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Palliative care for children with cancer
1Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|January 23, 2013
Summary
Paediatric palliative care provides total care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. This approach should be integrated early and concurrently, focusing on living fully, not just end-of-life support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Palliative Care Medicine
Background:
- Paediatric palliative care has evolved into a distinct medical subspecialty over 20 years.
- Current focus often emphasizes end-of-life care, potentially overlooking concurrent needs.
- The unpredictable nature of childhood cancer necessitates a broader application of palliative care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reframe paediatric palliative care as total care for children and families.
- To advocate for the concurrent and consistent application of palliative care, irrespective of disease status.
- To enhance understanding and integration of palliative care within paediatric oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding and literature in paediatric palliative care.
- Examination of the role of palliative care in paediatric oncology.
- Discussion of the benefits of concurrent care models.
Main Results:
- Paediatric palliative care is increasingly recognized for supporting life during serious illness, not solely end-of-life.
- The concept of palliative care aligns with comprehensive care for the child and family.
- Early integration improves care delivery regardless of prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Paediatric palliative care represents a holistic approach to caring for children with life-threatening illnesses.
- Consistent and concurrent application of palliative care is crucial for optimizing quality of life.
- Collaboration between paediatric oncology clinicians and palliative care specialists ensures optimal patient and family support.
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