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Pediatric palliative care. State of the art

Huda Abu-Saad Huijer1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine, School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Lebanon. hh35@aub.edu.lb

Le Journal Medical Libanais. the Lebanese Medical Journal
|June 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) offers essential support for children with life-threatening conditions, aiming to alleviate suffering and improve quality of life for both the child and their family. This review outlines PPC principles and addresses challenges in its provision.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Palliative Care
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Medical advances have reduced child mortality, yet intensive treatments can cause suffering for children with life-threatening conditions.
  • Inadequate attention to physical and emotional distress exacerbates suffering for these children and their families.
  • There is a need for comprehensive care strategies beyond curative measures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce healthcare providers to the fundamental concepts of pediatric palliative care (PPC).
  • To define PPC and elucidate its guiding principles.
  • To review the rationale, needs, services, and challenges associated with PPC.

Main Methods:

  • This study is a review of existing literature and concepts.
  • It synthesizes information on the developmental and epidemiological aspects of childhood death.
  • It examines the needs of children and families facing life-threatening conditions.

Main Results:

  • PPC focuses on alleviating suffering and enhancing the quality of life for children with serious illnesses.
  • Understanding the specific needs of children and their families is crucial for effective PPC.
  • Available PPC services face various obstacles and challenges in implementation.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric palliative care is vital for managing suffering in children with life-threatening conditions.
  • Addressing the holistic needs of children and families is central to PPC.
  • Overcoming challenges is essential for expanding access to and improving PPC services.

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