Not just little adults: palliative care physician attitudes toward pediatric patients

Palliative care physicians are increasingly being asked to provide end-of-life (EOL) care for children. Yet very little is known about physicians' level of comfort and willingness to do so.

This study assessed the attitudes of palliative care physicians toward providing care for pediatric patients and to describe the supports they desire in order to do so.

An online questionnaire was e-mailed to all physicians in the Division of Palliative Care at the University of Toronto. The questionnaire explored perceptions, attitudes, and level of comfort caring for pediatric patients. Results are reported using frequencies, ratios, and other descriptive analyses.

Forty-four physicians of the 74 (59%) surveyed responded. On average, physicians cared for fewer than one child per each year of practice. Although the majority of respondents perceived their pediatric training to be inadequate, 70% were willing to provide care to children. Respondents felt at ease applying their knowledge and skills in some aspects of pediatric care (e.g., principles of pain and symptom management, communication about EOL issues) but less so in others (e.g., medication dosing, ethical issues unique to pediatrics). All respondents welcomed opportunities for additional training, but a third felt it was not essential. In particular, the most frequently expressed need was for mentorship by pediatric palliative care specialists.

Palliative physicians tend to be willing to care for children, but perceive their level of training to be insufficient. Although additional training is endorsed, physicians favored real-time support and mentorship from a pediatric expert.