Hospice and Palliative Medicine: Pediatric Essentials

• Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance an individual’s quality of life by decreasing suffering and supporting patients and families as they continually reestablish goals of care in the face of serious illness. PPC begins with diagnosis, may extend from the perinatal period through young adulthood, and requires a multidisciplinary approach. (Based on some research evidence as well as consensus) (1)(2) • PPC focuses on communication between patients, families, and the health-care team in both decision-making throughout treatment and planning end-of-life care. (Based on some research evidence as well as consensus) (2)(13)(29)(36)(37)(38)(48) • Bereavement support for families and emotional support for health-care teams are essential aspects of PPC and hospice care. (Based on some research evidence as well as consensus) (2)(48)(53)(62).