliative care team: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

Early implementation of PPC optimises the use of hospital resources, minimises invasive procedures and therapies, and may develop effective and sustainable alternatives which are better suited to the needs of children and families. • In recent years, there has been an increased prevalence of complex chronic condition (CCC), which has led to more specialised and prolonged medical care until the end of life. • There are few paediatric studies on use of hospital resources and the invasiveness of procedures in the last year of life for children. • This study is one of the few to provide a comprehensive characterisation of the last year of life of children/adolescents with CCC. • Timely referral to a specialised PPC team optimises the use of hospital resources, minimise invasive procedures and develop effective and sustainable alternatives which are better suited to the needs of children and/or families.