Related Experiment Videos

Paediatric palliative care: theory to practice

Maryann Muckaden1, Manjiri Dighe, Pd Balaji

  • 1Palliative care services, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

Indian Journal of Palliative Care
|August 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Paediatric palliative care offers a holistic approach for children and families with life-limiting illnesses. This review highlights key features relevant for healthcare professionals caring for these unique patient populations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Child Health
  • Palliative Care

Background:

  • Chronic life-limiting illnesses present unique challenges for children and their families.
  • Pediatric palliative care differs significantly from adult palliative care due to distinct patient needs.
  • Effective management requires a comprehensive, holistic approach tailored to pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the essential features of pediatric palliative care.
  • To provide guidance for healthcare professionals working with children facing life-limiting illnesses.
  • To emphasize the specialized nature of pediatric palliative care.

Main Methods:

  • This is a review article.
  • It synthesizes existing knowledge on pediatric palliative care.
  • Focuses on aspects relevant to clinical practice.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric palliative care addresses complex psychosocial, spiritual, and medical needs.
  • It emphasizes family-centered care and enhances quality of life.
  • Key features include early integration, symptom management, and communication.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric palliative care is crucial for optimizing the well-being of children with life-limiting conditions.
  • All professionals caring for these children should understand its principles.
  • Implementing these features improves care delivery and patient outcomes.

Keywords:
CancerPaediatric palliative carePain

Related Concept Videos

Continuing Care01:25

Continuing Care

Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
Ethical Issues01:27

Ethical Issues

Nurses are essential in patient care, upholding the ethical principles of their profession and effectively navigating ethical dilemmas. Neglecting ethical issues can lead to inadequate patient care, compromised therapeutic relationships, and moral distress among healthcare workers.
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Patient-centered Care01:13

Patient-centered Care

Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice01:30

Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice

Theories play an essential role in organizing patient care. Theories refer to a proposed or followed belief, policy, or procedure that is the basis for action. Nursing theories are knowledge-based concepts that guide nurses' actions, influence nursing education and practice, and allow nurses to care for their patients.
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...