Developing a pain and palliative care programme at a US children's hospital

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Palliative Care
• Pain Medicine
• Healthcare Program Development

Background:

• Integrated pediatric pain and palliative care services are uncommon globally.
• Existing adult programs highlight the need for similar pediatric models.
• Paediatric palliative care addresses unique epidemiological, definitional, and symptomatic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the epidemiology, definition, symptom prevalence, and myths in pediatric palliative care.
• To describe the development and implementation of an integrated Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Programme.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of a continuum of care from pain management to end-of-life services for children.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on pediatric palliative care.
• Case study describing the establishment of a specific pediatric pain and palliative care program.
• Description of the program's structure, patient population, and care model.

Main Results:

• The Pediatric Pain and Palliative Care Programme at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota was successfully developed and implemented.
• The program provides integrated care for acute, chronic, and recurrent pain in pediatric inpatients and outpatients.
• The service offers holistic, interdisciplinary care for children with life-limiting diseases and their families, including hospice care.

Conclusions:

• Integrated pediatric pain medicine and palliative care programs can be successfully implemented in children's hospitals.
• Such programs offer a continuum of care, managing pain from acute stages through to palliative and hospice services.
• The described model serves as a successful example for developing similar services elsewhere.