Family support services in pediatric palliative care

A fundamental premise of pediatric palliative care is that support is provided not only to the ill child but to the family as well. In doing so, a number of services may be offered to family members throughout the child's illness, at the time of death and into bereavement, such as respite, counseling, expressive therapies, and bereavement support. Support may also be needed for the child's peers at school, church, or on sporting teams. Evidence on family supportive care in pediatric palliative care research is scarce. The majority of existing studies are undertaken with bereaved parents. Although these studies are insightful, further information is needed to understand families' needs along the illness trajectory and to determine whether unmet needs exist.